We live in such a strange time. On one hand, I think the "traditional" system is fundamentally broken (although I also believe there was never a "golden age"; this has always been an industry of broken dreams. It just has. Talent is not always rewarded, and mediocrity often is, and it's always been this way. I also think there are many MANY decent people in traditional publishing.) On the other hand, we live in an INCREDIBLE era where authors have more options than ever before. The problem is, they too require an incredible amount of work, and also luck, and I don't think this system rewards talent (and discourages mediocrity) than the traditional system.
I DO believe if you're truly talented with something unique and interesting to say, AND if you work your ass off, you CAN find some kind of ongoing success...eventually. But is it worth it? I. Just. Don't. Know. I really, really don't.
I agree with everything you said though. I love books, I love MY books, and I love the writing process. That's something.
Thanks for your reflection Brent! Personally, I feel like it has been worth it because it’s grown me. Sticking to my day job doesn’t provide me with quite the same opportunities for vulnerably and intentionally pursuing something that has real meaning and depth. I’ve just had to learn to look after myself during the process and be in the process rather than too outcome focused. It’s a wild ride!
I so enjoyed this look into your journey, Jodie. Thanks for letting us tag along.
I'm thinking I'm going to just dive in and self-publish. It has taken so long to write this novel.... I don't know if I want to sit and wait for all those rejection letters.
Instead... I think what matters to me, is to try and find people who will like my work. Maybe that's a small few. Maybe... just maybe what I write will help or be meaningful to those few... that would be an exciting start for me.
Don't get me wrong... I'd love to hit a massive homerun and become a best selling writer...
But maybe first priority for me will be to find / build a community around what I'm working to write.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences- it helps me lean more towards self-publishing. :)
Glad I can be of assistance Aaron! It’s good to get to a place of clarity around process even if there’s no clarity about outcome. The reality is that whether we trad or self publish, there’s no guarantee of either leading to massive sales and reach. So yes, we explore, pivot, and then proceed based on what feels right. Best of luck with your publishing ride!
We live in such a strange time. On one hand, I think the "traditional" system is fundamentally broken (although I also believe there was never a "golden age"; this has always been an industry of broken dreams. It just has. Talent is not always rewarded, and mediocrity often is, and it's always been this way. I also think there are many MANY decent people in traditional publishing.) On the other hand, we live in an INCREDIBLE era where authors have more options than ever before. The problem is, they too require an incredible amount of work, and also luck, and I don't think this system rewards talent (and discourages mediocrity) than the traditional system.
I DO believe if you're truly talented with something unique and interesting to say, AND if you work your ass off, you CAN find some kind of ongoing success...eventually. But is it worth it? I. Just. Don't. Know. I really, really don't.
I agree with everything you said though. I love books, I love MY books, and I love the writing process. That's something.
Thanks for your reflection Brent! Personally, I feel like it has been worth it because it’s grown me. Sticking to my day job doesn’t provide me with quite the same opportunities for vulnerably and intentionally pursuing something that has real meaning and depth. I’ve just had to learn to look after myself during the process and be in the process rather than too outcome focused. It’s a wild ride!
It is at that! And in the end, I have no regrets.
Me neither!
I so enjoyed this look into your journey, Jodie. Thanks for letting us tag along.
I'm thinking I'm going to just dive in and self-publish. It has taken so long to write this novel.... I don't know if I want to sit and wait for all those rejection letters.
Instead... I think what matters to me, is to try and find people who will like my work. Maybe that's a small few. Maybe... just maybe what I write will help or be meaningful to those few... that would be an exciting start for me.
Don't get me wrong... I'd love to hit a massive homerun and become a best selling writer...
But maybe first priority for me will be to find / build a community around what I'm working to write.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences- it helps me lean more towards self-publishing. :)
Glad I can be of assistance Aaron! It’s good to get to a place of clarity around process even if there’s no clarity about outcome. The reality is that whether we trad or self publish, there’s no guarantee of either leading to massive sales and reach. So yes, we explore, pivot, and then proceed based on what feels right. Best of luck with your publishing ride!
I haven’t gotten to Australia yet, but I SO UNDERSTAND THIS. 🫠
I feel like it's been a process of really clarifying what I want and valuing my work. Tough but important!