First. I want to say that little has changed since landing a contract for my Carolina Slade series. No, it has no title yet. Well, it does have a title...the one I gave it...but the editors are changing that. And yes, you learn to give and take in the process. Those who bow up their backs and demand editors to respect their creative genius in lieu of making changes better pack up those egos and go home. They compromise or lose.
I'm cool with the suggested changes thus far. Wine instead of beer. Moving a love scene. But I'm told more is to come in terms of edits. Four or five more levels of edits. I'm excited about that. I adore editing. I'm masochistic that way. There's something about tweaking a chapter a little more that excites me, because it's almost always an improvement. I understand they will dominate my time when the time comes. Bring it, I say.
It took me almost two years to find an agent and 18 months to land a contract. Saying I've been patient is an understatement. But I'm rather proud of myself as a result. The book is better, because the entire time I kept writing, rewriting and editing. Heck, being patient that long makes me puff up and strut. Who's patient anymore?
But in terms of the physical book, I'm in limbo land right now. I'm writing book three. Two is in the editor's hands for an initial read. And I'm just keeping on...writing more stories. When they ask for more, I can pull it off the shelf and say, "here you go!"
But I've had internal changes, for want of a better word. In-my-gut feelings, good and not so good.
The Not-So-Good
I've realized that I still don't count in many circles because the book isn't out yet. Okay, I can see that. Actually had a writers group decline me as a speaker because they wanted authors with several books under their belt. Smack! I'm a first-timer who still hasn't paid her dues.
In some arenas, I'm welcomed. Congrats and all that. In others, I'm a newbie who doesn't know the ropes. For the Daphne du Maurier Awards year before last, I was one of three finalists in the mystery division, with this manuscript. In the hall, where everyone hob-nobbed and drank, I was giddy at the opportunity to speak with other authors. I was excited about "feeling the love" of my peers. My tag said Finalist. A little lady as wide as she was tall, asked about my work. When she realized I wasn't published yet, she literally said, "Oh," then smiled and walked away. Smack!
In a couple of occasions, those who are published have asked who my agent was or the name of my publisher. My agent isn't in New York and my publisher isn't one of the Big Six. I'm beyond pleased with my choices, who have proven to be great cheerleaders for me. Quality and established people, all of them. Credentials to die for. But some still compare. Makes me sad...for them. A social pecking order exists in all environments, I guess.
The Good
Many people who've traveled this road as long as I have are in awe that I found an agent and nabbed a traditional contract. I love the love. I've been able to let the tension out of my shoulders and write, knowing I have people on my team now who are aiding me in the process. I knew I could self-publish, and even sell a few books, but my goal was to be vetted and selected by a traditional publisher. I still pinch myself some days.
What's grander is that I've been welcomed into the arms of a group of writers in my shoes - first timers like me. We've connected on Twitter. We buy each others' books. We promote each other. I have an open invitation to pool side drinks and cake in Tucson, and another offer to meet at a Georgia conference. It's a camaraderie I'm so satisfied to have found.
The Lesson
Regardless of where I am as a writer, I'll face obstacles and accolades, deriding remarks and sweet support. Uncomfortable people and enjoyable people. The point is I have a series I'm darn proud of. The struggle has been rejuvenating, thrilling, life-altering. I've tackled a goal bigger than me, and in February 2012 when the book comes out, I can mark an item off my bucket list. I can choose to be tentative or empowered, and I choose to be ecstatic that I've come this far. And the higher I climb this ladder, the more rewards I see ahead.
Diligence is amazing, y'all. Stick with it.
9 comments:
People can be interesting... the pecking order always amuses me.
I love talking to authors.. published.. learning.. nearly there... love hanging out with my kind. x
You had me at drinks and cake in Tucson...
I am in awe of your success and progress, as well as other writers---published or not---who continue to plod forward on this writerly path.
If you come to St. Louis, I won't say, "Oh" and walk away. I promise.
I'm SO glad you are making Wednesdays about your writing journey. This post was exactly the boost I needed today! Thanks!
Personal growth is never easy but always satisfying when viewed with hindsite. My son is experiencing a negative work challenge and my words to him, "The only thing you may take away from this is that when it is your turn to lead you won't act THAT way. Witnessing poor behavior is the opportunity for us not to repeat it."
Congratluations on all your success, growth and perseverance. Blessings.
Pecking orders are ridiculous aren't they? The book is still the same as you have written regardless of if its published or not, and yet some won't validate any of that until it is. Quite shallow really.
Actually you are already very well known thanks to your great work here.
Title change huh? I don't know how I would feel about that. Ha ha. Well, it had better be good! That's a big ask!
Congratulations again and soon you will be able to mix in all those circles, but then, now that you know what they're like, you might have to wonder who is really worth talking to! Guess that's the price of fame.
You go girl!
ps love the pic for this post.
I loved this pic, too. It was so fitting. Yes, I hope I can recognize who cares and who really cares in the business. One has to be realistic in the business arena, but I'm a person who believes solidly, strongly, adamantly in respect. While being published is one measure for earning respect, it's a tiny piece of the whole person.
I WILL be buying your book.
In many ways, most industries are the same. While there is a level of satisfaction in reaching commercial success, always remember that at nearly every level, you are one step below the next level. I like Anthony's comment, "now that you know what they're like, you might have to wonder who is really worth talking to!"
Good Luck.
Keep on, Hope. We all know that all of those people who have books under their belt aren't necessarily good writers; they were just persistent. So, pooh-pooh on the rude ones. The really great writers listen to you and even give you a little help. Reminds me a little of grad school where you could find students who were more knowledgeable than the professors, if not better at explaining concepts.
Can't wait to see your book published (as I'm sure you can't wait, too).
Valerie Stasik
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