Once again, I'm sending a shout-out to my Operation Awesome buddy, Michelle. She's invited me to join a super awesome blog chain, and today's my first post!
The lovely Sandra chose the topic for this round:
Have the recent changes in the publishing industry affected your writing plans/career? If so, how?
Very short answer: No.
Slightly longer and possibly incoherent answer: Ever since I started writing YA, I've always dreamed of the same thing--seeing my book on shelves. With the booming ebook industry, those shelves are different for a ton of authors. These are people who have taken charge of their careers in every sense of the word. They have the passion/drive/focus it takes to design and market a product. Sometimes it's hard to remember that writing is a business, after all. To me, e-pubbed authors know that very well, and are doing an excellent job of exploring both the creative and commercial aspects.
Me? I am a huge fan of change.
But self-publishing isn't for me.
I have a very strong feeling I'll always write. YA fiction, for the most part. It's what makes me happy. While it would be super amazing to have a book of mine out in the world, I don't think I'd be that heartbroken if it doesn't happen (but ask me again in ten years... *winks*).
We all know the weird truth: not every awesome writer gets published. The traditional route sometimes excludes amazing storytellers. Sucks, but what can you do? Well, if you're like me, being in charge of your career in such an absolute way terrifies you. I honestly feel like I might topple over and faint. Or worse, sell a really crappy book, unlike some of my Operation Awesome friends, who are self-pubbed with really kickass stories.
Here's my plan: 1) finish WIP; 2) revise x100000; 3) query agents.
That's as far as I have control of my career. Whatever happens after that isn't entirely up to me.
And for some reason, I'm okay with that.
Thanks to Michelle and the gang for letting me join in on the fun! You can see Abby's post on the subject here, and check out Christine's blog when she posts on a brand new topic tomorrow!
Dude! LOVE your plan. I have the same one, basically. Good luck with everything
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly the same way. Self-publishing seems way more scary than traditional. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog chain!
ReplyDeleteSelf-publishing isn't for everyone; you have to follow the path that works for you. Good luck with your writing endeavors!
Yes! You, me, same. Even if it takes ten years, I'd rather have that traditional publishing network behind me. I don't have the extra-curricular skills self-publishing takes... though I guess I could acquire them if properly motivated (like traditional publishing completely breaking down). *shudders* All we can do is make our own plans and stick to them. Kudos for yours!
ReplyDeleteYay! Your thoughts on this are very level-headed and awesome.
ReplyDeleteGreat plan! I'm keeping my fingers crossed on your behalf. Would love to see a book of yours on my bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog chain! You've taken a realistic (awesome) point of view about your publishing career. That's what really matters.
ReplyDeleteawesome plan :D And welcome to the chain!!!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has done both self-publishing and traditional publishing, I can promise you there are challenges to both routes. For certain, the traditionally published author gets more respect from everyone -- not because there aren't awesome and very professional self-pubbed authors out there (because there are!) but because there is also, sadly, a sea of writers who used that method as "a short cut" and put out books that were not yet ready to be published. Those "premature" books tend to obscure the quality ones unless you how to find them.
ReplyDeleteKnowing where you are along your path and being okay with it is a great place to be. I like that you're realistic, which is tons better than being overly optimistic. Nothing wrong with believing in yourself as long as you understand the world you're working in. Great post!
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