I admit I'm not the most patient person. Okay, okay, I really need to work on having more patience. My editing clients can tell you that I don't like to keep others waiting either. If I have something to do, I do it. Right then and there. Why? Because I hate to wait. Or do I?
My debut YA, Touch of Death, releases in January 2013. When I first got my release date, I thought, "That's so far away." Now, I'm glad I have the time to prepare. More time means more opportunities to spread the word, to figure out how to market the book, and to establish my platform.
Why am I talking about this today? I think as writers we focus on getting published. We can't wait for it to happen. We countdown the days and wish our lives away until that release date arrives. But why? Honestly, I'm nervous for my book to come out. Will people like it? So far it's gotten great feedback, but will that continue? That makes me nervous. I'm still extremely excited though, so don't get me wrong. But... I'm glad I have time to get ready.
Do you ever find waiting to be a good thing?
Funny this is your post today. Writing is a lot about waiting. I may have about 50 pages to you by Monday do you have time early in the week? It is a big ask but you can obviously say no. It would be the edits and feedback price. Email me if it works for you!
ReplyDeleteSounds good! I'll email you now.
DeleteYes, I have to admit waiting can be good.
DeleteYes, it can.
DeleteI think that's why a lot of writers quit and never get published because there's so much waiting. Becoming successful as an author requires tons of patience. I should probably share your post with my DH who's never understood this! LOL. My manuscripts are always in someone's hands--an agent's, my editor's, crit partners--and I'm left waiting. It's just part of the process.
ReplyDeleteExactly. It comes with the territory, and if we want to work in this industry, we have to accept that.
DeleteI'm a firm believer in there is a purpose for everything, even waiting. There are always lessons to learn, whether about ourselves, others, or our world. But I do understand that waiting can be nerve-wracking. I'm waiting on a agent, right now. It's been five days since she requested more material. Yup, I'm having a hard time thinking about anything else. I guess I need to learn to do otherwise. lol
ReplyDeleteI'm crossing my fingers for you, Sheri! And don't get me wrong; I don't like waiting. I really don't, but I do see times when it can be a good thing. Waiting on possible representation... that's a waiting I didn't like. Good luck to you. You are an amazing writer, so I know you'll find an agent soon. :)
DeleteSo very true! All that waiting has a purpose. You can start pitching the books release to your local media. Maybe try to get some local magazines to do a story on you. (lead times are 2-3 months & national may be much longer almost 6 months) which means they're working on the Christmas issue in July. Weird, I know. If you have questions lemme know.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth. Luckily, I have a great marketing person at Spencer Hill who is taking care of all this for me. I'm so grateful for her. :)
Delete:) Very cool! Hmm maybe I should intern with a publisher... Congrats on the recent release. I'll be sure to pick it up when it comes out :)
DeleteAw, thank you!
DeleteKatieC has left a new comment on your post "Waiting... Can be a Good Thing":
ReplyDeleteOh, but waiting is so hard! LOL. I like your point though, we're so busy waiting we wish our lives away. Lets slow down and enjoy the process!
It is hard sometimes, Katie, but like you said, we can't wish our lives away. We have to enjoy each step along the way.
DeleteI think it's harder when other aspects in your life are just as trying, and you can't speed them up either. I blame mortality for some of this.
DeleteIt is tougher when life adds to the frustration of waiting. I know what you mean, Taurean.
DeleteI'm right there with ya, Kelly. I hate waiting but am definitely trying to be better about it. I try my best to never make anyone else wait for things so I expect the same back but in this business, that's all we seem to do is wait! Sometimes it's a good thing, sometimes... well it just sucks! But there is one thing I'm sure of and that's that your book will be great, so stop worrying!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Allyn. I really appreciate that. :) And I completely agree with everything you said about waiting.
DeleteI hate waiting! For me, waiting means more time to think of the worst possible outcomes. But that can be good too. By the time I've rejected a story in my head a hundred different times, it makes the acceptance that much better.:)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Mariah. I never thought about it that way.
DeleteWell, there is that old saying: Good things come to those that wait. I'm guessing someone didn't just randomly say it, and it's surely caught on for a reason. :)
ReplyDeleteIn the publishing industry, it takes time and energy to publicize and market your book before it comes out. This isn't the author's full responsibility, so it can feel like there's nothing going on and we're just waiting. But there are things happening for good reason, so it's in our best interest to exercise patience. :) Great post.
Exactly. I'm thankful my publisher does a great job marketing. Sometimes I really feel like I should be doing something, but they are doing it for me. Lots of waiting and thinking of other ways to promote.
DeleteIt's funny. Before I really started looking at the business side of publishing I always wondered how authors were able to put sneak previews of their next books at the end of their latest work. Now I know it's because they waited for a year or more for that book to come out. :)
ReplyDeleteYup! I have the second and third books of the Touch of Death trilogy already written. The second book is even off to my editor already. :)
DeleteKelly, I am super impatient. Always have been. Writing has taught me a lot about being patient, not to say I don't still find myself checking my email or tapping my foot while watching the clock tick away. But, if I had been published a year ago, my book would not have been where it is now. It has come a long way and is only getting better with my current revision. The time has been well-worth it. And I've been blessed to form great relationships with good people, you included. :D
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Julia! I'm glad I met you, too. And congrats on what sounds like a successful revision. I'm crossing my fingers for you. :)
DeleteIt's funny how when you're on the pre-side of publishing, you can't wait to get there. Then once you have something on the way, it seems you could use a little more time to prepare.
ReplyDeleteWith my debut coming in August, I, too, am feeling the pressure (and excitement) build.
Looking forward to seeing you next weekend at the Poconos!
I'm looking forward to seeing you, too, Katie! And I'm looking forward to your book in August. So happy for you. :)
DeleteWhen you get to be my age, you want things to slow down. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm impatient when it comes to things I want to be "over" like a long, boring speech.
Oh yes, I'm with you on that. Whenever I have to do something I don't want to, I remind myself it will be over soon. ;)
DeleteI don't like waiting. I have more patience than I used to but waiting drives me nuts. I'm trying to get better at it. That stretch of time where it seems nothing is happening is a great time to reflect and map out a plan.
ReplyDeleteAnd write more! ;)
DeleteCouldn't agree more, Kelly. Waiting allows for shifting gears in a more (or less) sane way.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Mirka!
DeleteI wouldn't say I'm very patient either. For me is when my writing isn't working the way I'd like to. I think once I put a deadline on when I'd like the book to be released and when it doesn't work, it's frustrating. So I'm taking the advice:take a two-day break from my work. Seems to be working, and I'm less stressed and not snapping at everyone around me..:D Thanks for that advice Kelly.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Sometimes distance really helps. I hope it gives you the perspective you need to make your manuscript even better.
DeleteI have learned to be more patient in the past year or two as I have been trying to get published. I do think it is important to use the "waiting" time to work on other things (blog, networking, writing, reading, etc.). Then- the time goes by fast and you make progress while you wait. Wishing you much success on the soon to be released book (it will be here before we know it). Fingers crossed for you! What a great post- it really made me think. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Yes, you really have to fill up that waiting time with other things. I keep writing, work on my blog, read, etc. I'd go crazy if I didn't.
DeleteIt's SUCH a patience thing. Everything in publishing takes forever. Everything. I have to sit back and know that the only thing I have control over is what I do, and just keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Jolene. You said that well. :)
DeleteThanks for the advice Kelly!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. It takes a long time for agents and publishers to read queries and make decisions. Learning how to wait (and use that time productively) is key to becoming a successful, prolific author.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! It's all part of working in this industry.
DeletePatience, I think, can be a difficult thing for those of us of a creative bent.
ReplyDeleteYes, it can.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate, Kelly. My release date is even later than yours, but I'm glad I have a little extra time to prepare. Waiting can be a good thing - if we choose to look at it that way.
ReplyDeleteMichelle :)
PODs, available June 2013
www.michelle-pickett.com
I think STALKED BY DEATH, the second book in the Touch of Death trilogy, is being released in July 2013, too. We'll have our books released together. :)
DeleteWaiting is hard, but it will allow you to spread the word without feeling rushed and panicked.
ReplyDeleteVery true. :)
DeleteUgh, waiting. I am queen of impatience. I like things over and done with, but then my first book has not been published yet. In your case, I think a date in Jan is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI do, too. I'm very happy about my release date.
DeleteI think that waiting is always good when you have a time limit. I mean when you can set a time when it must be the end of the waiting time. You know your book will be published in January so waiting is good and positive, but it would have been different if you were waiting for something that might happen the next day or never happen at all.When there is no deadline, it brings only anxiety
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point, Nikky!
DeleteIt's funny that when I first started publishing I wanted to wait to get everything perfect before release day and to spread the word in time to have a good book release.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I feel, LM.
DeleteI only have to say:
ReplyDelete"all good things for those who wait."
Very true!
DeleteRelease time is hectic, so waiting is good. You get to prepare for bookmarks, blog tours, book signings, and anything else that's on your to-do marketing list.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I'm grateful for the time.
DeleteWait? I can't wait for anything. It's only because my kind beta readers might get so upset with me that they trash my MS that I leave them alone. It's a good job that most of them live on another continent.
ReplyDeleteLOL. :)
DeleteThe older I get, the more I agree with those who say it (writing/growing/life) is more about the journey than the destination. It's the little inhales all along the way that bring our spirits alive to the process.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder :0).
Yes, the journey is so important. I'm really coming to understand that. I definitely didn't in the past.
DeleteWaiting can be good because as you say, it gives you time to prepare. It also allows you to get really excited about things, then by the time they come, you really appreciate it! I look forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteLisa
www.lisagradessweinstein.blogspot.com
Yes, it can make you appreciate things more when you have to wait for them.
Delete