I spoke to the San Luis Obispo (CA) NightWriters earlier this week\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwhat a delight. I love visiting writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 groups. I always learn so much. <\/p>\n
You might say, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But, aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you the teacher? They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the ones who are supposed to learn.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I trust that all 30 members and guests took home with them numerous tidbits of information, some resources they can use and even a new way of looking at the world of writing and publishing. But I, too, picked up some new information and several ideas for future articles, talks and maybe even books. <\/p>\n
I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve learned over the years that every experience provides an educational opportunity for everyone involved. Ten years ago, SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) had three chapters in three different counties and each chapter met once a month. I attended all of the meetings for nearly five years (around 180 meetings) and I came away with something of value from each and every meeting. All of these years later, I continue to learn and gather resources from seasoned as well as newby writers at every writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 group meeting, conference, book festival and online forum that I visit.<\/p>\n
Not everyone can say this and do you know why? Some writers are unable to recognize useful information and accept new ideas if it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fit nicely within their self-imposed comfort zone. These people attend writers\/authors events focused on one thing. It may be, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I want someone to recommend a publisher and guarantee that he will publish my book.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I want to hear the easy version of how to get published.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I need someone to tell me how to sell 100,000 copies of my book this year.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d These authors bring their own agendas which have nothing to do with being open, seeking out wisdom or learning the reality of publishing. It has to do with ego and well-developed unrealistic expectations: These writers want to experience instant success without taking the time to learn the process. These are the same people who would cheat on tests because they believe it is more important to pass than to learn. <\/p>\n
I have to say that most of the authors and hopeful authors I meet every year are humble and eager to learn everything they need to know in order to succeed in the publishing world. Those others come in four categories. See if you recognize someone you know here or, horror of horrors, yourself. <\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tThe Unconventional Author. He has many preconceived ideas about the publishing industry and the process of publishing a book. And he will attempt to bypass the conventional procedure because HIS book is different. HIS book is special and so is he. He doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to study the publishing industry, become aware of his publishing choices or understand his responsibility as a published author. All he wants is for someone to tell him he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s on the right track and introduce him to the acquisitions editor at a major publishing house.<\/p>\n
You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll notice this gentleman asking the same questions at every event he attends in hopes of one day finally getting the answers he desires.<\/p>\n
I met this author stereotype at a book festival a few years ago. He wanted those of us who were womaning the SPAWN booth to tell him how to land a publisher for his novel. I spent some time with him\u00e2\u20ac\u201doffering up some suggestions. And he said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve had publishers express an interest in my manuscript, but they want me to cut it in half. Several large publishers tell me that they won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t publish manuscripts this long by new authors. But I refuse to cut the story. I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t, I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t, I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t!! So how can I find a publisher?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/p>\n
Can you believe this? Here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a guy who wants to be published, but not badly enough to actually do what is necessary to get published. He is certainly an unconventional author.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tThe Author in Denial. She has a well-developed mindset about the publishing options and opportunities that should be available to her. When she hears something that goes against her belief system, she covers her ears, closes her eyes and chants, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153La La La La.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She shows up at writing\/publishing-related events and she says she wants to learn. But even her body language counters this claim. She sits near the exit, her body actually leaning in that direction. This author is, in essence and in truth, facing away from reality.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tThe Conference Groupie\/Information Junky. She attends every conference and buys writing\/publishing books by the carload. But she can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seem to get it together. Every year, she comes up with different questions for the many presenters and workshop leaders she encounters, but she never acts on any of the responses. She has several book manuscripts, but has yet to complete any of them. She continually coerces other writers and editors into reading her work and then she spends months and sometimes years making the changes they suggest. When she finishes with the manuscript, she hands it to another editor and repeats the process.<\/p>\n
Is it lack of confidence that keeps her from finalizing her works? Or does she simply love the process and the attention?<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2\tThe Rigid Author. His mantra is, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tell me it ain\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t so.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d This man wants to change minds with his book. He has his mind made up about the way he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll write this book. He refuses to write a book proposal. He knows who his target audience is and he is hell bent on ramming his beliefs down their throats\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u0153for their own good.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d After doing it his way, he wonders why he can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sell his book. Now he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s attending publishing and marketing workshops and conferences. He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s joining writers groups and publishing organizations. Now he understands that he may have made some mistakes. Will he go out on a limb and rectify them or will he bow out of the publishing field quietly and quickly? Most Rigid Authors follow the latter route.<\/p>\n
I met a woman recently who asked me a question and when I attempted to respond, she said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, I know that. I have all of the books at home.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d But I have to wonder, has she read them? Has she really taken the information to heart (and head)? <\/p>\n
It certainly isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t necessary that we each follow the same model. We should explore and experiment. But, in order to achieve a measure of success as a published author, we must do our part. And a good way to start is to consider the reality of the established process. <\/p>\n
If you need information, facts, resources and lessons to guide you through the writing and publishing process, read, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> I spoke to the San Luis Obispo (CA) NightWriters earlier this week\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwhat a delight. I love visiting writers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 groups. I always learn so much. You might say, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But, aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you the teacher? They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the ones who are supposed to learn.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I trust that all 30 members and guests took home with them numerous tidbits of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nAnd check out the articles and resource pages at my site. I’ve added a bunch of new ones for your information and enjoyment. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"