"You write because it’s who you are." This is spot on. I've had all that disappointment and rejection, and ultimately it's this idea that I come back to. It's not as if I'm going to stop writing, so I've adjusted the goal line for simplicity. Write to continue understanding myself, to know what hurts, what feels good, to find the scar tissue I never knew was there. This allows me to stop building temples around ideas and opens me up to the professional suggestions and feedback you've mentioned. Just when I think I've got a handle on who I am, I change or I fail or I grow, and suddenly there's an even deeper well from which to draw, one that can nourish the next story that might hit in way the previous ones haven't.
I know that feeling. Another substacker has put out a call for essays based on a Joan Didion book. I plan to do The Year of Magical Thinking. I've been waiting for the news of my mother's prognosis.
I figure by the time the essay deadline rolls around in October, my mother may be reaching hers, and somehow I'll write coherent sentences to form something meaningful. There's also the chance the well will overflow so rapidly I will be unable to draw out a single cohesive thought. I guess we'll know soon enough.
That's a painful road ahead. The beautiful thing about books is there's always someone like Joan Didion running the lighthouse when the waters run high.
I enjoyed reading this article. But, how does one overcome the hurdle of not being able to afford a writer's conference??
I've been sending Query Letters and contacting high profile published writers of the same genre. I've even tried podcasters. Now I am going to publish on Substack.
Any other suggestions?
I publish a Substack "Welcome to Paradise": How a retired couple adjusts to living in Costa Rica.
New Substack is "Dreams Denied": How a couple survives an all out attack by the Justice Department.
EmaLee that is an excellent question. I do mention if you don't want to travel to a conference -- and you are absolutely correct, conferences can be/are very costly to attend - there are online options -- but PLEASE stay to the reputatble programs.
For example, I've done a few on-line pitches with Writers Digest. There was one hosted on Twitter called Pitchdark (not sure if they still call it that) which I've participated in, and I believe it's free. Look into WDW - Writing Day Workshop. They do in person and on-line; there is a small fee. I did a bunch of those.
The other important thing is to be sure your query letter is solid if you're querying agents and/or editors. I think publishing on Substack is a good move. If your book is based on being retired in Costa Rica -- which I think is a huge win for you, congrats -- take a look at the market for that. I checked out a few books on the subject (I too wanted to move there) and most of them are self-published.
It's interesting that you say you were thinking about moving here. I have been writing weekly for a year. It occurred to me I may have the makings of a book. If you have the time and desire, check out the posts and let me know what you think 🤔.
This is very helpful. Of course, it goes both ways. If we authors, an illustrators did not pitch you, you would have no business. Perhaps we all deserve one another.
Myron, no doubt. That's what writers and agents are, a team. It's a matter of finding the right team combination. It's that potential that keeps me going back to the events.
What a thorough list, thanks so much for putting this together! I have bookmarked it and will be coming back to it in the months (probably years?) to come.
I question the whole unsolicited query thing. It doesn't make sense. What agent deliberately shovels through a mountain of amateurish writing? By contrast, any professional writer will have an abundance of work readily available on the internet. If there's anything going on, it will show. Let the agents come to us.
It doesn't really work that way. If you published a piece in a prestigious publication that becomes a viral sensation or a piece that looks like it can become a book, you might have an agent contact you.
But I've had to pitch to get my book and script agents.
By and large, agents are looking for marketable projects more than writers. Having an abundance of writing on the internet doesn't mean you have a saleable book idea.
Joe, true. If you go viral, especially more than once, agents and publishers may come calling especially if the writer has a huge following to boot. Most people aren't going to break the internet. So pitching is unfortunately a necessary evil in most cases.
Agents are looking for marketable projects made up of strong writing and hopefully the author has a few more up their sleeve. I personally look at the writing and the book that I'd like to see out there -- unfortunately, the editors have to look at their bottom line and the marketing prowess of the writer is often a major factor for them.
Agents look at submissions, we don't know the level of writing until we do. It's up to the writer to know if they're ready for this level. Unfortunaltey, like waiting for an agent to find you, it's an imperfect system, and can take a long time to find someone that fits.
"You write because it’s who you are." This is spot on. I've had all that disappointment and rejection, and ultimately it's this idea that I come back to. It's not as if I'm going to stop writing, so I've adjusted the goal line for simplicity. Write to continue understanding myself, to know what hurts, what feels good, to find the scar tissue I never knew was there. This allows me to stop building temples around ideas and opens me up to the professional suggestions and feedback you've mentioned. Just when I think I've got a handle on who I am, I change or I fail or I grow, and suddenly there's an even deeper well from which to draw, one that can nourish the next story that might hit in way the previous ones haven't.
