Unveiling the Underappreciated Aspects of Publishing a Novel: Exposure, Research, Patience, and Market Awareness
Want to dive into the world of book crafting? You're in for quite the journey, buddy! If you're not already a published wordsmith, the process is oftentimes a confusing whirlwind of assumptions and misconceptions. I'm not here to call you out or tell you that you can't ask writers anything - far from it! But I want to clear the fog for your writing-curious mind.
So, let's debunk some popular myths about the wild, wacky, and oftentimes, frustrating world of authors and publishing.
Shaking Up the Status Quo
Ah, Hollywood. They make it look so easy, don't they? Your creative soul uses a typewriter, or maybe a laptop, and sends the manuscript to The Publisher. Boom! That book is now on the shelves, and voila, life as you know it changes forever.
Well, buckle up, because reality is quite different. Unless you're carrying some seriouscachet, that publishing deal ain't just sitting there, waiting just for you. It's a dog-eat-dog world, and to make matters more intense, there's a ton of competition you can't even imagine.
You're probably thinking, "But there are so many published books! How many more could there possibly be?" That's a fair question, but here's the kicker: there are even more unpublished gems that have stayed out of sight and out of mind. Every book isn't automatically destined for the shelves, no matter how much Peppa Pig's mom hustled to get that manuscript out there.
Say Goodbye to That Green Stuff
So, you think being a writer automatically means becoming rich like J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, or Stephen King? Well, let's get something straight, bud: those authors have put in decades of hard work to reach their fame and wealth. There are countless others who are writing just as hard but haven't yet seen their big break.
Making a comfortable living through writing books can be challenging, but it's doable for some. I wouldn't want to crush any dreams, but there are no guarantees. After all, I'm happy as long as I get to share my stories with the world, not grow richer by the book.
Fame? Better Start Working on that Now
I've managed to get one traditionally published book under my belt, yet you've probably never heard of me. And that's okay! I know I've got a few issues where social awkwardness is concerned, but it really stings when someone new finds out about my book and asks me my name or the title like they were bound to know already.
Let's go to the library together, and you check out a random book. Imagine how many writers you're passing over who haven't made it big time. If you're hoping to write your own book or even know a writer, please don't let the glitz and glamour of fame cloud your judgment. Otherwise, you might hurt someone's feelings.
So, What's Actually Involved in Writing a Book?
If you're bewildered by the process, I've written extensively about it, but here's the short version. First, there's a plan, and then comes the fun part, the first draft. Then there's more drafting, editing, and refining before you can even think about grammar and punctuation. It's far from just cranking out a certain page count and then doing a spellcheck.
If you're curious about a writer's progress, just ask, "Hey, how's the writing going?" and be content with any answer you receive. "When do you think you'll be done?" is also okay, but if the writer looks like they might cry, it might be a good time to offer a coffee and a slice of cake.
Now that you've taken this little trip through the world of book-writing, perhaps you're anxious to start your own literary adventure. Great! I suggest you check out this post to learn what it takes to become a writer yourself.
*our website offers insightful advice and inspiration for budding fiction writers, courtesy of a renowned author and creative writing instructor. For even more writing resources, be sure to check out the blog and visit Writer Lifestyle on Etsy!
- Writing a book is a complex process that involves more than just writing the first draft. It includes planning, multiple revisions, editing, and refining before grammar and punctuation are addressed.
- It's essential to understand that becoming a successful author often requires years of hard work, and fame is not guaranteed for every writer.
- Instead of focusing solely on the glamour and fame associated with being an author, it's crucial to appreciate the craft and passion that goes into creating books. Additionally, treating fellow writers with respect and understanding is essential.
