Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For August, the question is: “Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn’t planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the awesome co-hosts are Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey.
My answer to the question
Easy answer this month: the only genre I ever write in is non-fiction. Although, there have been moments where embellishments and exaggerations almost sneaked in! 😊 I dabbled in poetry years ago as well. All my writing is pretty straightforward and planned.
My book progress
Last month, Mark, Maya, and I went camping for a week and I completed a few editing and writing assignments unrelated to my book. But, a lot happened behind the scenes. Early in July, another rejection letter from a traditional publisher arrived. I have coined it the “the nicest email ever to bum me out.” Here is an excerpt:
Dear Liesbet,
First off, profuse apologies for not getting back to you more promptly. My only excuse is that we’ve had quite a time of it here with COVID. The book business has become unsettled with retail shops only beginning to reopen now after months of closure, and wary customers being slow to return to brick and mortar stores. The whole business model has been up-heaved.
We’ve also been doing some self-analysis and soul-searching for how we think our company should move forward and the result is that we’ve finally decided, just within the past week or so, to put the business in a holding pattern: leaving our current list of books out there for sale, but not engaging in new projects.
All this would be much easier to say if I didn’t think your book to be excellent, but I do think it to be excellent.
I brought it up to Lin Pardey, who had until recently been publishing other people’s books besides her own, although I now learn that she’s decided to stop. She suggests you go the self-publishing route.
This would be my recommendation as well. I would encourage you to reach out to Lin, who has a goldmine of expertise and contacts whom she is quite willing to share. She’s also one of my favorite people on the planet.
I hope this is helpful, and may I once again express my apologies for my delay in answering. These are tempestuous times, and the calmest place to be, even in rough weather, is open blue water.
Please feel free to reach out to me as well if you have any questions I might be able to answer along the way.
All the very best,
Publisher X
This was a very considerate email. Yet, it’s still a rejection. But there are positive take-aways:
- Confirmation that the self-publishing route is the way to go at this point, something I started to pursue a couple of months ago.
- Mr. Publisher likes my manuscript and is happy to help with any questions. Yes!
- For the non-sailors among you: Lin and Larry Pardey’s books are the bibles of the sailing world and she and her late husband are respected, knowledgeable, famous, generous, and genuine sailors and personalities. While I’ve met Lin in person before, this extra connection is huge.
I recently emailed Lin and she will assist wherever she’s able. I have also discussed exchanging work with a mutual contact of Lin and me: my writing for her PR help and knowledge.
The other development is that – after a month of patient anticipation – I have received my 88,000-word travel memoir back from my editor. She provided a 13-page chapter-by-chapter manuscript assessment (also called substantive editing) with in-line suggestions. This is a first round of edits to aid in the improvement and tightening of my prose.
My editor had this to say in her accompanying email:
I believe your book has such a wide appeal, considering the diverse reading audience that would find thrilling adventures, beautifully described visits to exotic locales, and an insightful and difficult relationship journey. Romance readers might be distressed over the tough parts, but in the end, all they want is that happy ending. I have thoroughly enjoyed your book and encourage you to stay in touch at your need.
No more time to read for pleasure
What’s next?
Rewrites and edits, of course! I expect to work on “perfecting” my manuscript in August, so it can go back to the editor by the end of the month. She will then do a second and final round of edits (copy and line editing) in September. If I find the time, I also hope to research self-publishing, play with potential covers, and come up with marketing strategies. A lot of work, but I’m happy to finally put all my focus on this memoir again!
To check out all my steps on this road to publication, click here. To read my travel memoir blurb, click here.
Are you interested in following this process towards publication? Why? Would you want to read this book based on the blurb? Any suggestions to make it more compelling?
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August 5, 2020 at 16:51
Wow what a fabulous rejection! I know rejections aren’t normally fabulous but this one was so encouraging and led to a great connection with Lin Pardey.
August 5, 2020 at 17:10
Right? The nicest letter to be bummed out about… Quite fabulous, indeed. 🙂
August 5, 2020 at 16:53
I thought it was a kind of interesting form rejection letter until the publisher mentioned Lin Pardey. I’m sure I read some of the Pardeys’ books way back when.
I’m glad the publisher gave you such positive feedback. I’m am looking forward to reading your book someday soon. I know you still have a long road ahead of you with the self publishing but being on the road is better than being stuck on the side.
August 5, 2020 at 17:13
I love that expression, “being on the road is better than being stuck on the side”, even though we are not literally on the road right now. 🙂 Ironically, being on the road to publication is not very feasible when being on the road personally. Those last rejection letters I received were – luckily – far from form letters. I have found that many agents use form rejections, but publishers reply in a more personal matter.
