Three Book Publishing DON'TS


by Rose Rosetree - Date: 2006-12-31 - Word Count: 1094 Share This!

Is there a book in you? For many of us, it's the ultimate dream. The start of that dream could be anything from soul-level yearning to mere whim. But I'll bet I can guess the ending to that dream. Quicker than you can say "Million dollar advance," the shiny cover materializes between your hands, and then all your other wishes come true.

A book. A dream. Is there a difference?

Recently I returned from a vacation at a yoga retreat center where nearly everybody I met told me about books they planned to publish. It was touching, how right from our first conversation these strangers confided their dreams. When invited, I gave advice. But the best advice I didn't tell them. It was too different from what they expected.

Chances are, you're an aspiring writer, too. Or else you know other people who are. By forwarding this article to them you may save them some time, spare them heartache. Are you open of mind and brave of stomach? Then check out this summary of what I've learned from three decades as a writer.

IF YOU WANT TO BE PUBLISHED, DON'T DO THIS

1. Don't expect to be discovered.

Once upon a time, Lana Turner was discovered in a cafe. Ever since she become a movie star, other aspiring actors have wished for something similar to happen to them. And not just actors. Artists, musicians and, yes, even writers share a similar fantasy. Truth is, you're lucky if you can discover yourself!

How can you best spend your time while waiting for fame to descend upon you? Learn how to write. Develop professional-level skills, do your best and then let go. One of the world's all-time bestsellers has got it right. According to the Bhagavad-Gita, we are responsible for our actions, not for their fruits. By focusing on the action, the fruits take care of themselves -- according to the quality of the action.

Peace of mind is, in fact, directly proportional to your degree of surrender. As a writer (also as a person), don't feel responsible for the immediate fruits of your actions. Talk about authorship! Claim it for your book but not for the rest of your human existence. Any lucky break for your book will happen regardless of whether you sit around waiting for it. Meanwhile, don't just want to be a writer. Write. And make it your business to keep growing as a writer.

2. Don't believe the rest of the Myth about Publishing, either.

Easy fame is just part of the maya (illusion) about writing. Becoming a professional writer is not about having literary pals, getting drunk, talking a lot and writing a little. Only in myth is it sufficient to have the desire to set words to paper. Professional writing requires that you learn how to develop, edit, represent and sell your work. If you should go on to self-publish, that will be another skill set which demands time and effort to master.

While we're debunking the Myth about Publishing, consider this fact. Who makes money as a writer in America today? The vast majority of those who succeed financially are making money off aspiring writers, not through writing or publishing themselves. Although some in this business are sincere, many are not and some (including at least one respected authority I know) are downright dishonest. So if you must study with an expert, or hire one to market you, use as much discernment as if buying an automobile. Used car dealers are saints compared to many in the writing industry.

3. Never give up on your dream. Don't ever give up.

But… do ask yourself "What is my dream, really?"

Why do you want to write that book? Is your life story fascinating? Do you want to tell the story of your family history? Have you developed unique insights to overcome a problem? Are you burning to change people's lives as a spiritual teacher? Or does the act of writing help you to heal? Unless you are willing to answer this question honestly, you may never fulfill that dream. So don't be shy or unduly modest. Deep down, you just want everyone on earth to recognize that you are a genius? Then admit it.

Once you've identified your motivation, ask God to help you fulfill it. Next, do your part. Use your creativity to list as many ways as possible to make your dream come true. Writing a book is just one option. The Myth about Publishing makes it a favorite. Forget that myth and list every option you can brainstorm.

After you make your list of options, look it over. Balance your yearnings with common sense. Set some practical goals. Make a plan.

Volunteering might bring you better results than trying to publish a book. In the long run, unpaid work might also be cheaper.

You think I'm kidding? It can take a lot of money and time to chase a literary dream. One woman I met spent $25,000 earning a master's degree as a writer. But there's only one book she ever wants to write. And she wrote it, while in school. Now she's waiting for a publisher to discover it. Truth is, you might reach more people by giving free talks at your nearest library than by trying to place your book there.

But what if nothing will satisfy you like holding your baby book in your hands?

Write your masterpiece. Then consider the simplest form of self-publishing. Type up your manuscript. Proofread it. Have your work copied and spiral bound at your nearest office supply store. Can you sell a book like that? Sure. I have.

Not big enough? Then go online and investigate print-on-demand publishing (POD). Can you do this yourself? Sure. I know a super-successful businessman with incredible computer smarts. But the Myth about Publishing intimidated him so much, he paid a consultant to help him find a POD company. Puhleeze! Publishing isn't like jousting with dragons. Just give it some time and common sense.

If only self-publishing will do, research it. As someone who spent six years reviewing self-published books, I must warn you that this isn't a field for dabblers. Poorly executed books can make the author look worse than that naked fool in The Emperor's New Clothes.

Should you aim for publication through already established channels, pick up a copy of Writer's Market and learn from the best book in the business.

Whatever you choose, remember this. Once you figure out your motivation and ask God to help, plus you do your part, no power on earth can stop you. Just don't expect the fruits of your action to look like the Myth about Publishing.


Related Tags: writing, success, advice, author, mistakes, publishing

Rose Rosetree is the author of "Aura Reading Through All Your Senses," "The Power of Face Reading," Empowered by Empathy," and "Let Today Be a Holiday: 365 Ways to Co-Create with God." One title has become a bestseller in Germany; two were selections of One Spirit Book Club. All are available at her website, http://www.rose-rosetree.com You'll also find free articles, FAQs, and practical ways to use Deeper Perception to make life better.

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