DEAR SHELLEY ©
 MYTH # 11  

by Shelley Bradley 

 

 

You've heard lots of information, clichés, rumors and advice about the things you need to know once you're published. Published authors often find out this information from hard experience. After being in the publishing business for nearly eight years, Shelley Bradley has picked up a thing or two along the way. In this series of articles, she'll discuss the information she wish she'd known before she sold a book. She'll touch on what it really takes to get that first book bought--as well as the second and beyond, the realities of contract negotiation, royalties, distribution, editor relations and your career. Print publication primarily addressed, but electronic publishing also discussed.

 

Here's the last of our 2006 series...

 

A LAST FEW NOTES

 

The best piece of advice I received after publishing about the craft end of things came from my first editor. She told me that, among her authors, she got to decide who moved up the publishing ladder and who didn't. And she sometimes decided that based on craft ability. Now, not all publishers will give their editors that sort of freedom, but they will have a say so. Anyway, this editor told me that, while the whole book is important, that last chapter better wow readers. It sells your next book. And books sales are how you move up that elusive publishing ladder. It's tempting to just slap a last chapter together. After all, many of us are tired of the book by the end and are just ready to be done. I force myself to put extra special care on the last chapter now. I spend more time with it now than I do the first chapter. I only wish I'd started that practice sooner.

 

Other pieces of advice I can give you now are to:

  • write the best book possible

  • surround yourself with people you trust, who will be honest with you

  • be realistic about your climb on the career ladder

  • celebrate every success (sales, good reviews, contest wins, whatever)

  • take care of yourself. This business can be demanding. Make sure you allow yourself enough sleep, exercise and down time so you don't burn out

  • be steady and professional. Make your own deadlines and stick to them. It's good practice for later

  • save your emotions for your characters. Keep them out of your interactions with your editor and agent as much as possible

  • write for the joy of writing, not the satisfaction of having written.

With determination, patience, smarts and drive, maybe you'll beat me to the top! Good luck to everyone!

 

~ ~ ~

The complete 2006 Dear Shelley series:

Myth # 1: "If the editor likes your book, they'll buy it."

Myth # 2: "After you sell the first book, your editor will want to buy others from you quickly."

Myth # 3: "Once you're published, it's always easier to sell again."

Myth # 4: "Contracts aren't that hard to negotiate."

Myth # 5: "My advances will keep me cozy until my royalties arrive."

Myth # 6: "Your book will get quality editing and distribution."

Myth # 7: "If you want to know about print runs and distribution, all you have to do is ask."

Myth # 8: "Once you sell, your editor will always return e-mails, phone calls and read your material promptly."

Myth # 9: "Your editor will come back after getting married or going on maternity leave."

Myth # 10: "By my 10th book, I'm likely to be an NYT Bestseller."

Myth # 11: "A last few notes."

 

 

Copyright 2006 Shelley Bradley -- all rights reserved, please obtain written permission before use.