We writers, we all know the truth. Publishing is a TOUGH business. You can write for years and churn out manuscript after manuscript and never get a bite from an agent or a publisher. Some will give up on their dream while others will keep pushing forward.
The question is which writer are you? Completely committed or ready to throw in the towel?
If you’re on the fence, let me share with you two great stories that have happened in the last several weeks. Maybe they will inspire you to keep your feet on the path to publication.
My critique partner, Katie French, toiled in the query trenches for a long time. After not getting any agent interest, she decided to self-publish her amazing Young Adult novel, THE BREEDERS. She’s sold quite a few copies and has done a great job promoting the book. While in the throws of this promotion just a few weeks ago, she got an email from an agent. And just weeks later, she was signing a contract with said agent. She is a perfect example of someone committed to the craft and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that her dream became a reality. I am so happy for her and proud to call her my friend! She gives amazing manuscript feedback as well. I’m so lucky!
Just after Katie’s great news, I saw a wonderful announcement on Twitter from Megan Whitmer. Megan is a beloved figure among writers due to her dedication to the craft and her inspiring spirit. After spending her fair share of time querying and doing several massive rewrites of her novel, BETWEEN, Megan connected with editors at Spencer Hill Press. After revising and working hard to perfect her novel, Megan was just informed that her book is going to be published. Her endearing video, announcing this great achievement, can be seen here.
So the question becomes how dedicated are you to your writing? Are you willing to do several rewrites of your beloved novel? Or can you scrap that novel completely and start over with a new idea? How far are you willing to go to make your dreams come true? I’d love to know.
Really inspiring – plan on checking out both of their books!
Hi there!
Yes, it proves to me that you can NEVER give up on your dream!
BOTH! I’ve got new ideas I plan to pursue, and old stories awaiting an overhaul. ONE of these puppies will get my foot in the door; I look forward to finding out which!
Thanks for chiming in de. Yes, it’s always best to be working on several projects at once. It keeps you from going crazy while you are querying.
Thanks Amy! I think rewriting is SUPER difficult. It’s really tough to reimagine your story after it’s written…but for me, it was totally worth it.
I had a hard time moving on to a new project because I couldn’t get BETWEEN off my mind. I knew what needed to be done and felt like I was letting my baby down if I didn’t do it. It was daunting and exhausting, but at least I felt like I’d done all I could for the story. (And now I’m in revisions again, of course!)
I really appreciate being included in the post. Good luck to you!!
Hi Megan:
You are more than welcome! Your story is one that needs to be told over and over. You are the perfect example of someone committed to the craft who has a true belief in their project. I can’t wait to read BETWEEN one day soon!
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All the way! I’ve even managed to get a gig behind the scenes of publishing. It may take time, although I think the current WIP is “the one”, throwing in the towel is not an option.
Hi TJ:
Yes I agree – giving up is not an option. My plan is to keep my head low and keep pressing through until I succeed!
Great post! So inspired by the stories.
Thanks, Jenny. Yes, Katie and Megan have really inspired me to keep pressing forward. They are proof that if you work hard enough it WILL happen!
Reblogged this on An Untold Story.