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 nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing.
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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