I once knew a man who believed he was a year away from placing a book on The New York Times best–seller list. “I find that I don’t have to do much revision,” he said confidently. “One draft is usually enough.” He was a rather extreme example of the grandiosity that can accompany creative pursuits. He hadn’t yet learned the truths of writing and the publishing industry.
In some ways, his naivete was understandable. History is written by the winners. For every ninety-nine writers toiling away in obscurity, there is an improbable success story. I once took a creative writing class with a woman who was writing a series set in Paris. It is now on best-seller lists. I can think of three people in my extended social network who matched her record, including one who has a Netflix movie based on her book. I’ve known dozens of other writers with more unenviable degrees of success.
There is no standard. I’ve known modestly talented writers who were traditionally published and gifted ones who weren’t. While it is true that there is a huge market for fluff, writing it does not guarantee publication. As an editor friend once told me, “I reject as many marketable projects as I do works of literary fiction.”
I have completed two full-length fiction novels. The first was read by four literary agents. While there were things they liked about my project, they all ultimately passed. Getting those rejections was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. No emotional pain has ever been worse.
When I recently launched my second work of fiction, I decided to forgo the traditional route entirely. This was partly because of industry changes (independent publishing is now 27% of the marketplace) and partly due to my experiences last time.
My decision was also due to a change in me. At some point in this process, I have learned that writing is its own reward. Completing a character’s story is even more satisfying than finding readers who connect with it.
Finishing is hard work. Each draft takes everything out of me. I know that I am finished when there is absolutely nothing more I can do with the story.
I don’t know why so many people are born with the desire to write fiction. I am one of legions who got beyond the dreaming stage. If you feel that pull, I highly recommend doing everything you can to pursue it. Just know that the rewards are often unexpected.
Books Smitten 