Happy May, writers! Join us for the Insecure Writers Support Group started by Alex Cavanaugh.
Hey, amazing co-hosts for the May 7 posting of the IWSG: Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn,Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia. We appreciate you!
May 7 question – Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them?
To decrease the intensity of our fears, it’s important to talk about them and examine their likelihood. But I had to think about this question for a while. At first I thought I that I had no fears in writing since it’s a side hobby to my day job. As I delved deeper, though, I unmasked my biggest fear…
Rejection from traditional publishers.
I was fortunate to sign with a small publisher (Omnific) to edit and release my first four novels. Then I ventured out on my own to self-publish the next five books. I’ll likely self-publish my work in progress, Low Water. There are some advantages to self-publishing, including speed and creative control. I also have a wonderful editor and book designer to polish the manuscript.
But it would be way cool to sign with an agent and submit to traditional publishing houses. With the flood of self-published novels out there, a larger publisher has the potential to bring more attention to my little novel. I tell myself I don’t have enough patience for the Big Five route, which is true, and I also don’t have a clue for how to land an agent. But the more salient hurdle is fear. What if I put all that effort in, and I get rejected? I hear rejection is quite likely on the trad pub path. I know I could handle the rejection (I’ve handled worse in my life), but I doubt I’ll risk it.
Another fear I have is not improving. I started writing on a lark, and there was so much I didn’t know upon the release of my debut novel. I want to keep learning and growing as a writer, and it would be disappointing if I remained stagnant or got worse.
Novel in Progress Update: Low Water 50,000 / ~85,000 words
Jennifer Lane Books 
It’s okay if you don’t want to go through the grueling rejections in trying to find an agent. It’s not a pleasant experience, and you don’t have to want to do it. If you do want to try, just go for it, knowing you can publish your books like you are now if it doesn’t work. But it can take years to get your book published traditionally. I know that from all my author interviews.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have expertise in this area for sure, Natalie, from interviewing so many authors and agents on your blog. Thank you!
LikeLike
I never wanted to go through the struggle of finding an agent because I know that even if I did, they still might never sell my book. If you are more comfortable self-publishing and going with a small publisher stick with that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the validation, Alex. That would be a buzzkill to do all the work with little payoff.
LikeLike
To keep learning… – Definitely..
Thanks also for Alex – a reminder that the traditional route doesn’t guarantee success, they still might never sell your book…
How did a book ‘ By A Lady’ and no cover design at all manage to work so well ?
Maybe that notorious pre-order. ?
Networking, but not quite as we know it,.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pre-order is a good idea, especially as part of a larger marketing plan. I fall short in putting out all the effort needed to market my books more successfully, but I do enjoy the writing aspect.
LikeLike
We should always strive to improve our writing, our marketing skills, and everything else related to this career. I’m currently part of a book club hosted by author Leslye Penelope where we read and discuss (live on Zoom) writing craft books once a quarter (next discussion is June). I’ve learned so much from the first meeting than I did just reading the book and I’m sure I’ll learn more this time, too.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day A Refresher on Book Marketing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can tell how you are into learning and applying new skills, Ronel. You are inspiring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks!
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer; I’m so happy you’re writing more books. They are wonderful. When I started to give up control, slip into a meditative state, I felt my writing improved. Lately, I’m satisfied with enjoying whatever I happen to be doing. Writing, or reading a Jennifer Lane book. Wishing you continued success, Jen. Blessings
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks Judy! Letting go of control is important to achieve our best writing, I agree. Are you familiar with the mindfulness concept of non-striving? I really like that one, and it would be a good skill to practice with my WIP.
LikeLike
You mentioned the mindfulness technique of non striving. Please let me know a bit more about that. “) Judy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Judy! Non-striving is an attitude of mindfulness where we let go of striving for an outcome and instead allow what is. If we are feeling anxious, pressured, worried, then we are likely striving for a result. Non striving is noticing the present moment nonjudgmentally. Here is one reading https://www.jimsquire.org/blogs/blog/1044087-what-is-non-striving- Jon Kabat-Zinn explains it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye3xwfECuYc
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennifer. The non striving practice sounds much like Eckhart Tolle’s practice of shutting off the mind’s chatter which almost always does more harm than good to our mental health. I enjoy listening to his guidance on his you tube mini lectures. I’m almost 80 and find I have less time for writing making everything else a higher priority. At this time, I’m waiting for my reviewers to comment on my manuscript before I submit it to Amazon. And I’ve become overwhelmed with the current politics and preparing to be evacuated if one of the dozens of fires get close. I’m usually good at meditation and enjoy to simple ‘be’. I know I should shut off the TV or watch less news. I thank you for the good advice, wise one :).
LikeLike
Maybe it’s not fear so much as you’re not ready. To learn how to do any of those things, is just an internet search away. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
LikeLike
Interesting perspective. I think I am indeed not ready for the change of trying traditional publishing because the self-publishing option is pretty awesome, in my opinion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being traditionally published is definitely a daunting task. I think I’d be afraid to try. But you can still accomplish so much using other routes like you have.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, Sarah–thanks for the encouragement. 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t think I want to be published by a big publisher. I had my first three novels published by a small publisher, and it was an invaluable learning experience, but if I ever publish anything else, it would be as an indie. I really want that creative control.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creative control is so valuable, I agree, Olga. Sounds like we share a similar publishing history.
LikeLike
I know so little. It’s hard to imagine not getting better, but I suppose it could happen. I’m connected with at least five sources of good instruction. We just had a discussion that there should be a 1:5 ratio of learning to practice. I’m not getting the practice in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m intrigued by the 1:5 ratio of learning to practice, Laer. Will you tell me more?
LikeLike
Jessica Body of Save the Cat Writes a Novel and the Writing Mastery Academy has a weekly podcast. The topic a week or so ago was about the ratio of learning to practice. She recommended for every hour of watching webinars and classes, we should spend five hours actually writing. After we listen to the podcast we are invited to come back to the online community and discuss.
Let me know if you want to discuss this further.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for that explanation, Laer–I like that concept.
LikeLike
Years ago, I did acquire an agent. 2 of my books went out on submission, and neither sold. That’s that. It’s a long story of rejections, which hurts. I have grown a skin of armor. I now self-publish and love the control I have with each book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing that painful venture, Cathrina. This support group is validating my self-pub choice!
LikeLike
Unless it’s a story for an anthology, I self-publish. I don’t have the patience for dealing with trad publishers. They take all the joy out of writing, at least for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, too, am hella impatient, Cara!
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for co-hosting the May 7the IWSG and for visiting my blog. I can’t tell you how much hope your blogpost has given me. I often wondered whether I’m the only one to feel great impatience with the Big Five and the whole lengthy process of finding an agent and then a publisher with all the pitfalls along the way. What a great attitude you have – self publishing does sound like the way to go. I think I’ll spend money on a good editor and cover designer and go ahead. Cheers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Kalpana, I do love the creative freedom and faster pace of self-publishing, though it is tough to spread the word about your book in a glutted market. I hope it works well for you! I love my editor, Jessica Royer Ocken.
LikeLike