Trust the process

One of the first things you learn as a writer is that writing the book seems to be a lot easier than getting it in front of the right agent. I learned many things the hard way over the last two years.

• Sit with your book topic. What genre does it fit into? This is particularly important for non-fiction, creative and narrative non fiction.
• Who needs to read your book?
• Where does it potentially sit on the bookstore shelf?
• A great editor is worth their weight in gold but they have to be a right fit for you.
• We are our worst judges literally so don't be afraid to get constructive feedback. There comes a time when you are too close to your own work to be objective anymore. You are literally getting in your own way and in the way of your success.
• Do you want to self publish or do you want to contract with an agent.
• Do not go straight to publisher. I repeat do not go straight to publisher no matter what is promised.
• Join a writers union. You will feel more informed and protected. 
• I have submitted my work to countless agents and publishers. Do I feel rejection? Yes I do. I get over it and buck up again.
• Research agents well. The right agent is out there. You want a person considering your book because they carry similar books, they have a reputation for working hard for their clients and they want to develop your writing career.
• Sometimes I wake up in  a sweat because I think I must have sent my manuscript to every agent and they are now all at the same cocktail party joking about my book. It's an irrational fear but a fear none the less. The truth is I cannot believe there are so many agents out there. Some with large firms and some very small and personal firms which appeals to me.
• Send your work to a few at a time over a number of months. The feeling can come up about having no place else to go with your work. Also rejection needs to be spread out overtime to be emotionally manageable. Its part of the course so you are not alone.
• Agents are primarily interested in the commercial potential of the book. It would be nice to think that the message comes first but that's where we need to wake up. Its a business proposition that has to come good for everyone. Polish your cover letter and proposal.
• I have written and sent so many now that I don't like myself anymore than the agent does. There was resistance on my part to get in line and follow protocol with real intention.
• Its your opportunity to stand out, so stand out. Give them what they require with the savvy of an entrepreneur and not the bullshit of a wannabe.

I hope my honesty helps. Trust the process and don't give up on your dream. 

Aintherese