The Writing Life: Published?
Thoughts from Curt Iles I’ve made a new friend via the Internet, Doug from Canada. He had several questions on self-publishing and perseverance. Here are some of my thoughts. On Rejection: Rejection is the badge of honor of any writer working hard to be published. In spite of the success God has blessed me with (sales of over 20,000 cumulative on 7 books) I’ve dealt closely with rejection. There is a saying in publishing: “All you need is one more submission than rejection.” On learning more about the publishing world: One book I’d recommend is Sally Stuart’s annual book, The Christian Writer’s Market Guide. It shares about the great opportunities out there. I am currently reading a book on self publishing companies entitled Top Self Publishing Firms by Stacie Vander Pol. It explores the pros and cons of the best self-publishing/POD (“Print on Demand”) companies such as Outskirts, iUniverse, LuLu.com, Authorhouse. What about submission services like “WritersEdgeServices.com?” I’ve submitted two books to Writer’s Edge. One was rejected (The Mockingbird’s Song) and it has been my most fulfilling book. The second one was accepted (The Wayfaring Stranger my first novel) but I never received “a bite” except from an African publisher. On getting your foot in the door: My advice from my vantage point is to look for an agent. Most publishers only work with a reputable agent. Stuart’s book will list many agents. Check references and find agents who have satisfied clients. My agent is Terry Burns of Hartline Agency. Having a platform Because I have an active speaking platform (0ver 100 events per year) and have built a strong reader base (2500 solid mailing addresses and 1200 email contacts) I’ve had success with self-publishing. However, it is not for the faint of heart as you are putting your own money on the line. Can you tell me about the pros and cons of self-publishing? Yes. Pros of self-publication: control of product, reward, satisfaction. Cons: Risk of having a closet full of unsold books. No one can produce a book as good as the pros. Constant need for marketing, speaking, and promotion . Another con of self-publishing is distribution. Most of the chains do not deal with independently published books. Therefore it is difficult to reach beyond a regional audience. Also, if I do decide to pursue self-publishing, do you have a preferred self-publishing service that you would recommend? See the books I mentioned. Also google the Jenkins Book Group website and look at their IPPY awards. (These are for self-pub books.) Look at the publishers that show up over and over. They’re the best. A parting shot Go for your dreams as God leads. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. There are two kinds of writers: Both have been rejected countless times. The first type gives up out of disappointment and frustration. The second type, the kind you and I want to be, gets back up after rejection and keeps writing, submitting, and never quits doing what he/she feels called to do. I firmly believe many writers in the first group are as talented, if not more so, than the latter. The only difference is the traits of resolve and persistence. Resolved, Curt Iles
The Writing Life: Inspiration
At The Old House my “writing room” guarded by my writing assistant Ivory. I’m a member of a wonderful writing group called “Ripplers.” We have a weekly discussion topic. This week’s topic is “finding inspiration to write.” There are several ideas I have. As always, your comments and ideas are welcome. Writing Inspiration Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working. -Picasso Don’t we all struggle with inspiration and “putting our seat in the seat and writing?” Even though I “write full time” it is a daily struggle for me also. I constantly juggle the tension of “fresh writing” with marketing/promotion/speaking which help allow me to write for a living. I’m just thankful for the privilege and joy of writing. It is hard work but makes me feel most alive. Here are three things I try to do: 1. Use a writing calendar. On my desk calendar, Outlook calendar, and journal, I sketch out story ideas and goals. Emmett Smith (former NFL star) said, “If it’s in your head, it’s just a dream. When you write it down, it becomes a goal.” Good advice for any endeavor. 2. Have a secluded place(s) dedicated for writing that has limited interruptions. (My “greatest interrupter” is named Curt Iles and the many distractions he can see.) My best writing place is our old family (“The Old House”) log cabin in the woods near my home. There are no luxuries, phone, it’s at the end of a dead road, and my “Dry Creek paper shredder” (the fireplace) works great. There’s something about tossing old pages into a fire that is very fulfilling. I’m sure some psychologist would like to study this habit of mine. We each need various “old house” types of places to write. They must be created or found. 3. On my windows Desktop I use the feature called “Briefcase.” It is my “fresh writing” folder where I go to review what short writing I’m working on. Next to it on the Desktop is my folder “Maternity Ward.” It’s where I keep the current book projects. I use silly names but they remind me what I’m doing. Thanks for allowing me to share about this subject every writer, at every stage, struggles with. Curt Iles “Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.” -Zig Ziglar To receive our weekly blog, e-mail curt@creekbank.net and reply in subject line: “send blog”
