Pretty much every part of this career is up in the air. There is no real formula of success in this business. I mean, true, vampires may be in now, but by the time you're done writing your Twilight-rip off and it's published...? Everyone has already moved on to salsa dancing robots (okay, maybe that won't be a thing any time soon, but you see my point). Really there is no way to tell what'll work and what won't until it just does. No one can predict that though, so there's never any sign or hint if your book will sell 1 copy, 100 copies, or if you're lucky they could fly off the shelf. You just don't know.
Oh writing! It's so freeing, so different, so unique! You wrote the most beautiful, tragic, inspiring love affair that not even Romeo and Juliet can touch! Soooo... the editors are definitely going to pick up your book and give it to a publisher right? WRONG. If they don't think it'll sell, they're not passing your book on to any publisher. Like every other business, it's all about the money. Sure there's still a ton of passion and love for literature, but a fat paycheck always helps, doesn't it?
In this career you have constant competition, with over a billion books a week being released. Anyone can publish a book at this point with self-publishing. Real, good old fashion, book stores are going under (two Barnes and Noble have already been closed near my house). People who love you online- through a blog or twitter you might run- aren't exactly going to go out and buy your book. The book you poured your heart soul in to? Yeah, everyone hates it.
Writing is one big gamble. You never know what'll happen. Nothing is set in stone with what's in, what people want, what people will say. Every time you try you might just get a big, "LOL NOPE."
But if you love to write, if this is your passion, don't ever give up. Because yes, there's many chances to get turn down, but there is still all those chances to have your dream fulfilled and get published.
Keep knocking on those doors, because even if a thousand shut you down, that thousand and one door might just be your ticket to your dreams.
Here is the link to the incredible article: 25 Hard Truths About Writing and Publishing
Jamie. I am so glad that even after this project you still want to follow your dreams. I love that about you. And while all the other AP Langstas who are saying "Oh, I want to do this and this and maybe that as long as it makes money" [myself included dont get me wrong] YOU are passion oreinted. You follow your heart even if your brain tells you how risky this business is. And I admire that because I definitely do not have those balls.
ReplyDeleteJamie, I'm trying to piece together a book myself. A good friend in LA recently told me that publishers are asking new authors about their "online following". They want to see an audience ready to buy your stuff already. I'm on Twitter now, about to launch a personal website...we'll see if it works. If you're serious about being an author, probably want to think about some web-based/social media "branding". I'm happy to share my experiences with you; I'm just starting the process myself. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMr. Pinza, that is so incredible that you are in the midst of the adventure to getting your very own book published. I envy you so much that you're on the way to fulfilling that goal. And I have read about how advertising yourself via the internet is a much needed part in order to be successful. The best of luck to you with your book! I'll be excited to see how that turns out for you, my fingers will be crossed. Also, I would love to hear about your experiences and learn from what you've gone through. Thank you so much
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