Rip Off the Blinders, Already
One survey I would love do to in the writing community, how realistic were/are you about the publishing industry? I think this could be answered in a million different ways based on the questionee (is that a word? Well now it is if it isn’t.) interpretation of the question. One might think it deals with how much money you could make. Someone else might think it’s in regards to getting an agent. All might believe it the reality of getting published.
Quite frankly I wouldn’t want to narrow the question. As if being ambigious I could get the pulse of the industry through newbies, experienced authors and long-timers.
Example: I think it was on the Bookends blog, maybe a month ago, Faust posted a reader’s opinion. In essence, the reader was angered that a newbie, who didn’t even know the basics, was out there querying.
Now, I’m paraphrasing and probably not to the reader’s advantage, but her point was in the publishing industry some people want to play with the big dogs who don’t even know the rules yet. A part of me wanted to disagree. I still remember my newbie days. And, oh, thank the Lord, I’ve blocked out some of the stupid mistakes I’ve made. If only someone had stopped me.
Yet this realization only made me accept there are levels i.e. stages of being an author. Some learn faster than others. Some are much slower, but regardless there are levels. None of them, in my eyes, come with the published/unpublished stamp. Maybe with this aspect I’m still naive. Yet you can’t convince me someone who has been writing for 20 years, has friends who are open about their publishing experience aren’t more knowledgable than someone who has been writing for a year, sent out their novel the same day they finished it, and got published.
No one expects or welcomes they will crash and burn in this industry, but how many have looked at the odds, know them and can recite them to someone else? Who has paid their dues to this business and knows the ropes? Who is just starting out and only knows Harlequin publishes romance novels?
From all of them I want to know what do they expect or have experienced from being in the publishing industry? How is it different? How is it the same?
Hell, what do they think the publishing industry expects of them?
And, yes, I mean you. Hash it out in the comments.
The funny/sad thing is, I had an inside view and that still didn’t prepare me for how difficult the industry is. And FWIW I think rose colored glasses are actually a good thing. I think being more in tune/aware of the industry, of what’s going on, of how hard it is can … what’s the right phrase… hurt. Sometimes you just have to bury your head in the sand. Some days it’s the only way to survive.
I’m glad I was naive before I started subbing, etc. Yeah, I got a rude awakening, but I’m glad I got it AFTER I finished my first manuscript. Almost every writer has paid (or is still paying) their dues. Sure there are a few who get really lucky but they’re also (hopefully) really talented. You had a lot of questions and I’m not sure which you wanted answered, lol.
I havent’ been by in a while (was looking at your old blog) and I just wanted reiterate how much I love your new site
Sometimes you just have to bury your head in the sand. Some days it’s the only way to survive.
I feel the same way to a certain extent. I don’t think there is such a thing as knowing too much. The more you know the better how you are, but its how you file the information that can make or break you. If you file the info under “It’s just too hard, I quit” then you may need to bury your head in the sand for a while.
But, if you file the information, keep writing and becoming a better writer, then I think you’ve achieved a balance that won’t drive you insane in the long run. Really, most of the rules out there are guidelines. Too often the rules are shelled out without the caveat Your Mileage May Vary.
Yeah, I got a rude awakening, but I’m glad I got it AFTER I finished my first manuscript.
Lol. I think that’s everyone’s experience. “Word count? My book is supposed to be a certain number of words?” In all honesty I don’t think the hard facts deter the true authors from submitting or writing the next book. Those authors learn more and try to swing the odds in their favor. I think that’s one of the most constructive thing an author can do.
I havent’ been by in a while (was looking at your old blog) and I just wanted reiterate how much I love your new site
Thank you.
Sure there are a few who get really lucky but they’re also (hopefully) really talented.
IMO no matter how lucky you are, you still end up paying dues–backend….front end….doesn’t matter.