HOW TO STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR WRITING JOURNEY

Five things to remember for not comparing yourself to others

Your publishing journey is unique to you. 

There are no two authors with the same publishing journey, so why do we compare ourselves to other authors? It doesn’t help our creative process if we care so much about what others are doing instead of focusing on what we are doing to benefit ourselves.

It’s easy to get caught up in everyone else’s success when we have the same goals, but the truth is, we have different needs and wants for our art. Therefore, our publishing journey—whatever it is—self-published, traditionally published, or hybrid, is different for all of us. There is no wrong way.

​However, it’s hard when someone else is celebrating the very thing you’re working towards, especially when you’ve been on a roller coaster ride, and you’re not where you want to be.

At first, it may seem like the author appeared out of nowhere and suddenly they’re a bestseller, or it may seem like the writer received a contract on their first book. The truth is, to be successful, however it’s defined by an individual, takes a path to get there.

It’s not just about dreaming of being a published author; it’s about putting time and energy into doing what we love. Practicing your art, connecting with writers, attending events, submitting to editors, agents, or entering contests are all the things that benefit your career. These things aren’t about winning; they’re about honing your craft to be better and to learn the business so you can thrive in the publishing industry. 

My publishing journey has been a rocky one, and still, I continue to strive for my goals. I started writing novels at eighteen, rewriting while learning the craft. While working in my twenties, I submitted to publishing houses, including Harlequin Romance, while I queried literary agents. Over the years, through many rejections, I wrote His Game, Her Rules, inspired by my love of playing ice hockey and admiring the women who taught the professionals. While this story landed me an agent and a three-book deal, my high came to an end when my agent and I parted ways. At the time, I thought it would be easy to get another agent because I was traditionally published. It’s not the case. I received rejection after rejection. I was in a slump for years. I honestly thought, maybe I’m not cut out for this. Maybe my luck has run out, but I didn’t stop writing for the joy of storytelling. I sent out more query letters and submitted to publishing houses for their open calls. I wrote a story called Playing for Love. Another hockey player hero, and what do you know? A new publishing house accepted my submission, and I didn’t have an agent. I thought, okay, I made it again. Until Covid hit. My copy edits were done, I had a book cover, and then the publishing house announced it was closing. I was back in the query trenches.

Having these stories with nowhere to go was devastating. I wanted these stories published, and I didn’t want to waste any more time, so I self-published my Moonlight Valley series. While these stories were being published, I found a new agent who loved a story I submitted. Another series with a sports hero. It seemed to be my thing. She helped me develop my story and worked tirelessly editing and submitting it to publishers. I was told that after Covid, the publishing industry slowed down and editors were behind. A few nos trickled in, and some never responded. I had three new stories to publish, and with the extended time of not hearing back and feeling like I wasn’t getting anywhere, my agent decided to leave the industry, and I would be back in the query trenches yet again. Granted, I didn’t need an agent, but I wanted one because it aligned with my writing goals. 

​During the querying process, I ‘met’ a couple of agents whom I respect, and they have given me professional advice without even signing me. I truly appreciate their wisdom and understand their reason for not taking me on. Although it hurt, knowing how great we got along, business is business, and at the end of the day, I can’t forget the bottom line. 

Over the years, I entered pitch parties. I loved seeing what authors were pitching and who liked their pitches. During a pitch for small publishers, I received a like, and it turned into an offering contract. After taking time to review, I declined the offer. It was a hard decision, but the right one. I didn’t give up querying, and I’m glad I didn’t because I have now joined the Jackson Literary Agency. Michelle is lovely and energetic. Her passion for my stories is what I want from someone willing to champion my work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with her and to join her team. It was perseverance, believing my stories had a place, and following my own path. As my writing journey continues to evolve, I power forward and focus on my goals. After all, no one can live a writer’s publishing journey. Every writer is unique and can only tell the story they love.

*opinions my own