Last day of school! Yes, New York State is (finally) done for the school year! Now to tackle all those writing projects I haven't had time for all year long...
But speaking of which, looking at that video clip I posted Wednesday, it's true more often that not: people who have never written a book of any kind really don't have a true concept of how much work is involved. I mean, that's probably true of a number of skills/projects/professions. But it continues to surprise me all the same. Right now, a number of my friends & relatives are asking when my next book is coming out, and I have to say "I don't know" because I don't have one contracted at this point. There's a whole slew of reasons why, of course, and I wish I did, but life and a full-time job do sometimes get in the way. But I do think many readers think, oh, a few weeks/months and you can turn out a book. Doesn't take took long after that, right? Most people don't realize it's AT LEAST a year once you go through edits, cover design, and finalizing copy before a book hits the shelves.
But I still have people tell me they have a great idea for a book, they've written some pages down already, and could I just give them some resources where they could find out about publishing it? And of course I do (I always start people at Absolute Write - great initial resource), but I wonder how many of them follow through. Then of course there are those people who have a great IDEA and want me to write the story "with" them (I think that means their "idea" and my sweat & time & heartache in turning it into a novel).
So interesting to witness the learning curve - and so rewarding to have a group of friends and a support network of fellow writers who understand exactly how much is involved.
Happy Friday!
3 comments:
Great post, Allie! You would not believe how many people ask me to help them find an agent or publisher and to read their manuscripts. I have even had someone recently ask me to help him write his book and get a publisher for his work. A student once emailed me after seeing my website and wanted my help with her essay. She had an attitude and said that it shouldn't be a problem for me since I was a published author. LOL I'm thinking of making a form letter to send to everyone with some suggestions to answer the usual writing questions.
I agree - people just don't realize how time-consuming it is to write an book, then to go thru 3 rounds of editing before it can be published. Then promoting the book is another exhausting process.
Hey Allie! Even I would like to ask you this question 'When is your next book coming out?' ha ha.. Anyways, I haven't read the Summer's Song and it is certainly looking interesting. I will finish it off first then will come back again with my original question. I hope you will not mind..
I have been looking for this kind of book.really find interesting and insightful.Everything else you describe, makes it seem like a book I'd love.I loved this book for the beauty of the writing!Definitely adding this author to my TBR list!
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