There certainly is no shortage of publishing advice. Everyone who has ever produced a book has an opinion and most are willing to share it.
I maintain that each of us—from the first time author to the prolific author of many books has had different experiences that can be of value to others. That’s why networking with other authors at all stages of the process is important.
An author who is working on his first novel may have discovered a great blog site with writing prompts that is helping him stay focused on his project. Not everyone is going to need this sort of inspiration, but some certainly do. Even with my many years of experience and constant contact with the world of publishing, I might not be aware of this useful blog site and would not have this information for my clients.
A writers’ club member who has yet to write anything might have a lead on a publisher for an author who could use the information or they may have had a good or bad experience with a writing coach that is worth talking about.
The point of this post today is to remind you that you never know where the information you need is going to come from. This is what I suggest:
• Join organizations and groups that have a networking element and participate.
• Keep an open mind and don’t discount anything without considering it or investigating it.
• Subscribe to some of the most highly recommended newsletters and e-newsletters and read them faithfully.
Now there will come a time when an author must make choices—whether or not to hire an editor, who it will be, which publishing option to choose, how to promote his or her book and so forth. Again, it is wise to listen to others who may have information you haven’t located, yet. But also remember that every author’s experience is different. Each of us has a different agenda, different goals and very different ways of approaching our projects. So we must carefully sort through the advice and recommendations that come our way.
What is right for one author might definitely be wrong for another. So, while it is wise to keep an open mind and be alert to good information and resources, it is also to your benefit to make choices based on your own publishing goals.
The process of publishing is heavily based on choices. Which is why it is so important that, before diving in and making commitments, you must do your own serious study so you know which choices are best for you and for your project.
Yes, listen to your peers—those interested in or involved in the publishing arena, but also tap into the wisdom and experience of those who have been successful in this business for a time.
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