Every sailor has read at least on Pardey book! 🙂 You might be able to get your hands on this book sooner than you think…
August 5, 2020 at 16:54
Although that was a rejection, it was also encouraging. Good luck with the self-publishing venture. I just tried to look up a ‘self-publishing’ course put out by Alyssa Padgett (HealthandAlyssa.com), but she may have taken it down. She wrote and shared a lot about publishing her first book. I thought about writing my memoir but got as far as 5 pages 😏 Kudos to you for getting it done!
August 5, 2020 at 17:16
Hi Ingrid! It all starts with five pages. Well, actually with one page, no, one word, so you are on the right track. 🙂 Writing a book/memoir is a lot of work and it has been said before that the actual writing is the easiest part. I guess I will be experiencing that myself in the near future. I have to admit that when I wrote the book, I didn’t really look into learning anything yet. Now, is when I need to figure out how to self-publish. And, soon!
August 5, 2020 at 17:09
Not what you wanted to hear but still encouraging. Get to those edits. You need help with the self-publishing route, I can point you to several key people.
August 5, 2020 at 17:18
Hi Alex! Thanks for the offer. I will see how it goes. First, I will attack those edits. I started on the prologue and first chapter today, hence my late IWSG posting. So much work!!! 🙂
August 5, 2020 at 17:39
Hi, Liesbet – I believe that the publisher was very sincere. He has given you extremely encouraging feedback. Good luck with your next steps. I look forward to reading this book soon.
August 7, 2020 at 16:37
Thanks, Donna! I’m finally making some substantial progress! 🙂
August 5, 2020 at 18:11
Hi Liesbet, I think it’s all very encouraging news from the publisher, Lin, and your editor. Good luck with your rewrites and edits. My guess is that self-publishing is not hard, it’s the marketing/ book promotion that takes more efforts.
August 7, 2020 at 16:39
Hi Natalie! You might be right. Mark thinks the same. That we can figure out the self-publishing easily, in a day or two, and that it’s the marketing that will be harder. You sound like you have experience with this!? I have a lot of marketing ideas, but implementing them will depend on heaps of work and help from others… I’ll get to all that in a month or so.
August 5, 2020 at 18:21
Well I couldn’t be more excited for you, Liesbet. If I had a tail like Maya does, I’d wag it. If I had two, they’d both wag! I think that’s good advice–self-publishing. You get a lot of independence in your book, to tell your story they way you want. The process is faster and you barely work harder than you would have with an agent. I look forward to reading about this journey.
August 7, 2020 at 16:45
Hello Jacqui!
Imagining your fictional tail and how it is wagging right now, sure makes my day! 🙂 And, I believe you about the hard work – with or without and agent or publisher. I’ve read many times that a lot is expected (especially in regards to promotion) from authors either way. As you know so well!
The main reason I wanted to involve a publisher was to get help with this story telling in a professional way, as I have zero experience writing and publishing a book. My editor will help out with that, though. And, once I’ve self-published one book, others will follow easier. 🙂
August 5, 2020 at 18:49
I think this is encouraging feedback, Liesbet. You’re wise to keep pressing on with your plan. Your editor sounds enthusiastic about the book which is huge! You will grow to love your editor. David Gaughran has some great podcasts, so be sure and check them, too.
August 7, 2020 at 16:48
Hi Jill! As always, your wise words and experience are right on. I’m already starting to love my “tough” editor! 🙂 I’lol have a look at those podcasts. Just what I need – more resources and things to get into! LOL. Anything helps, so thanks for the recommendation.
August 7, 2020 at 20:20
There’s so much valuable information out there. I’ll try and share things that I see that could be helpful to you, Liesbet. Enjoy your weekend!
August 7, 2020 at 21:29
Thanks, Jill! But please, don’t go out of your way for it, as I have heaps of collected info already. I might hit you up about promotion or part of a book tour at some point. Way too early to get into that yet, though. I’m still a little envious of people like you, who have publishers by their side. Having professionals involved takes some of the pressure off, I think.
Have a fantastic weekend as well, my friend! I’m going to feel really connected to you as I work on this manuscript in the evenings and during the weekends. 🙂
August 8, 2020 at 07:48
Yes, sometimes too much information can take us away from the project at hand. Between you and I, writing under contract can be quite stressful. I’m not my most creative while under pressure! I’m looking forward to helping with your book promotion! Good luck with your edits! <3
August 8, 2020 at 12:35
Hi Jill! I can imagine that working under tight deadlines is very stressful. Good point. It would make it feel more like “work” to me since you have to stick to a schedule. I guess both forms – traditional and self-publishing – have their pros and cons. Thanks (again) for the book promotion offer. I’m looking forward to having you participate! Give it a few more months. 🙂
August 8, 2020 at 13:23
Yes, this past year has been the first time I’ve worked under a multi-book contract. Let’s just say, it’s not for the faint of heart…especially during a pandemic! LOL! That said, when I’m able to forget about my deadlines and lose myself in the characters, it’s a great escape from the craziness in the world. When I self-published a novella in 2019, it was nice having the freedom to write based on my own guidelines. Either way, writing should make you happy. If you’re in it for the money, you need another job. 🙂 Okay, I’ll be patient and wait. I know it will be worth it! 🙂
August 8, 2020 at 13:59
I love it when writers say they can escape into their stories and characters. That is so lovely. When I do that, it would merely be escaping into memories. 🙂 Yes, you will get there, Jill! I’m hoping with all the work and writing you already did, you are making money!!
Most authors I talked with are happy when they get their “investments” back. I’ll probably start with a “debt” of $3,000 by the time I manage to publish my memoir. At least, that’s what I think now. We will see. And, I have no idea how many books I’d actually have to sell to earn that money back. It’s seriously the most money I ever spent on anything!!
August 5, 2020 at 20:14
Very unusual for a publisher to recommend self-publishing, but it’s nice they provided you with a contact you’re already familiar with and respect.
Good luck with the edits and research!
August 7, 2020 at 16:51
Thank you, JH! I’d like to believe this publisher really wants to see my book in print by suggesting self-publication. 🙂 I just took him up on his offer to help if I had questions.
August 5, 2020 at 21:40
Damn COVID for interfering with so much. Sounds like you’re getting some great feedback from editors! Happy writing. (And cute dog!)
August 7, 2020 at 16:52
Hello Jen! Thanks for reading and commenting. This feedback sure made me feel a bit better about this arduous process. And, our cute dog always makes me feel better. 🙂
August 5, 2020 at 22:13
Funny, how I read between the lines and thought: 1) not a form letter, 2) sender really liked your mss, 3) thought your mss was worth publishing, 4) confirmed there is a market for it.
If you want to self-publish, do as they suggest. Otherwise, keep submitting. Looks like it’s just a matter of time. 🙂
August 7, 2020 at 16:54
Hi Anna! Your reading-between-the-lines skills are superb! 🙂 My patience to submit to more publishers and/or wait for more responses to arrive is finished. There is only one more road to go now. I’m ready!
August 5, 2020 at 23:11
Liesbet, I love the photos Mark took of you, especially the one with you reading. My question is if you self publish can you still go through the “proper” channels who will have all the contacts to sell the book? If you have more patience up your sleeve I would wait for the official channel to sell your book if selling it to gain an income from all your hard work. I wonder if those writers that do self-publish ever get to sell many copies? Interesting if not stressful decision ahead of you. Good luck with the decision process.
August 7, 2020 at 17:02
Hi Suz!
No (first time) author is in it for the money. In general, writing a book costs money. If you find a traditional publisher interested enough to take a big risk, they will cover the cost. But they need to believe beforehand they will make their money back and then some. Most authors who receive an advance, won’t see any more money than that. Unless the book becomes a success.
When self-publishing, the author gets to keep all the money made, after expenses and such. It’s hard to make any money this way as well. Yet, if there is enough interest, you not only keep the money, but you also had the freedom to write what you wanted and promote how you wanted. Most (first time) authors are happy to break even.
As for selling through the right channels, I need to do more research about that, but I believe there are ways to accomplish having your book carried by libraries and sold in brick and mortar bookstores.
I’ve given the traditional route enough time and effort. Now, it’s all up to me to figure things out.
August 6, 2020 at 03:56
That must be one of the nicest rejection letters ever. So much positivity and encouragement – and not just from that publisher. This must have given you a great boost. Keep going Liesbet!
August 7, 2020 at 20:47
Thanks, Trace. It was the boost I needed. I’m on my way forward now and nobody can stop me. 🙂
August 6, 2020 at 08:20
I am so glad you’ve been able to make progress on the memoir
August 7, 2020 at 20:50
Hi Claire! Even though it was mostly behind the scenes, it was progress nevertheless. At this point in time, I’m committed for two months to focus on my road to publication, since circumstances finally allow it. Wish me luck. 🙂
August 10, 2020 at 14:51
you’ll boss this 🙂
August 10, 2020 at 20:52
Thanks! 🙂
August 6, 2020 at 13:01
You are looking at all feedback as positive, even if it includes a cracking good rejection letter.
