I’m not feeling very good today, so I hope this makes sense and doesn’t scare anyone away from publishing. But I believe in honesty, so consider yourself warned: the following post contains unblemished truths about publishing. If you’re sensitive or require a lot of hand-holding, you might want to don those rose-colored glasses and turn away.
But if you want the truth, read on. If you make it to the end, there’s a reward… 
In the comments from Dame Devon’s post on Monday, Linda D wrote:
“When you all write your series, do you only continue to write them under contract? Or do you plot out an entire say 6-book series regardless of whether it sells? I’m working on a series myself, but I just wonder if I should attempt to sell the first novel first before I complete the rest of the (7!) novels.”
This seems to me to be a couple of different questions. First of all, do we (published authors?) continue to write our series only under contract?
For me (and most other authors I know, though there are exceptions), yes. For the two series I already have in print, I would not write future volumes without a contract in hand. This is an issue of both time and money. And the truth is that if I spend several months writing a sequel that never sells, I’ve wasted my time and lost the money I could have earned writing a book that had sold.
[Truth #1: Authors love what we do, but love of the work is not our only concern. To be able to afford to spend so much time doing what we love, writing must be profitable. It has to pay. Thus, it isn't just a passion; it's a job--a regular, work-even-when-you-don’t-feel-like-it job.]
The typical solution to this problem is to submit a proposal (usually a synopsis and the first three chapters) for a new book in the series, instead of writing the entire thing. That way, you know whether or not your publisher is interested without having to spend months on something that might not sell. This is actually a very common way to sell subsequent books in an existing series.
[Truth #2: Future sales are never a sure thing, even to established authors in established series. Especially in the current economy. Nothing is guaranteed, and authors work from contract to contract.]
Now for the second part of your question: “I’m working on a series myself, but I just wonder if I should attempt to sell the first novel first before I complete the rest of the (7!) novels.”
Um… yes. You should definitely try to sell the first novel before you write six more of them. It doesn’t hurt to write one sequel while your first novel is under submission. In fact, I’d recommend it, because having something productive to do will help keep you sane while you wait for news. Also, if you are eventually offered a multiple book deal, you’ll have something to show your agent/publisher when they ask what will follow your first book.
[Truth #3: Not all books sell. Not even all good books sell. Even once you have an agent. This is a very difficult business to break into, and it can break your heart, even once you've sold multiple books. But it can also make you feel alive, as only living your dream--seeing your work on bookstore shelves--can.]
However, I would never, never, ever write all seven (?) books in a series before selling the first one. First of all, that could take a very long time, even if you write quickly. Do you really want to wait several years (or however long it takes) to even start looking for an agent/publisher?
[Truth #4: Publishing time is not like regular time. Everything takes longer than they say it will. That's just the way it works. Your book (even agented) could be on submission for a year or longer before it's either bought or finally rejected by that last editor.]
Second of all, there’s no guarantee that your series will sell, even if you find an agent. So do you really want to write seven books in a series that may never sell, when you could be working on a new idea instead, for another shot at getting published? I know several authors whose first sale was actually the book written while that first novel was on submission. If they’d been writing books 2-7 of that first series, they would never have made a sale.
And thirdly, I’ve never heard of a debut author getting a seven book deal. It may happen, very occasionally, but I can’t think of a single example. What you probably want to do is finish the first book, rewrite it, polish it, have it critiqued, polish it some more, polish again, then start querying agents only once that first book is as polished as you can possibly make it.
In your query, you can explain that your book is the first in a proposed series. But personally, that’s all I’d mention of the planned sequels, because you don’t actually have them written yet, and you don’t want to give a potential agent or editor the idea that you can’t wrap your story up satisfactorily in less than seven volumes. Because realistically speaking, there’s a good chance that there might not be enough demand/good enough sales numbers for them to buy all seven books, even over two or three contracts. Harsh, but true.
So don’t shoot yourself in the foot by implying that you’re only willing to spend the next few years of your life writing seven volumes in a series that hasn’t even gone on submission yet. Keep your queries focused on what’s actually relevant to that first sale. Then, if it sells, your agent will know how to handle future titles.
[Truth #5: Most authors never get either rich or famous. The ones you hear about are the exceptions; that's why you hear about them. If you don't believe me, walk into your local book store and take a look at the thousands of books. How many of the authors have you actually heard of. Fifty? One hundred? That's still a tiny fraction of what's out there. Some authors never get a second contract, and many never make enough money to quit their day jobs. So even though writing for publication is a job, you have to love it, or you'll never make it. There are easier, more reliable ways to earn a living. Only persue writing as a career if you can't not-write. Seriously.]
One final note: obviously we Dames (and other authors ) are willing to work with both the highs and lows of publishing. We think it’s worth it, or we wouldn’t still be doing this. Yes, we all have ambition and would love to be massive bestsellers some day, but the truth is that we love this job enough to do it even if we never hit it big. We love what we do. That’s why they call it a dream job.
Okay, if you made it through all those truths and haven’t been scared away from publishing–or if you’re a reader and haven’t decided that all authors are crazy–here’s your reward:
I have one last copy of Immortal, and I’ll give it away this weekend to one commenter, drawn at random. So let’s hear it. Readers, did any of these truths surprise you, or does it work like you expected? Aspiring authors, are you frightened and frustrated, or burning with eagerness now, to meet the challenge?
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Tags: Questions, Rachel Vincent
Terrific post, Rachel.
One of the harsh realities is that writing, as you said, is a business. This means (1) writers get paid for their work and (2) publishers make money from writers’ works. And in this economy, everything that had been true before (to the extent that there were any rules at all) is now all up in the air. Even with strong numbers, authors can get dropped, or just quietly nudged to the side.
Which means that spending time writing that seventh novel in a planned series may not be the way to go.
Of course, there’s also For The Love — because let’s face it, we do this because we love doing it, even when it drives us insane. But if we write For the Love, then we better know up front that we may not get anything for our efforts.
Thank you so much for answering and being so honest…honesty is what I’m looking for! Definitely cleared things up for me… I am currently editing/re-writing the first novel and working on the second, so I will certainly prioritize getting the first out there.
I’m not entirely surprised but I’ve always been curious about what you and the other dames do when it comes to a series. Thanks again and now I’m off to polish my first novel…;)
And thank you as well Damw Jackie for your comments!
Most of the truths are things I’ve heard already, so I’ve thought about them. I know this is a harsh business. Yes, I’m a little nervous. A little frustrated that so many great books will go unread.
I’m a bit nervous at the moment that the book I’m working on might not be something I can sell. Should I be working on something else, that I think might have more chance? Or should I stick with this, because I like it, and I do think it will work – I wouldn’t have started writing it if I didn’t. Sometimes the doubts get so big. Other days, I’m glad I’m challenging myself and trying this new thing.
Very interesting post. *g*
Thanks for the post Rachel, sorry you are not feeling good and hope you are better soon.
Your post did not surprise or daunt me, which I think shows I have a bit more self belief than I would have thought! I had always told myself that the publishing business was literally impossible to break through and so there was no point even trying. It was reading these blogs that has given me the courage to follow my dream. Thank you to all the Dames for that.
I would absolutely love a copy of Immortal, count me in please!
Nikki xxx
Honestly, it scares the everliving bejesus out of me, but whenever I think I can’t possibly do this, I read posts like this and it pushes those doubts away.
Thanks for such an awesome post!
I’ve heard some of this before, but to be honest I don’t think I have the guts to write a series unless under contract. I’d be afraid to get the first one published and then, while in the middle of the second one, wish I could go back and change something in the first one. I’m a ‘do the best you can and move on’ kind of girl.
Very down-to-earth advice. To us aspiring to “break into the biz”, it helps to hear some insider tips. I can’t thank you enough, Rachel.
Thanks for your post; hope you’ll be feeling better soon.
Good post, Rachel. None of this is really shocking or new to me, and it doesn’t really discourage me. I’m more resigned to the realities of publishing than frustrated by them.
To be honest, I’m terrified, but that’s good. I like being reminded of what I’m (trying!) to get myself into. It’s kinda encouraging, in a weird way. I want to make it.
Thanks for the awesome post and giveaway!
It is great to hear the authentic side of things and makes me all the more appreciative for the work that you put into your writing.
Thanks
I wish publishing time was a LITTLE closer to real time! I’m so very sick of waiting.
I really enjoyed the post Rachel. I always think it is interesting to see the real truths in writing world. Everyone thinks it’s easy. They think they’re just going to quit their job and start writing best sellers. I think my favorite point you brought up dealt with the number of authors that actually sell well. I was in Borders with my bff last night, and we were looking though the sci-fi, YA, and fantasy books. We were amazed at the amount of authors that we had never heard of. (Which is saying because we both read a lot!)
Im not really surprised with any of the truths although Truth #1 (submitting a proposal and a few chapters)was something I was not aware of. I figured you had to submit the whole thing.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Loved the post, Rachel. And I think there are little truths inside each of those truths. Like with #1. Yes, writers who have novels published can submit proposals and synopsis. Sounds easy, but there’s a lot of work behind that too. (a) Coming up with entire book’s plot (b) Writing the synopsis in a way that will “pitch” or “sell” the book (c) Writing the first three chapters and getting them in submission shape. These things are often done while the writer is working on a current novel project (i.e. writing on deadline under contract)
Time management, stress management, brain-not-exploding management, strongly recommended for this line of work.
Rachel, as an aspiring author I prefer honesty, and you delivered! Great post and we all know honesty is sometimes scary. It may take years for me to be published, but I will stick it out. I am blessed to be able to do what I love.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Yes, Devon has a good point, and to that, I’d like to add that selling on proposal isn’t usually an option for unpublished writers. There are exceptions, but they’re just that–not the norm.
I have to say that when I followed your link here from your FB note I expected the worst but that was kind of a good thing because the truths you mention didn’t send me spiraling into depression or anything and most of them I’ve heard mentioned by other authors. If anything, it only made me more determined to finish my story and get started on a totally new idea. I’ve got about four of those all ready to go.
I see the truths more as guidelines. Thanks for the post.
Rachel,
What you said makes sense to me. Actually, to tell the truth, some of it is a bit of a relief to me. I’ve been working on an outline of something that I think would work well in a series. Love writing with good humor, and there is a lot of humor potential in it. It’s a relief to hear you say that future series books shouldn’t be fully written before submitting the first. Not that I’m against working on them, its just that I have notes for other book ideas, and that frees up my time to work on the other books. So many ideas! Life is too short to write them all.
Please enter me for the book! I really enjoy reading the Cast’s work. Thank-you!
Don’t enter me! I already won a copy.
However, loved the post. And yes, it’s what I expected the answer to be. It is something you love but it’s also your income so you have to think economically when it comes to your writing. No sense in writing something that won’t be purchased.
Good luck with your revisions on Alpha!
Nice post. And yes, it makes sense.
I read quite a few author blogs so this doesn’t really surprise me.
What does surprise me is that the publishing business doesn’t seem to want to change very much. Once they discover something that sells, it seems like they buy that until the market drops off, then they look for the next big thing.
Hi, Rachel!
To me your post makes writing for a living sound extreamly scary! I would love to become a published author and see my books in stores, it really would be a dream come true! I love to write, and when a good idea pops into my head its all I think about until I write it out. With that being said, I am not getting my hopes up. I see the publishing world as the monster hiding in the closet waiting to shread me to peices! I know my writing is not polished enough so I don’t even attempt, but I keep writing, I have several stories all in different stages, some have even been critiqued with promising results, but I still don’t feel ready so I continue to write. Who knows maybe one day soon I will get that this is it feeling, but until then I am content with writing just for me!
I’ve wanted to be a writer for a long time and in the last few years I am really realizing all that it takes to get to that publication stage. Some of it still frightens me, but I am still up to the challenge. I want to create that [urban fantasy] world where readers get lost in and get so engrossed in that they just love it and crave for more! I know it is not an overnight process, but it is still something I want to do. I enjoy reading about similar worlds and I want to create my own! I want things to go the way I want them! It is going to take a lot of work and a lot of give and take, but I am up for the challenge in the long haul! ;D
These are all things I’ve known for awhile, but that doesn’t stop it from being a little scary as I prepare to start querying for the first time. It’s hard to balance realistic expectations with hope, but I try.
These aren’t new truths to me, so they aren’t scary. I think by now I have a fairly realistic picture of how publishing works. In fact, for me, all the “truths” I’ve found over the last few years have done the exact opposite of scaring me. It wasn’t until I started reading a few blogs that taught me how people really get published that I thought I might have a chance at it. Even though I’d been writing since I was a teenager, I had never planned on doing anything with what I wrote other than showing it to friends and sticking it in a drawer. But the more I found out, the more I thought, hey, I could do this. So, in my opinion, the more truths are shared, the better!
Although the truth about publishing is quite daunting, it basically works the way I expected. At the end of the day, the publishing houses are like any other business — the bottom line is whether or not they think they’ll make a profit off of your work.
I would love to write for a living (even if I still had to work another job) but I just can’t seem to fully flesh out a concept. I get a good beginning, but then the idea fizzles and doesn’t go anywhere. *Crosses fingers that NaNoWriMo will help fix that problem.* So I can’t really imagine having the idea for seven books in a series already lined up.
Thanks for the post, Rachel!
The concepts aren’t new, but I’m one of those writers who subscribes to writing, editing and agent blogs.
As for the rich and famous part–I’d like to be sold in a bookstore someday, that’s all.
Great post. It’s info I’ve heard other places, but it just reinforces what I’m doing – revising a completely different book/series while querying another. I want that first one to be what gets me an agent, what sells, but I know it might not be. And as much as that would break my heart, it’s not the only story in me. I can, and will, write more.
Nope, this post doesn’t scare me, just makes me put on my “Determined” face & get back to my revision.
Hello.
It’s quite a hard work, getting published, and you’ve just shown how hard it can be. I love writing and I surely will keep on doing it, but I’m well aware that write for a living is quite a dream. So I’ll just keep on trying, as hard as I can.
Thank you for this post, it’s full of great advice.
Pretty much everything you said wasn’t very surprising. It sounds exhausting though. Especially the just getting to publication part. I can’t imagine writing 7 books in a series before I had even sold the first one. That’d be depressing if they went no where!
Hey.
Thank you so much for answering all of those questions. I’ve seriously been wondering how everything works and you’ve filled in a lot of the gaps. I have to admit that it truly sounds like a tough gig, but one I want more than anything. Thanks for all the information, it was really interesting and helpful.
Great contest!
These don’t surprise me. All these things would just make me work harder, be more determined… I’m super competitive ;]
Hi!
Thank you for sharing to us how publishing work. Most of the truths you shared was not that surprising. I say kudos to all the writers out there! Being an author is defintely a tough gig.
Whoever said ignorance was bliss??
It’s pretty much hugely inspiring to read that even after all the heartbreak and complexities that you are still able to say that it is your dream job. And almost more inspiring that you are still down to Earth enough to give out advice to aspiring authors.
Anyhow, enough with being inspiring, your harsh truths were logical and tactful. I hope that everyone aspiring to be a writer here is able to accept them.
Thanks.
Thanks for the skinny on publishing. In spite of all the negatives, writer’s write for the joy of it all.
Thank you so much for not pulling any punches. As a writer, I write because my soul dies when I don’t. Of course I want to be rich and famous and quit the day job, but that’s what the lottery is for.
This post has inspired me to continue writing and working toward publication because I can’t wait to see my name on a bookshelf in Borders one day.
I think any sane writer is scared, and while you’re reminders are true and necessary, they remind me of all the maybes and what if’s that are out there for aspiring authors.
I think sometimes we forget that authors and other celebrities are actually human. You have to eat and sleep and pay rent/mortgage, etc. This is a hard job market to try to get into. I appreciate your efforts and the tenacity to hang in there even after getting rejection after rejection. This takes true dedication. I just want you Dames to know I really appreciate your efforts and continue to enjoy the fruits of your labors — Great Books!
Very interesting post Rachel. I guess I can understand an author not wanting to write out book after book without a contract already in hand. That surprised me though because I assumed authors would feel the need to HAVE to write the book or lose all of their ideas I guess.
One author that I really enjoyed reading is Nancy Bartholomew. She had a mystery series that reminded me alot of Janet Evanovich’s books but I liked hers even more. I found the books at my library – all four books.
But after that there wasn’t anymore. I looked around online and she said that after 4 books the publisher decided not to continue the series. They hold the rights so until this expires or they go out of print, she can’t continue the series even though she wants to.
I didnt think that was fair at all. She has other books but this one series I really enjoyed and it’s sad to see it go because of the publisher. If they dont want to continue it…they should give up the rights so she can take it elsewhere.
Anyway it was interesting to read about how publishing works and thanks for a great post. I really want to read Immortal so I’d love to win this book.
I think the urge to write the story that’s been bugging you overcomes any reservation, fear. As normal life intrudes, you start to welcome the break to get to that fairytale, alternate world especially for sanity’s sake when all else fails.
Because writers appear mad…at times…hehehehe.
Hi Rachael,
Thanks for the great post. I loved when you mentioned that writing- doing what you love is a “dream job.” Because for me it is. Loving what you do is so important and it is a goal I have always “tried” to obtain.(not easy)Thank you for your sage advice. I’m one who always appreciates “the truth; ready or not.”
Best, Gayle
Those are good, cold, hard truths that should (would) cause anyone to think twice about following writing as a career path.
… I’m going to keep writing anyway.
Thanks, Rachel, for the wonderful post (as always).
I LOVE all authors. Thanks for the post.
Great post, Rachel. By the way, I’m burning with eagerness. On fire!!
Oh, and I’d like to win.
None of this is surprising to me but I’ve done a lot of research and am already querying my first novel. I’m burning with eagerness still. And really no matter how frustrated I get I will always write because my characters demand it.
“Truth #4: Publishing time is not like regular time. Everything takes longer than they say it will. That’s just the way it works.”
I’m actually kind of glad to hear this. I mean, as a wannabe-writer, this sucks, but as a bookseller it’s kind of nice to know that the publishing industry is slack to everyone.
Great post, Rachel! Now i Know what the Authors do
would love to win the book!
The truths are pretty much what I expected. I’m both excited and frustrated by the process.
No surprises here
thank you Rachel for saying it how it is and not sugar coating it.
It both excites and depresses me, but motivates me to do the best I can.
thanks again
Thanks so much for the tips! I won’t lie, it scares me and intimidates me a lot, but I want to write and I want to be published and I want this to be my job, so… I guess I’ll just keep on writing and trying
Thanks for giving aspiring authors the harsh truth of publishing. It’s sad that so many talented writers can’t earn enough to quit their day jobs, but that’s just the nature of the business.
Thanks for a great post!
Thanks for breaking it down, Rachel. Hope you feel better soon. You answered a bunch of questions I would have had, if I was ready to plan a series of books. It’s good to know, and when I’m ready to proceed, I’ll revisit this and other excellent advice from you smart Dames!
Honestly, none of the truths surprise me. While i did not know all of the truths, i do know that writing is like any other job in this world. Some will make a lot of money, get things done easily and others will struggle. It all must be taken into consideration and thought about. I am actually starting to writing something and this is valuable knowledge. Thank you for sharing it. I’m not sure if it scares me or encourages me. if what i am writing gets finished, good….if not, at this point anyways, oh well. But i’ll give it a go.
Great post! I’m not surprised though.
I think the frustrations make it worth it! : )
All the truths I have heard for authors I have met before and honestly its a very tough field to make it in. I am thankful I am a reader and not a writer because there is always great books to read.
great post I think it was balanced,potential writers really need the “nuts and bolts” of the industry along with creative support.
Great information and an excellent reality check.
Great post. As a reader while I wish it were otherwise as Im guessing a lot of authors do. I wasnt really surprised by the truths. Its a great post though for those that potential writers that have no idea yet.
Great post Rachel!
I do believe the truths and that makes the author’s work that I love that much more special. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it really must be and I really appreciate all the hard work that you…the authors…do for us the readers.
I was expecting fire and brimstone, and luckily was already cyn-er, enlightened? enough to only find a rain on my parade!
No jokes, very happy with the news from your blog! Not only am I ahead on today’s goals, but I have a similar situation with a multiple book idea I am writing, so finding this stuff out now definately brightened my day!
Thanks for the heads up. I don’t always want to be a newbie after all… ^_^ Sweet dreams internet-world!
Hi
Thank you for sharing the unvarnished truth.
It’s scary but the dream realized makes it worth taking the leap into the publishing waters.
Thanks again,
RKCharron
xoxo
Hi! Love the post
I’ve already heard about how harsh publishing world is. I know about it from the perspective of book cover designer, but then I only get to meet authors about to be published 
Good luck to all of you!
That honestly sounds a little nerve wracking. I am not a writer myself, my daughter is the aspiring one in the family. But I tend to stop by every now and then to help win her a book.
So, count me in!
Really great post Rachel! I can’t say I’m scared away as an aspiring author. I knew it was a hard road when I picked it, and I’m doing it because I can’t imagine doing anything else and being happy–published or not.
[...] read an interesting post over at Deadline Dames by Rachel Vincent this morning in response to someone asking When you all write your series, do you only continue to [...]
Fantastic post, Rachel!
None of the truths were surprising to me, but then I’ve been reading your–and many other of my favorite authors’–blogs for a couple of years now. When I was new to reading the blogs, the truths you discussed did come as surprise to me, but when I sat back and thought about it, the process made sense. In every aspect of life, I see people who create great and wonderful works who don’t ever receive the recognition that they deserve. I’ve read books and watched movies that won critical acclaim, in fact it was often that acclaim that was the deciding factor, and in the end I wondered how on Earth THAT work received such high praise. Later I would literally stumble upon an author I’d never heard of, fall madly in love, and get frustrated because I couldn’t find any more of their work.
I’ve been an aspiring author my entire life. I have stories I wrote at 7 years old (and boy is it a laugh to go back and read them now!), filed away from when my parents discouraged me from the dream of publication. They weren’t cruel; they just understood what I didn’t at the time and what you’ve so aptly described for us here. Publishing is hard, brutal, and often requires more give than we might have. I still write, in fact I have a stories idea folder for when something occurs to me but I don’t have time to flesh it out, or when only the idea but no details comes to me. I’ve got three novels started in various stages, some awaiting time, some research, some I’m just blocked on. I love writing and story telling. The idea of attempting publication has always frightened me, but it’s never frightened me AWAY. Thanks to the blunt-force trauma of truth my parents gave me, being a published author is no longer my absolute dream. I found another–to open my own bakery and feed the world, one baked good at a time–but I still love it and enjoy it. If I ever get anything finished, I have every intention of trying to be published. So I guess you could say that I am eager and ready to meet the challenge–while the cookies are in the oven and the cake is cooling on the counter.
ouch! Definitely true, but harsh world that we live in. Too bad that our world is run by money. Without that, all of us could have the job we love.
Great post. I think it comes as a double shock for some people who pursue careers in the arts, whichever field it is, be it publishing, fine arts, graphic design etc., that it’s as much a business as any other. The bottom line is always about the money regardless of the amount of talent.
Good post Rachel. Can’t wait to read Alpha. I’m working my way towards the finish of my first novel and this was good to read. I have an idea bubbling for my next book and it’s totally different from this first one-it was good to see your thoughts on moving into something else when I get the first out “there”. I’d love to read Immortal.
Good post Rachel. While I’m a reader not a writer, these truths don’t really surprise me, writing is contrary to some people’s opinion a bloody hard job!!!!! Hope you feel better soon.
Wow, great information. It works kind of how I thought it did but seeing it in type makes it real. Thanks for the information and thanks for writing! It’s a tough business but readers are among the most appreciative audiences and we thank you for the joy you bring us!
Hey Rachel, not much of what you said is surprising, and some of it was common sense, but it was still really cool to get an inside look at the “sausage factory”. I’ve been hearing so much about your books that I finally just bought them, and can’t wait to start them. Congrats on having two such wonderful series that seem both to be doing so well. And congrats on the release of Immortal!
Happy Halloween and almost-Friday,
~bella
Wow! Amazing post. As a reader I feel i have gotten an education for how hard it is for authors. I couldn’t believe that an author could have a book in submission for a year and still be rejected. That blew my mind away.
Here is a question – What is considered good sales – aside from NYT bestselling novels – how many copies do publishers expect you to sell in order for them to justify contracting you?
Excellent post! I’ve always wondered about series–especially with regards to all of those that end with a cliffhanger of some kind. Are you as likely to end a first novel with a cliffhanger without knowing for sure about that second novel?
Rachel – thanks so much for this post. I have to say that it was a little scary reading your comments, but it’s nice to hear these (sometimes harsh) truths from someone who has been through it. As scary as the thought of trying to get published is, I’ll continue to work on my first novel because I love it – I love the characters, I love the story and – as you said – because it’s my dream to see *my* name, *my* work on a shelf in a bookstore. It may be an impossible dream, but I’ll have fun while I’m working toward gaining it.
Not surprised at all.
Hey Rachel! Good post because you were honest. I figured its not easy to become a published author but I guess I didnt know it was that hard. lol! I’m more of a reader and for fun I write poems:o) By the way I love your books!
Thanks!
Steph M
I completely admire any author, whether they are amatuer or professional. Many props to those who are able to complete any form of a book. And a big gracias to you all who have given me something wonderful to read and allowed me to slip away from reality for awhile.
Wow. That is a lot of work. My sister is in for a lot! She wants to be a writer someday soon. Trying to win this book for her.
Count me in!
Frightened, no. Frustrated, yes. Surprised, not really. I like to think I have at least a moderately realistic view of this industry (unlike when I was 16 and knew I’d be the female Stephen King, and publishers would be willing to hang themselves to print my books).
The book looks awesome. Sign me up, please?
thanks for the post, thanks for being honest..
I’m not entirely surprised on the one hand and on the other I’m both exited and a bit overwhelmed. There is just so much to consider but I’m not entirely put off by it. Its a challenge right? There is always the hard side to doing what you love and if you really love it then you will take the good with the bad.
Jess S.
Great post, though i am not surprised with the truths. Thanks for sharing the breakdown for the publishing world, and for writing. I heard a lot of great things about your shift series, and I already bought all four
, gonna start them soon.
I expected that, writing is a business so …..
Not surprised, scared or disheartened by the honest truth in your post Rachel thank you for sharing the cold hard with us. I am not a writer and do not aspire to be one, I do however consider it to be a “dream job” and so happy to hear with all the downsides that you still do also.
Hope you feel better soon and keep up the wonderful work you are doing and send us more to read as soon as you get it published….
Would really love a copy of “Immortal”, good luck to us all in the drawing……
Jackie in Central Texas
Thanks for a great post.
Awesome post Rachel!
The truth is always good. Very intereting read to say the least. I’m not a writer and probably never will be but I love that you told the way it really is.
Oh, and I’d love to win a copy of Immortal!!
Shelley D.
i am not surprised by any of these truths because writing is an art form and other arts (painting, music, etc.) have all of the same truths. you create what you create because you love to create it… it allows you to express a part of you that’s dying to be expressed. but just because you feel so strongly about it, doesn’t mean everyone else will, and so you create some more and try again. the moment art becomes commercial… creation for the sole purpose of monetary gain… it isn’t art and it isn’t truly yours (the creator). as always, rachel, thank you for your honesty and i look forward to more advice from you, the experienced, paid writer, to us, the beginning hopefuls.
Rachel,
That as great blog. I was not surprised by any of the truths. Good luck to all those that want to be published and to the ladies that are published, to cont, to be published…..Stacy