So you wrote your first novel. Good for you.
Now what?
I know way too many writers who have written a book and when I ask them what their plans are with it, they really don’t have a clue. “But I wrote a 90,000 word book,” they tell me.
That’s a lot of work. Don’t you think it deserves the next step?
“But it’s so hard to get published. I tried to send it once and it got rejected.”
And?
Is that the end of the road?
Has someone even read your book? Has it been thoroughly edited by a professional? Are you sending it to the right places? Have you done your research?
I struggle to write 70,000 words. I don’t think I want to waste all that work. Was it a waste to write it? Would you throw it in the trash? I doubt it.
Give your hard work a chance. Take that next step today.
29 comments:
My agent's been taking those steps a lot in the last couple of weeks, getting my latest book out there.
I havent added foxfire, yet. I am going to get my hubby to attempt it for me.
Thank you for continuing to push me in the right direction. Your blog keeps me motivated...whether I am in the place you are speaking of or not. Your posts motivate me to continue to write and move forward, as GOD leads.
Hope things are going well for you guys. I am praying for you!!
Blessings, andrea
There are sure lots of guide books—and web sites--to help new writers figure out the next steps. You’re right, putting the writing work in sure does imply there’s something worthwhile that should be shared. To honor that effort, writers should take the next step and continue to walk forward until, well, they can no longer walk. It’s a tough road, but others have walked it before us, so, it can be done.
Best regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Great questions. For me...first novel-wrote it-edited two times myself-had four cold readers give thoughts/edits, including an editor-edited two more times myself-sent queries-got a bite-waiting...
:D
~ Wendy
I have rarely seen myself as a published author, so taking next steps in the process of penning or publishing a specific work might not fit for me. Yet I HAVE undertaken a good many "projects" that have ended up in the back closet, so-to-speak. Sewing ... scrap-booking ... wall stenciling ... garage cleaning ...
I love it that someone once said: Begin with the end in mind. When I do that, then I am better about putting one foot ahead of the other to see it (it=whatever) through.
Great post!
Kathleen
GORGEOUS staircase, Terri. And a good prod (I mean post). Hee hee.
Have a wonderful weekend.
ooh...that is a beautiful staircase. thanks for the encouragement. i'm hoping the conference in september will give me some connections (to put a face with my name) so that i can build on those relationships later as far as querying, etc. :)
good idea, it takes some courage and lots of energy, patience and TIME!
Writing the book is a huge accomplishment. Putting the book out there to agents and readers is scary. Let's face it, no one wants to be rejected, yet it happens all the time to writers. It can really hurt. But it doesn't go on forever. You develop and thick skin and you move forward. You decide to have a professional look at it, or you work on it yourself, and send it out again.
If you've written 70,000 or 90,000 words, you can take the next step. It's doable.
Helen
Straight From Hel
you are so encouraging. thank-you and I hope the things you need are given to you in abundance. Sarah
Oh yes! Our writing ALWAYS deserves the next step...and the next. We owe it to ourselves! We must have the attitude that our time and talent is worth it! We are worth it!
I am reminded of the woman who wrote First Wives Club. She said in an interview that she had 27 rejections before someone gave it the time of day. She framed them, each one, and hung them around the room at a party given in her honor when her book was published. And, that book was made into a movie.
A rejection is one step closer to a success!
Although I'm not a writer, just enjoy blogging and personal journaling, I always enjoy reading your post. You inspire me to challenge myself! :) Enjoy your weekend.
Great motivational post! I linked to your post about marketing in my blog today because that was motivational too! Thanks for spurring us on!
Good for you; don't let us put our hard work by the wayside, just because it's hard.
Thanks for the pep talk!
Jen
LOL This is why I'm still querying my first book. I can't imagine giving up after one rejection, but that's just me and I do have a vision for where I want to go, so that fuels my determination.
Great words of encouragement needed by all writers no matter where we are in a writing...wannabees or published. We all need to take the steps that will take us to the top!
You're such an encourager, Terri! I'm working hard on edits this summer so that I can do just that with two of my stories in the fall.
It seems like whenever the road seems to lead to nowhere, the Lord graciously opens a door for me. OT:
I pray that stairwell is in your beautiful home!
I have not written a book. But I do need to start making more time to write. So thank you for the motivation to take the next step!
Moving on to the next level is really hard--especially if it is unexplored territory!! I drag my feet when I sense something new ahead!
Ouch! Thanks, I needed that! Oooh it hurts so good. LOL.
I have yet to put pen to paper so to speak. I guess fear of rejection, failure, or lack of inspiration is what could be holding me back.
If I EVER get to where you are, I would hope that I would want to keep on going and going and.....
Thank you so much for the encouragement and the motivation to keep moving forward, Terri. Your blog always inspires me to keep going when I feel like I'm just 'plodding' along, not making any progress.
I admit that sometimes it can be discouraging once you start submitting and receiving rejections.
The first time an editor asks to see the 'full manuscript' is so exciting. Then, comes another rejection:( But, you have to keep going forward and one day (so everyone says, LOL), the right editor will read your work, give some encouraging words and want to read more of what you've written.
I am a writer, but not a fiction writer. I have always thought I would finally write something for publication, but I have yet to do it...I must get to it, already!
You got dat right, Terri! I'm not letting my hard work go to waste.
(Lemme know how the gathering went today when ya get a chance, k?) :)
Hi Terri -
Thanks for encouraging writers to move forward. Once you've written a book, you're neck-deep in these waters. You might as well learn to swim.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Wonderful, encouraging words Terri. Words that I needed to really hear even in the place I am in right now. It's scary thinking about the next steps. Writing is actually the easy part for me.
You're a great motivator. God's blessings on you and may He continually expand your borders.
V
ickie
Yes, and "once" is nothing - I know of an author who was rejected hundreds of times and she finally pub'd her book.
I was rejected by I think 20 or 30 agents, one publisher, and then I found Bellebooks, queried them, and within a month had a contract.
Don't give up, and be willing to adjust your goals and dreams to accommodate what comes your way.
I have two just sitting in a box. The 3rd is being worked on with an editor. The entire process has encouraged me to revisit my "rejects."
peace~elaine
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