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The Benefits of Selling Later in Your Career When I began writing, I remember sending out my first partial, smiling, telling everyone the manuscript’s title, and that my book was going to sell. Then, I remember months later, receiving the rejection letter. I was devastated. How could they not want the book of my heart? And the rejection letter, Dear Author . . ., it could have been written to anyone! Over the years I discovered that I had a deft skill for acquiring rejections. I remember one day my oldest son, now in the Marine Corps, carrying in a manila envelope saying, “Hey, Mom, you received another rejection.” *Smile* Gotta love kids. After 100 rejections, I quit counting. I decided I knew how to acquire a rejection. Throughout the years, through ever frustration and doubt, I never gave up. Not only is it important to never give up, but it’s essential for you to RECOGNIZE that with each passing year, you’re growing stronger in the craft, plus, you’re connecting with fellow authors and industry professionals, which = networking. Once you sell, your experience and contacts will prove invaluable. I never realized until looking back, the benefits of selling later in my writing career. I feel passionate about this topic because I wish someone would have sat me down and said, “That you write is well and good, but let’s say you sold, what’s your plan?” Plan? Why to write of course. It’s critical that after we sell that we keep on writing, but it’s also important to build a reader readership. In all honestly, unless you sell a book through a high visibility venue, like the American Title Contest, the hard reality is that few people will know who you are, much less buy your book. So, if you’re a new writer, don’t fret about rejections, they’re a part of writers life, but plan for the day when you sell. Use your time accrued to your benefit. Your success is no accident. I find it interesting that my quote for today is: This is so true. The choices you make create the paths you take. What is your exact goal? Define it. Plan to not only make it, but make it a success. So, what can you do? My take: A Website *A note: Check out other authors sites. What do you love? What doesn’t connect for you. Make a list of your favorite features and incorporate them into your website. If you’re going to blog, great, but stagnant blogs attract nada. A Brand Business Cards Bookmarks Other on-line venues Conferences Marketing After nine years of writing, I sold. I found that in addition to writing an intense, multi-layer story, came the challenge of fitting in time to do promotion. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. This is where preparing early in your career for success comes into play. Your well-planned foundation won’t add time onto your day, but it will give you a significant edge to help your career take off. As I look back, I’m thankful I didn’t sell early on in my career. After nine years, I thought I was ready; in essence, I was clueless. The years accrued gave me time to strengthen my writing, meet industry professionals, and to make friends who were a not only a bedrock in the enormous transition of becoming published, but who are truly a blessing in my life. So, next time you receive a rejection letter, set it aside, and focus on building your career,. Last, always believe in yourself! |
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Updated May 6, 2009 |
