Do you belong to a “discussion group?” Of course, SPAWN has a discussion group where members can discuss writing and publishing subjects, share resources, etc. (SPAWN is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network.) http://www.spawn.org. We’ve had some good discussions over the years and many members have been helped by the perspective, knowledge and resources shared by others.
Since I came out with my book of cat stories, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats, I joined the Cat Writer’s Association. Yesterday, a member who is an editor shared her story in our discussion group about her recent dealings with an author who became completely irrational. The author overreacted to the point of attempting to get the editor fired from the job and all because of the editor’s great editorial suggestion. You should have seen the emails flying back and forth in support of this editor and her plight.
Evidently, many of us in the Cat Writer’s Association are editors and we could all feel this gal’s pain. But, being somewhat removed from the situation emotionally, we could also see the humor and irony in the situation. Each of us had war stories to tell. We had each other cracking up and nodding in complete alignment over the often crazy and sometimes unreasonable responses and reactions we’ve experienced with our authors. And I think that all of us, including the editor who was currently hurting, felt comforted and supported knowing that there are others out there who understand.
If you are struggling along as a freelance writer, hopeful author or an author who is attempting to promote a book, don’t go it alone. Get involved with a discussion group or forum. Share your stories of deranged editors, difficult publishers and problems with booksellers and distributors, for example. Ask how others handle such situations. There are many online discussion groups and forums around and some of them are free. Get the support you need from others who can understand what you’re experiencing and even help in some way.
If you are a professional who writes about cats, consider joining the Cat Writer’s Association: http://www.catwriters.org. Commiserate and collaborates with other authors, publishers, agents, artists, illustrators, etc. as a member of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org. It’s only $45/year and you get a free book of your choice.
Some of the free networking opportunities include Writers Space at: http://www.writerspace.com, Writing Forums at: http://www.writingforums.com, Absolute Write at: http://www.absolutewrite.com.
Do a Google search to find others—use keywords “writing” “forums” or “publishing” “forums.”
Get all of the information you need about writing, publishing, book promotion and everything that goes with it in my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
And if you want a hands-on approach to learning how to establish a freelance writing career, set up your own publishing company, write a book proposal or promote your book, sign up for one of my online, on-demand courses: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm