Since I became a part of this crazy world that is book publishing, my goals and perspective have shifted several times. At first, I dreamed of book deals and best-seller lists. Then I learned that this industry is can be harsh. I'm not talking about bad reviews from readers. I'm talking about the industry itself. It's slow. Publishers go under or don't honor contracts, which leads to rights reversions. Agents can come and go as well.
I've been through a lot, and it's made me change my perspective. I no longer stalk my spreadsheet when my agent has one of my books on submission. It's not that I don't care. I definitely do. But I've come to the conclusion that not every book needs to be published traditionally. So if a good publisher wants my book, that's fantastic. If a book doesn't get picked up, I know it's not the end of the world. I'll hire a great editor and self-publish. If I have too much time between releases, I look at the books I have written, decide which would be better suited for self-publishing, and get that in the works so readers are continuing to get new books from me.
Being a hybrid author is freeing. I don't feel the stress I once did in this industry, and I'm much happier for it. Has your perspective changed after being in this industry for a while?
*If you have a question you'd like me to answer from the other side of the editor's desk, feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll schedule it for a future post.
Yes, it definitely has changed. Like you, I've had books published by publishing companies and self published. I, too, no longer wait nervously for an answer to a submission. I've learned publishers are busy and very selective, that my idea of a perfect submission is not always received as such, I write because I have to and not for money, and life is way too short to sweat the small stuff. Oh, and to enjoy the works of others.
ReplyDeleteIt's much better with this attitude, isn't it? I'm done stressing. :)
DeleteGood points! I am learning this as well. It is freeing, because it also allows WRITERS to pick and choose, rather then accepting all publishing offers just to get their books out to readers.
ReplyDeleteAccepting an offer just to be published is a huge mistake I see being made all the time. It breaks my heart.
DeleteI agree, Kelly. In today's tech world, traditional publishing just means that someone is getting paid money to read and make that decision to polish and publish. As you said, you can make that decision just as well these days. All we are doing is cutting out the middleman.
ReplyDeleteYou do need others to help you get the book polished and ready but you get to pick them, which is awesome.
DeleteWisely said, Kelly.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThat's a good idea. I just send it all to my agent and let her handle it. But I do have a LOT of books that will never see the light of day if I don't do it myself.
ReplyDeleteGet on those!
DeleteMy perspective on the industry have changed over the, gosh, ten plus years I have been in it. Both good and bad. A lot has changed within the industry itself causing changes we can't control. As for my personal perspective and what I can control, I find that I have to let a lot more go (i.e. learning to wait). I have never been good at it, but I have to let my agent do her job while I do mine. Isn't that the point of landing one? So that you can focus on your writing so that your agent has something great to sell? I used to spend a good deal of time thinking about all the waiting and crunching wait time numbers. I have learned that if it will happen, then I need to let it and focus on the whole reason I'm "here."
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly. And I hear you about waiting. It's not easy.
DeleteWell said kelly. If I had your energy, I might do the same. You are also a polished and prolific writer, and "going hybrid" may be just right for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mirka.
DeleteDefinitely the perspective has changed. It's so funny how you look at things with stars in your eyes before being published. Afterwards, it just becomes a way of life. I love the balance you keep between traditional and self publishing.
ReplyDeleteYou really do have stars in your eyes at first. I think that's normal. The reality is quite different though.
DeleteBalance is key. I've come to learn that the hard way, but I'm happy to say I've gotten a good hold on it now.
Things surely have changed in the publishing world. It takes forever to see the book in print from some publishers. Waiting is no fun. I think it's great that authors now can publish their own stories. I may do it too, one day. You are a great example of doing what's best for us, the writers.
ReplyDeleteI've learned we have to do what's best for us. It's very freeing when you accept that. :)
DeleteWell said. Yes, it's all our choice now. We can wait for a publisher to pick up a book or go the self-published way. Do you know Amazon's Salt Lake Publishing picks self published books too?
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't know. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
DeleteI'm definitely happy for you, Kelly. Publishing is a huge industry and there are many ways to get to the market. All we can do is make sure we show up for work and turn in our best work. My perspectives have also changed over these years. It used to be - getting published (Big 6 or self) one book every year or two, and gaining thousands of followers. Now I just find myself no longer that interested in getting published (Big 6 or self). I want my stories or services to help or move people. That's the focus. Publication is the medium, not the end.
ReplyDeleteI love your perspective on this, Claudine. Everyone should have your attitude about publishing. :)
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