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This is the first in a series of threads in which I:
a) share some thoughts, advice and tips for writers from the perspective of a publisher
and
b) plug my new book
a) share some thoughts, advice and tips for writers from the perspective of a publisher
and
b) plug my new book
Today I want to talk about the role of patience in the life of an unpublished writer, especially those in search of an agent or publisher.
Let's start with an extreme example. I make most of my living by editing manuscripts for private clients, people who want a professional to work on their manuscript before they submit it to agents, or publish themselves. But I turn down more jobs than I take on, and here's why…
...The majority of manuscripts I receive are still in very early draft form, and I frequently get approached by authors who have only just finished a FIRST draft and want it edited.
Unless their request is 'I just want you to read it and tell me if I am barking up the wrong tree' then I politely decline with a few words about the need for rewriting and further drafts before getting an editor on board, let alone submitting.
And I am sure all of my agent friends will report that they receive loads of submissions that are nowhere near ready to submit.
So why do authors do this?
So why do authors do this?
I think it is quite simple. Much of the time it is down to impatience, or what we might, more kindly, call over-enthusiasm. They have typed THE END and now want to get cracking with the next stage.
However, the next stage should really be rewriting, redrafting, revising the text – not submitting it to agents.
Patience will prove to be a very helpful virtue throughout your life as an author, so you might as well start now.
Patience will prove to be a very helpful virtue throughout your life as an author, so you might as well start now.
A question I get asked a lot at talks and workshops is 'How do I know when my book is ready?' And it is a perfectly reasonable question. If only there were a reasonable answer.
I tend to reply with: 'When you are convinced you cannot make it any better.'
I tend to reply with: 'When you are convinced you cannot make it any better.'
If you think there are issues with the plot, or characters, or dialogue, if there are some bits that really niggle at you, it may mean you need to go back and work on them, even if that fills you with dread.
You will never be entirely happy with it, of course, but that is not quite the same thing.
If in doubt, you can always pay someone like me to give it a read, but that is not essential.
But back to patience...
If in doubt, you can always pay someone like me to give it a read, but that is not essential.
But back to patience...
Once your manuscript is ready, it may take you months, even years, to find an agent. If, indeed, you find one at all.
And it can take an agent months to find you a publisher, although there is no guarantee they will.
And it can take an agent months to find you a publisher, although there is no guarantee they will.
Let's say you do find an agent and they find a great home for your book with a fantastic publisher. If you sign a contract today, chances are your book won't hit bookshelves till 2022. It might be 2021, but that would be a push.
So, as you can see, patience is important at every stage of the writing and publishing process. I talk about this, and many other truths about the book world, in Tips from a Publisher. Feel free to bother your local bookshop for a copy. http://eye-books.com/books/tips-from-a-publisher
I am always happy to answer questions about any of the topics I tweet about, or publishing in general. So feel free to fire away and I'll reply when I get a chance.
Cheers.
Cheers.
