#Writing (& publishing) thoughts. 1. You can be agented, self-published, indie press unagented or indie press with - or potentially a hybrid. What’s right for YOU? 2. Remember that your experience with agency or publisher will not be exactly the same as anyone else’s: that’s fine

3. Remember it’s business too. It’s okay to ask clear questions & receive clear advice. You should be able to do this in any line of work (though I’m not naive about this). 4. When you look at a publisher you can approach without agent: really important point coming up...

...do your research: look at their authors & get a measure of whether there’s parity in terms of how they’re promoted or profiled. Of course there will be differences, but be careful: you & your work need to be valued. 5. Always look at multiple sources of advice. 6. Don’t be shy

...ask people with experience a question on twitter: if they don’t or can’t answer, you’ll soon know. Ask someone else. I’ve found this incredibly useful. 7. Back yourself. Naff I know, but this is where it all starts. 8. Find a mentor. Even for a couple of chats.

9. My summary thoughts on what an agent is: your cheerleader, confidante & business manager. 10. You are welcome, as I’ve said earlier this week, to dm for a chat or if you have questions. I have many positive things to share & tell. I will respond as soon as I’m able.

11. Rejection keeps coming, though perhaps in different forms. At submission stage, yes, but you may get books turned down after you’re first published, too. Your publisher may not want a second book or rights don’t sell or all sorts. Best approached cheerfully if possible.

12. Going out on a massive limb here, but take your time if you’re starting out and don’t leap at the first possibility for your book. It might be great, but cool off & check it out. 13. It is perfectly reasonably to ask someone what their plans might be for you once underway....

...you ought to be able to have open conversations for your morale & (as I said before) this is also commerce. I don’t mean be fussy or demanding, but ask to talk plans over. If no-one will have that conversation, consider your options: baby you’re not the last turkey in the shop

14. Apologies for previous typo. Write a list of things you want to do. Things you REALLY want to do. See how close you can get because why not? 15. It’s really hard sometimes, but I think...don’t get embittered because it stifles creativity & productivity. 16. Compare & despair

...everyone’s circumstances are different plus you don’t know the whole story. 17. A number of overnight successes occur after manuscripts stuffed in drawers for some years and drunk crying to your mates about how crap you are (see point 16). 18. Doing your book is also reading..

...thinking time in the bath, going for a walk & ruminating. There will be deadlines at some point but at all other times - especially when we are under intense stress - berate yourself less for being unproductive. 19. Writing every day. For some. For me, it’s wildly unrealistic.

20. Finally, aim to accrue a tribe of understanding people who also write and give them back in spades what they give to you. You can help each other &, importantly, giggle at anyone who’s been a right cockwomble to you, immediately reducing their impact.
How’s all that? X

21. Adding more. If you’re working with someone who tells you that you cannot succeed elsewhere (other than in association with them) that ought to be a BIG RED FLAG. 22. Related to other points: being treated as a hobbyist when you’re aiming for writing as a/one job? Hmmm

...maybe you’ve got a bit cocky, maybe you need to be realistic or maybe you need to realign things here & aim to be elsewhere. 23. You ALWAYS need an editor. 24. Firm belief: always & without exception read your work aloud if you can. You feel & see all kinds of things.

25. Even if it doesn’t seem that way, I’d wager that everyone writing and getting it published has had some crushing comments at some point and/or convinced themselves they were terrible.
Keep on keeping on x