A lot is happening here in the Matilija Press and SPAWN offices. For those of you who have just tuned into this blog, Matilija Press is my 26 year-old publishing company and the business through which I do my writing, editing, book selling, online courses and so forth. http://www.matilijapress.com
SPAWN is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network. ( http://www.spawn.org) I am the President of SPAWN—soon to move into Executive Director position. We are currently putting together a new leadership team for SPAWN. And it is a bit unnerving to realize how crucial our choices could be to the future of this organization as well as to our current and future members.
I have recently been reminded of the power of perspective in our businesses, in our projects and in our organizations. What is perspective, anyway? It’s a viewpoint, a perception, a way of looking at things. And we all know that not everyone can look at the same thing and actually see the same thing. It’s the glass half full or half empty issue.
As an example, I have clients who greatly appreciate my editing work, my guidance, my suggestions. They understand that they are in charge—that they have the power to veto any advice I might give them. But they will seriously weigh each of my recommendations and usually accept them. Others will fight me all the way. They argue with my suggestions, take offense at my opinions and sometimes eventually walk away. However, they often come back once they begin to understand what I’ve attempted to teach them about writing, about preparing a manuscript for publication, about creating a book proposal and so forth.
The thing is that some authors hire editors in hopes of being validated. These authors don’t want help, they want praise and they perceive my attempt to improve their manuscripts as a personal attack.
If you’ve been with me throughout most of my 500 blog posts, you’ve read my rants about authors and organization members who desire—no, demand—specific results and tangible measures of success in a field where this is impossible.
It’s great to have goals; I recommend goals. But what some people don’t realize is that there are steps to meeting goals and the individual is responsible for defining the steps and taking those that are appropriate. While there are many book shepherds, publishing consultants, educational organizations and authors with expertise, none of these people or the material they produce can make you a success. Success is totally up to you.
Your job is to gather material from all of the best sources, do tons of research, consider all of the pros and cons of all of the possibilities, focus keenly on your ultimate goal and then make an educated decision. After all, your project is unique. It’s a one-of-kind and so are you. Outside of such advice as, “Study the publishing industry, write a book proposal, and be willing to promote your book,” there are no templates you can strictly follow in order to achieve success with your project.
Likewise, when choosing a publishing organization, make sure that it is the type of organization you desire/need. Know what the organization offers before getting involved. SPAWN, for example, is a networking organization and information/resource center for anyone who is interested in or involved in publishing. We constantly provide an enormous amount of updated information, news and resources as well as a discussion group for members, but it is up to members to peruse what we offer, assimilate it, evaluate its value to him/herself and implement it.
It can’t be any other way. Not every agent or publisher, for example, is right for every project. Not every resource or SPAWNDiscuss topic will resonate with every member. But, if you are seeking publication, if you are a freelance writer, if you offer a service to authors or writers,
SPAWN is for you. We won’t serve you a publishing contract on a silver platter. We can’t guarantee you writing work. We aren’t able to promise enough clients to sustain you for a year. But we can and do promise that we will provide the resources and information you need to help you to make these things happen.
Perspective
Here are two opposing views. Which one more aptly describes you?
1: “I did my part; I joined SPAWN. Now you do your part and provide me with something tangible. What do you offer, anyway?”
2: “I studied your website and like what I see. I’m eager to start reading the Market Update (in the member area) and researching the Market Update archives. I have some things that I’d like to share in SPAWNDiscuss and I hope to learn from members, as well.”
What have you learned about perspective as you’ve navigated within the world of writing and publishing? Leave a comment here or email me at PLFry620@yahoo.com