If you want to know about rejection, ask an author—any author. Others may see authors as confident, successful, and living a charmed life. What the casual observer doesn’t see is the constant rejection from editors, publishers, reviewers, even readers. (Even though the majority of readers may love the book, there are always those who are have a different opinion.)
Non-writers don’t know about the time and energy spent trying to identify and locate the right publisher, promotional opportunity, and audience. They don’t understand the stress and work that goes into creating the perfect avenue of communication designed to engage these entities. They aren’t aware how many times in a week or even a day our attempts to be published and/or our promotional efforts are rejected or ignored.
But this is only true of those who work consistently and work hard. Hats off to those who put a lot of energy and effort into their publishing ventures. Only there’s one more element that might make life easier for authors—and that is to also work smart.
I think most of us waste a lot of time. We tend to disregard unfamiliar activities—those that make us feel uncomfortable. We get discouraged and consider quitting. We say “no” when we should say “yes” to opportunities. I know authors who won’t go out and speak to groups, even though their book is highly conducive to this type of promotion. Some authors refuse to establish a web presence. They rely on their publisher to market their book. Any reader, bookstore owner, radio or podcast host, blogger, magazine editor, etc. who wants to tout the book can’t easily reach this author. Just think of the opportunities missed. And plenty of authors can’t or won’t think outside the box, which is essential in this publishing climate.
Sure, we should follow the footsteps of successful authors with projects similar to ours, but we must also break new ground when the old ways aren’t working. Creativity, for a successful author, doesn’t end when the writing is done.
It’s not easy going from homemaker, executive, retiree, doctor, librarian, teacher, factory worker, etc., to author. It may look easy from the outside, but publishing is a highly complex business that one, if you are to experience success, must prepare for.
Let me introduce my series of books to get you started or to give you a boost toward the success you hope to attain.
- Publish You Book
- Propose Your Book
- Promote Your Book
- Talk Up Your Book
All are available at Amazon in print, ebook, and audio and at Allworth Press. allworth.com