Publishing in My Mind
Dear Traditional Publishers:
I am writing to tell you that at this point I’ve tried and tried to get something going with writing and this blog in particular. I’ve followed all the rules and did all the work and what do I have to show for it? Nothing. Publishing Sucks.
Publishing should be at least challenging and fun, and frankly, right now it’s not. I have too much caffeine running in my veins. I am overworked, and running fast out of time to get anything done.
I have in the big picture no one who seem to care about any thing I write or want to publish. I simply get letters of rejection and snide comments from people who should know better. I think I am going in the wrong publishing direction.
Publishers, I do want to get a book or even several out, published and in bookstores, but that looks and seems so far away. If I cannot get friends to come and read this blog, on a regular basis, why should I think that I would be allowed to get a publishing contract with you?
Publishing books is hard enough. The fact that no traditional publisher cares is worse. I simply need to chat with any of my close friends to know that writing isn’t something that they do. Even if it was they certainly won’t read anything I’ve written this much is clear.
I should sit down in front of the Television and waste my life there until I become a fat slob eating nothing but junk food. I can’t and won’t do that insanity, and yet I can’t convince myself that publishing doesn’t suck… at this point at least.
Or do they? You are, right, or you’ve scrolled too far, which one is it?
Other writers slave away like me some days never believing that their dreams could become a reality. Maybe I am thinking of publishing too small. They do it with just as much time as I have and for this I should care. I do about them.
Yet, we never consider ourselves better, especially when there is little support. I’ve heard way to many times when you’re done this “thing” will we get a break. My answer no.
Publishers, do you understand what every writer who really wants their work out needs to go through? I suspect you do, but I’m not talking about the bottom line, I do not understand that, I simply understand writing with passion, something which I am running out of.
I want my book published.
Still I can say one thing, this blog is my version of online publishing, and I am a writer. Something that I can say proudly, I am still a writer.
Rebecca Emrich
Living A Life of Writing
7 Comments
brittany michelle
I must say, you do inspire me with everything you post on this blog. I really am amazed at the way you embrace yourself as a writer, the way you breathe it and work hard for every breath. Keep it up, writer. Keep hitting that publish button for your blog posts.
Alissa
I think self doubt and frustration plague every writer, even the hugely successful ones. It's just something in our nature as writers. Writers, unfortunately, have to take beating after beating, but even when we are battered, must get back on our feet and back out into the ring swinging. Keep at it, and no that you are in good company.
Al
Publishing does suck!
But hey, the writing is good anyway!
Christy Pinheiro, EA ABA
Ha! Now you know what it's really like, eh? Towards the end of the manuscript, we all get a little crazy. Trust me. It gets worse. But just wait until you have the book in your hand with a barcode on the back and then see your listing on Amazon. It's better than any drug or drink.
You'll get there. You're still scaling the mountain. Plus you have kids. That makes it doubly hard. But the summit is very sweet.
Rebecca
Irritated? yes, Determined? yes.
Still love being a writer? YES!
DQ's Windmill
Just wanted to leave a word and let you know that others are going through the same frustrations, and have to rally themselves up again with each rejection letter, reminding themselves not to take it personally, that when a match is made, it will be at exactly the right time. I am speaking about countless others, but also I speak for myself. I just keep plodding along, in the meantime, and submitting, without too much attachment on the outcome.
It'll happen!
~Donna
JS
Reading what all the above learned individuals have to say, my perception – and that's personal – is on different pastures, greener or not.
Frustration in writing comes when you are doing it more for money and less for self-satisfaction. Yes, money is important but can never overtake the satisfaction you get on reading a self-penned piece, published or not.
Online publishing, as Rebecca says, is a soothing balm. All you have to do is press the publish button and to hell with the publishers!