I find the most interesting links on Twitter. Recently I was directed to a blog of a children’s book editor. The topic was on author dreams and how editor’s don’t hold those dreams in their hands; they hold your book, your product. You hold your dream…
One of the comments struck a cord with me. Basically, don’t complain about how hard the publishing industry is unless you’ve actually submitted something. Writing all day, every day is very different from writing and submitting your work.
Bottom line: You don’t write, you have nothing to submit. You don’t submit, people won’t publish you. Editors will not come knocking on your door asking for your manuscript.
So get out there. Do your research. Submit your work. Look for alternate avenues. Keep submitting.
You might also be interested in
- Quick Tip: Get Into Their Head
- Quick Tip: Know when you’re ready
- Quick Tip: Stop Reading, Start Writing
November 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Couldn’t agree more, Ally. I especially like the comment by the editor that she didn’t hold your dreams. She held your book. You hold your dreams. Very, very true. And empowering! That puts your dream back in your hands…where it belongs!
November 13th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Your dreams definitely belong in your hands. And I think it’s important to remember those dreams, but refine them as well. Let them grow and change. There’s a difference between dreams, goals, and your product (aka manuscript or script).