Forward, ho, I say! 🙂
August 7, 2020 at 20:53
And I second that. I’ve created relatively thick skin over the years. Nothing can faze me. My mind has been a step ahead in regards to self-publication, so onward it is! 🙂
August 6, 2020 at 16:52
Hi Liesbet! I think that publisher gave you EXCELLENT advice–of course I’ve been saying that for a long time now too. It’s time. Especially now that you’ve got good info back from your editor and are working on your rewrite. One thing is for sure you will do very well with the marketing (which in my experience is almost as important as the book) because you’ve shown with incredible perserverance that you will do whatever it takes. Looking forward to seeing what cover you come up with AND finally seeing it in print! ~Kathy
August 7, 2020 at 21:00
Hi Kathy!
Yes! You have been saying all along that self-publishing is the way to go. Since this is my first attempt to write and publish a book, I had to follow all the avenues. And, I came relatively close to snatching a traditional publisher. 🙂
In general, I always have to pursue every possibility to eventually revert to one path and reach my goal. Thank you for the confidence in my determination and perseverance. Self-promotion will certainly not be my favorite, but if we call it marketing and I – and people who will help – believe in the product, that will make it easier.
I have a feeling the cover will have to wait until next month, as the revising will take a chunk of time – 30 chapters and 88,000 words… And, of course, I will have to reread everything again as well, since I’m not a fan of typos sneaking in.
August 6, 2020 at 17:46
Well, that’s all very positive, even though it was negative! Definite enthusiasm I’d say – they didn’t have to make those comments. Good luck!
August 7, 2020 at 21:02
I love that juxtaposition in your comment, Anabel. Interesting, how something negative could be or become positive. I’ll have to think about that a bit more as it intrigues me. Thanks for the wishes and for showing as much enthusiasm as my contacts. 🙂
August 6, 2020 at 18:51
How nice that the publisher took the time to write such a nice, encouraging letter! I also enjoyed reading what your editor had to say. Like Kathy, I think self-publishing is the way for you to go. Many people have had such great success going that way, and I’m sure you will too. It will be so exciting to see your labor of love in print!
August 7, 2020 at 21:06
Hi Janis!
Thank you for continuing to be one of my cheerleaders. I would need an extra page in the book if I were to show my appreciation to all my supporters here on the blog. 🙂
We will see about that success level, but I agree that self-publishing makes most sense at this point. From what I know, though, an author who can break even with the costs, is happy about that. Especially with the first book. Either way, it will be awesome in itself to finally see the memoir in print at some point.
August 6, 2020 at 19:05
What a nice letter from Publisher X, but… bummer. *sigh* Still, it’s exciting that you’ve received the first round of input from your editor – it’s all progress! 🙂
August 7, 2020 at 21:13
Hi Diane! It’s a bit pathetic, how I have been making a big deal of my first book and my road to publication for five (!) years, while you “effortlessly” create one book after the other and publish them. Haha. You know, the talker and the doer… I’m pretty sure you are the doer between the two of us. 🙂 And, you also have your focus and priorities right.
You’re right, receiving those edits back finally feels like real progress. Now, we’re getting somewhere!
August 9, 2020 at 18:17
I’m laughing (ruefully) over your “effortless” comment! I wrote the first draft of my first book in two months, but it took at least three years and three complete rewrites before it was ready to be published. (And I’ve tweaked it a lot since then, too.) The next two books in the series didn’t need quite as much editing, but there was still a LOT of rewriting before they were ready to be released. By the fourth book I was beginning to find my stride, but even now after 15 books, I’m still screwing up and fixing stuff. I’m just getting a bit faster at it now! 😉
August 10, 2020 at 20:48
That’s why the “effortless” was in quotes. 🙂 I do realize every book is a lot of work, of course. But, wow, you’ve come a long way in regards to the time it takes you to complete a work and you’ve practiced your skills enormously. All I see, as a recent reader of your blog, is lots of progress on writing and editing books and then… another release. It looks much easier than it is!!
August 6, 2020 at 20:42
Gosh, I’d say you’re getting some great encouragement there from the people who matter. Everyone gets numerous rejections before they get accepted. And also we have the Covid thing making everyone’s margins tighter. I say keep going, and good luck on the rewrites!
August 7, 2020 at 21:17
All true, Yvette. It has been my goal to collect as many rejections as possible. 🙂 I also believed that, if you contact 100 agents, you’d at least interest one. That is a fairytale. At least in my case, since I contacted 140. But, I never heard back from most. Determination is a good trait to have in this business. Thanks for the wishes!