I know that feeling. Another substacker has put out a call for essays based on a Joan Didion book. I plan to do The Year of Magical Thinking. I've been waiting for the news of my mother's prognosis.
I figure by the time the essay deadline rolls around in October, my mother may be reaching hers, and somehow I'll write coherent sentences to form something meaningful. There's also the chance the well will overflow so rapidly I will be unable to draw out a single cohesive thought. I guess we'll know soon enough.
That's a painful road ahead. The beautiful thing about books is there's always someone like Joan Didion running the lighthouse when the waters run high.
Renee,
I enjoyed reading this article. But, how does one overcome the hurdle of not being able to afford a writer's conference??
I've been sending Query Letters and contacting high profile published writers of the same genre. I've even tried podcasters. Now I am going to publish on Substack.
Any other suggestions?
I publish a Substack "Welcome to Paradise": How a retired couple adjusts to living in Costa Rica.
New Substack is "Dreams Denied": How a couple survives an all out attack by the Justice Department.
EmaLee that is an excellent question. I do mention if you don't want to travel to a conference -- and you are absolutely correct, conferences can be/are very costly to attend - there are online options -- but PLEASE stay to the reputatble programs.
For example, I've done a few on-line pitches with Writers Digest. There was one hosted on Twitter called Pitchdark (not sure if they still call it that) which I've participated in, and I believe it's free. Look into WDW - Writing Day Workshop. They do in person and on-line; there is a small fee. I did a bunch of those.
The other important thing is to be sure your query letter is solid if you're querying agents and/or editors. I think publishing on Substack is a good move. If your book is based on being retired in Costa Rica -- which I think is a huge win for you, congrats -- take a look at the market for that. I checked out a few books on the subject (I too wanted to move there) and most of them are self-published.
It's interesting that you say you were thinking about moving here. I have been writing weekly for a year. It occurred to me I may have the makings of a book. If you have the time and desire, check out the posts and let me know what you think 🤔.
What's this Dreams Denied thing? Where can I read it?
This is SO helpful, Renee. I really appreciate all the work you put into it.
Happy to help.
Great advice as always. One to keep on hand for reference.
Incredibly great resources, Renee
Thanks, Ernie. Hopefully people will add anything I forgot.
This is very helpful. Of course, it goes both ways. If we authors, an illustrators did not pitch you, you would have no business. Perhaps we all deserve one another.
Myron, no doubt. That's what writers and agents are, a team. It's a matter of finding the right team combination. It's that potential that keeps me going back to the events.
What a thorough list, thanks so much for putting this together! I have bookmarked it and will be coming back to it in the months (probably years?) to come.
Hope it helps you connect to someone great, when the time is right, Noor.
Thank you for sharing your perspective Renee! These resources and your actionable advice is much appreciated.
Thank you Mary Lynn. :)
I question the whole unsolicited query thing. It doesn't make sense. What agent deliberately shovels through a mountain of amateurish writing? By contrast, any professional writer will have an abundance of work readily available on the internet. If there's anything going on, it will show. Let the agents come to us.
It doesn't really work that way. If you published a piece in a prestigious publication that becomes a viral sensation or a piece that looks like it can become a book, you might have an agent contact you.
But I've had to pitch to get my book and script agents.
By and large, agents are looking for marketable projects more than writers. Having an abundance of writing on the internet doesn't mean you have a saleable book idea.
Joe, true. If you go viral, especially more than once, agents and publishers may come calling especially if the writer has a huge following to boot. Most people aren't going to break the internet. So pitching is unfortunately a necessary evil in most cases.
Agents are looking for marketable projects made up of strong writing and hopefully the author has a few more up their sleeve. I personally look at the writing and the book that I'd like to see out there -- unfortunately, the editors have to look at their bottom line and the marketing prowess of the writer is often a major factor for them.
Agents look at submissions, we don't know the level of writing until we do. It's up to the writer to know if they're ready for this level. Unfortunaltey, like waiting for an agent to find you, it's an imperfect system, and can take a long time to find someone that fits.
My system is a perfect one. Just kiddin Renee I'll defer to the experts : )
Your system is a valid additional avenue. What ever works :)