I love this so much. The real talk that every aspiring author needs to read whether one has been writing for 50 days or 50 years. Thank you, and congratulations on all your publications! :D
Really good piece, RW. I didn't invest near the time in figuring out the publishing business as I did in writing. Although I know a lot more than before, I could have done with the knowledge before I dove in. Loved the way you touched on the Big 5 and the agent/gate keeper thing. There is a lot of great work out there that doesn't make it because of the way publishing at that level works but it is what it is. I've not stopped writing but I have deep reservations about trying to get published again.
I really don't think you should quit, though, Morgan. There are plenty of small presses that will take a longer look. I've thrived in the little press universe. It's just a matter of finding the right, like-minded people. And a very long list of small presses can be found at New Pages. https://www.newpages.com
I apologize, RW. Perhaps I wasn't clear. I achieved publication with a small independent traditional press and am very grateful for the opportunity. It's just that at the end of the day, I'm not sure that it was worth all the work and frustration. I'm proud of the accomplishment, but as you inferred, each writer must deal with the publishing world as it is in his or her own way. I haven't reached a solid conclusion. I think I'm still in 'dealing' mode at present. I really enjoyed the way you laid the process out for consumption. Many writers, aspiring to be published (as most are), would benefit from reading your piece. You were very generous with a great deal of experience and the wisdom gained from it.
Ah. I see. Well yes that's your decision to make, of course. I live in the small press world and, after 30 years, still a resident of the slush pile, and that's fine for me, though not for everybody. I get it.
I love this so much. The real talk that every aspiring author needs to read whether one has been writing for 50 days or 50 years. Thank you, and congratulations on all your publications! :D
Really good piece, RW. I didn't invest near the time in figuring out the publishing business as I did in writing. Although I know a lot more than before, I could have done with the knowledge before I dove in. Loved the way you touched on the Big 5 and the agent/gate keeper thing. There is a lot of great work out there that doesn't make it because of the way publishing at that level works but it is what it is. I've not stopped writing but I have deep reservations about trying to get published again.
I really don't think you should quit, though, Morgan. There are plenty of small presses that will take a longer look. I've thrived in the little press universe. It's just a matter of finding the right, like-minded people. And a very long list of small presses can be found at New Pages. https://www.newpages.com
I apologize, RW. Perhaps I wasn't clear. I achieved publication with a small independent traditional press and am very grateful for the opportunity. It's just that at the end of the day, I'm not sure that it was worth all the work and frustration. I'm proud of the accomplishment, but as you inferred, each writer must deal with the publishing world as it is in his or her own way. I haven't reached a solid conclusion. I think I'm still in 'dealing' mode at present. I really enjoyed the way you laid the process out for consumption. Many writers, aspiring to be published (as most are), would benefit from reading your piece. You were very generous with a great deal of experience and the wisdom gained from it.
Ah. I see. Well yes that's your decision to make, of course. I live in the small press world and, after 30 years, still a resident of the slush pile, and that's fine for me, though not for everybody. I get it.