August 7, 2020 at 10:00
I agree that is the nicest letter that says no ever. It sounds like in connecting you with Lin a valuable step has been made.I’m interested in following along the process. I feel like a cheerleader in the wings and very much look forward to the finished product.
August 7, 2020 at 21:19
I’m so happy to have you by my side as a cheerleader, Sue! I am curious what Lin has to say or suggest at the point the book is mostly finished, but at the same time, I don’t want to “waste” her valuable time. We will see what happens. I embrace your enthusiasm! 🙂
August 7, 2020 at 15:41
I am blown away by the ‘rejection’ letter. And to be honest, at first I thought it was fiction and I was chastising you (in my head) for saying that you only write non-fiction. 🙂 Hey, not many writers are rejected so sincerely and positively. In fact, I would not call this a rejection letter at all. It’s a “let’s take this route instead” letter.
Hey, seems like you have a gaggle of cheerleaders. Whoo Hoo!
August 7, 2020 at 21:23
Hi Pam! Welcome to the gaggle of cheerleaders. I do have to look up the word “gaggle” now.
I wish I could say I wrote fiction too. But, my imagination and creativity lack profusely to even dabble in that genre. That’s your field of fun and expertise! 🙂
I’m glad to finally have a constructive, personalized rejection letter that’s worth mentioning. Maybe I’ll frame it one day. It’s the next best thing to an acceptance letter, haha.
August 9, 2020 at 16:27
I wish more people would do this.
August 10, 2020 at 20:36
Me too! I’ve come to the conclusion that 1/5 of all agents I contacted replied, usually with a form rejection and rarely with a personal note, and about 1/3 of the publishers I queried. These were all personal rejections. Based on that, publishers seem the nicer and more responsive kind to deal with. If only I knew this ahead of time!
August 10, 2020 at 04:30
That’s got to be the best rejection ever! Also, wherever you were camping looks amazing. A stream, all the giant trees, and so gree.
August 10, 2020 at 20:51
Hi Shannon, our week in the green was a welcome reprieve between months of room-living and working. My batteries are all recharged now. And, no more rejections this week. 🙂
August 10, 2020 at 19:52
Welcome to the world of a lot of work my friend. A lot! Lol. But you’ve gotten some excellent feedback. Even though you didn’t get accepted, you’ve acquired some invaluable information to go on from both the positive and negative replies. I’m glad you’re on your way to publishing it yourself. And who knows, maybe one day your book will be discovered on Amazon. It’s happened to a few Indies. Think positive and cheers as we are both in rewrites <3
August 10, 2020 at 20:56
Thank you for the grand welcome and the positive thoughts, my friend. Happy to become one of your peers one of these months. I’m in fantastic company! Happy memoir rewriting to you as well. <3
August 11, 2020 at 08:50
Woohoo! Cheers! <3
August 12, 2020 at 10:29
🙂
August 12, 2020 at 14:28
Wow, what a wonderful rejection letter. That is so cool! Self publishing is a lot of fun. I write fiction so it might be different than nonfiction. Good luck with whatever you decide!
https://www.alliebock.com/2020/08/iwsg-wednesday.html
August 12, 2020 at 17:19
Hi Allie! I was surprised and happy at the same time with this letter, so I wanted to share it with the world. I hope you’re right about the fun-factor of self-publishing… I guess I’ll find out soon. Not sure whether there is a lot of difference between publishing fiction or non-fiction, except for the “series” factor. Thanks for the wishes – I have decided. 🙂
August 26, 2020 at 02:39
Liesbet, it sounds as though your editor sent you very detailed feedback. That must help immensely with the rewrite. As well, it must be a relief to have made the decision to self-publish because now you have a direction in which to move forward again, rather than being stuck in the limbo of waiting for responses. You can self-publish knowing that you left no stone unturned pursuing the traditional publishing route. It does make me sad about the state of the publishing industry — so many great manuscripts are getting passed over as fewer publishers are willing to take a chance on an author’s first book. I look forward to your book coming out!
Jude
August 27, 2020 at 16:25
Jude, another writer recently told me I’d “come to love my editor”. And, she was soooo right. It was a bit tough at first to understand and be pleased with her constructive criticism, but now, I couldn’t agree more with her suggestions. She’s the professional and I’m the (stubborn and self-righteous) newbie after all. 🙂
You are right, too, about me not having left any stone unturned. That seems to be Mark and my approach to anything important or anything we want to accomplish… The hard way. But, no regrets. Well, not many regrets. 🙂