I recently received an email from Iris, a fifteen old writer, asking me a few questions about publication and writing. Here are a couple of her questions:
“I am fifteen years old and want to be an author someday. I have already finished my first book but I have a few questions. Was your first book rejected by publishers, and if so, how did you deal with it? I read a lot about books being rejected, and I wondered how authors dealt with it. Also, how do you decide which publisher to go to? I’m pretty lost when it comes to those sorts of things.”
First of all, congrats on finishing a book! That’s a HUGE feat. I’ve met many aspiring writers who never get beyond talking about their book ideas. I’ve met others who might start writing but get stuck or can’t find the motivation to stick with it. So completing book number one is an awesome start!
The next logical question is: Now that I’ve written a book, what do I do next?
Some people might encourage you to pursue publication with that first novel, may even direct you to self-publish.
But I’m not one of those people. I believe that before pursuing publication (whether traditional or indie), a new writer should write at LEAST a second book (if not a third). While writing those next couple of manuscripts, enroll in online writing classes, listen to writing podcasts, read writing how-to books, and/or devour blog posts/articles that teach writing skills. And while learning, put it all into practice in your WIP (work-in-progress).
In the meantime, put your first book to bed. Let it rest. Focus on the new projects and in growing as a writer. Then after completing the second (and possibly third) book, go back and revisit the first book with fresh eyes. Will you find that it needs a lot of work? Oh yeah. Should you scrap it completely? It depends on how much work you’re willing to do in order to rewrite it.
The first book is never wasted material. Even if it’s not publishable, it’s a stepping stone in the education of becoming a skilled writer. Most published authors have a file with early manuscripts that never saw the light of day. But those books were important (essential) in developing writing skills.
I wrote five books before seeking publication with the fifth. The book was rejected and never published. Was I disappointed? Oh, for sure. But I loved story-telling enough to keep persevering—always learning, growing, and writing.
With my sixth book, I sensed I was reaching a point where my writing level was finally maturing. Even then, I sought out critique partners, paid for an edit, and entered writing contests for feedback.
After receiving positive feedback, I began to seek a literary agent who could help me find a publisher. That process was difficult and time-consuming, but necessary, since most traditional publishers don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts (and work primarily through agents).
I faced more rejections from agents. But I persevered again. And kept writing. By the time an agent offered me representation, I’d completed another book, had additional story ideas simmering, and was at a point where I was truly ready for a writing career.
Getting an agent isn’t always a guarantee of publication, but it’s definitely a step closer since they can often open closed doors and get publishing deals you can’t get on your own. And if traditional publication doesn’t work out (or isn’t something you want to pursue), then you can move into the self-publishing process with more confidence, knowing you’ve put in the work to get your books ready for readers.
After over thirty published books, I can honestly say that perseverance truly is the key. Writers need a healthy dose of perseverance to climb the mountain to publication. And once published, you’ll need more perseverance to start the uphill climb of building a writing career (which is a whole other post for a whole other day!).
How about YOU? What advice would you give to someone who’s just finished writing a first book?
Jody Hedlund
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Well first off sit back and let out that long breath you’ve been holding. What I always do when I finish a book is reread it and write down the things that need fixed and parts that could be better. Then I give it to a friend to read it and wen she gives it back she always tells me what needs fixed or what’s good then YOUR DONE! But really think hard on what needs fixing!
Also thank you for the advice Jody that will definitely help me in my writing! 🥰
I like your idea of sitting back and taking a deep breath (and of course celebrating with a little chocolate!). 🙂
Yes especially with Chocolate and a nice cup of hot coffee to tip it off
You advice is right on the mark, Jody! I also advise new writers to join a writers organization that focuses on their genre. Writers groups provide great ways to learn, but they also give you something that is KEY to a long writing journey — writing friends. 🙂
Writing friends are wonderful! Thank you for being one of mine!! 🙂
Great post, Jody, and I couldn’t agree more with Becky! I’m not sure I’d have ever stayed on this path if it weren’t for the wonderful writer friends God put in my life very early on. If you go into writing with the attitude that it’s a long, slow, yet wonderful process, you’ll be ahead of the game. Those who fizzle out are those who expect to write a book in a month, get it published the following month, put your millions in the bank, and start doing book tours the month after that. 😉 Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to writing!
Hi Deb, Yes I agree that it’s crucially important to set realistic expectations at the beginning. It’s a marathon not a sprint (as are most things in life, right?) 🙂
I haven’t finished writing a book, but I have finished a few chapters. I have never thought of leaving it and going on to another book, though. What I imagined was to get it published and perhaps take a break. I imagined starting another book by the by, but I never gave it more thought than that. But you’re right, I would need more practice before I get a book published.
Thanks for commenting, Anna! Wishing you all the best as you work on finishing the first book! Like I said above, it’s a huge feat! 🙂
Finishing the first book is always kind of stressful to me especially getting to the end! But then when you FINISH that first book the feeling of it done is one of the best feelings ever!
Thank you for this post! I have finished writing one book and am almost finished with my second. Some days I get discouraged because as a full time medical professional and mom/wife, I don’t have much time for writing. And my college degrees are not related at all! But I have felt God pushing me to get more serious about writing for Him. So, I am trying to give Him more of my time to finish editing, keep writing, and never stop brainstorming new ideas. I also joined ACFW and will attend their virtual conference this year. Thank you for the realistic words of encouragement. It makes all the hours I squeeze out of an already busy life to focus on writing seem worth it!
Sounds cool! What genre are you writing? Perhaps you could put your medical knowledge into your books. And it is great that you feel God telling you what to do. Who knows? Maybe you will end up being a full-time writer.
Thanks for all this great information, Jody! I don’t have advise, but a question: What ever happened to those first 6 books? Did you ever get them published or put some of those story lines in books you got published later?Just curious. 🙂
Hi Kari! No, I actually never did anything with those books. I didn’t want to take the time to revamp them! So they’re still sitting in my closet! 🙂