Today I’m over at Writer Unboxed, discussing the types of attitudes that make me want to issue red-flag warnings to writers. They are:
- If I can’t get a deal soon, I’m self-publishing.
- I just want to get my book published.
- Quality is subjective, and I don’t need a professional editor.
- I just need someone to really pay attention.
- [x] isn’t relevant any more.
Click here to read 5 Attitudes Toward Publishing You Should Avoid.
Jane Friedman has spent her entire career working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Established in 2015, her newsletter The Bottom Line provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals; in 2023, she was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World.
Jane’s expertise regularly features in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, The Today Show, Wired, The Guardian, Fox News, and BBC. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition (The University of Chicago Press), is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs. She reaches thousands through speaking engagements and workshops at diverse venues worldwide, including NYU’s Advanced Publishing Institute, Frankfurt Book Fair, and numerous MFA programs.
Uh oh! When I follow the link to the article, I get a page saying “This Account Has Been Suspended”.
I know! Sadness! The Writer Unboxed site is currently undergoing a denial-of-service attack. With any luck, the site will be live again soon.
Ah, much better. I love that you end with a Nietzche quote. Did you just happen to know that one, or did look for a suitable quote and come across it?
I would imagine that the most common cause of “If I can’t get a deal soon, I’m self-publishing” is not being in a hurry, but feeling discouraged. Lots of us find excruciating the idea of enduring the (1)87 rejections we might need to before we find someone who wants to represent/publish us.
You are correct … Two of the qualities I typically observe in those who eventually get a traditional publishing deal: resilience/persistence (in the face of constant rejection) and patience.
Good evening Jane,
This is my first visit to your site. Upon visiting here, I went over to The Writer Unboxed to read your article. It was extremely insightful and I’m sure it will be helpful when I finish my first book project. I look forward to reading more of your material in the future. Cheers!
Thanks for finding me here!
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