The title of today’s blog came in a question that was much less confrontational but significant nonetheless.
In the context of describing the extremely limited amount of money they could spend on writers conferences, online classes, training materials, etc., the writer summarized by asking, “How can an unknown writer with very limited resources expect to get their writing published?”
This is a great question. But it’s not an easy one to answer.
In fact, I wrote about it in an earlier post. Since that was published, the purchasing power of the dollar has decreased by 30% due to inflation (click on this Inflation Calculator if you want to be depressed). Thus the question takes on seemingly more significance today.
Before I weigh in, I’d like to be sure to bring caution to the conversation. This isn’t a diatribe about the haves and the have-nots. It’s not a political conversation. It attempts to address something that flits around the room’s periphery when writers gather and express their frustrations with the “system.”
Investing in a Calling
There is some truth to the adage that “you have to spend money to make money.” But for some, that is not always an option. Unfortunately, I’ve met some writers who have spent tens of thousands and still have had no results. So, it really isn’t a thing to “buy” your way to publishing success. That idea is a myth.
Investing in a career isn’t even a blink when considering the cost of a college education or a technical school. But writing feels different. It is art. It is passion. It’s not a “day job” for most. And yet, I have author friends who would beg to differ with that notion.
Should you spend the money on learning all you can about writing with excellence? If it is within your means? Absolutely. If you can’t afford it, there is an awful lot of information on the Internet that can teach or at least suggest the best way (this blog is one). Buying a book on writing a great novel might cost $20 (shameless plug linked here) but could transform your work in progress. If the funds aren’t there, check the library; the only cost is the trip to pick it up or borrow the ebook version using your library’s system.
The Selection Process
I do believe and must believe that if you write an incredible book, it will likely be discovered by an agent or an editor and, hopefully, the marketplace. But we never ask to see the balance of your bank account. We are hunting for the quality of the work and the sales potential (aka commercial viability). Every agent and publisher is looking for the next big thing … always.
The challenge is that we see so many ideas that unless something is extraordinary, we move on to the next one in the proverbial pile.
I’ve heard the writing industry described as ten thousand writers in a field, each flying a kite … in a storm. Lightning does strike, but it looks haphazard and capricious. It may look that way, but in reality, there is intentionality on the part of the selection. In a world where there are a billion stories and 10,000 new books released in English each day (online and otherwise), it can be overwhelming and distressing.
It is something we wrestle with each day. I know authors who pour time, talent, and resources into their writing. Some get that book contract only to have the book fail in the marketplace, and their career ends after one book. I’ve seen others strive and work and achieve significant financial success. I know an author who once earned over six figures in one year only to have that career unravel and now cannot get a publisher for their work. The variety of success or failure is astounding … a little bit like that lightning storm metaphor.
Ask Yourself Why You Write
It sounds simplistic to say, but it is ultimately an exercise in trusting in the sovereignty of God. It could be that your love of writing and efforts to that end have continued to grow your dependence on Him.
You may pour your writing into your family. Your stories may delight them, and that can be enough.
It also can be something you simply love to do. (Some paint, some garden, some volunteer, some cook, some write!) And that can be enough.
Aspiring to be a published author can be a model to your children about devoting time and energy to something you love. It can be an inspiration to your friends and others you know.
If it happens that someday you find an agent or a publisher who loves your story? That will be a day of grand celebration.
But until then, write for His glory.
Fun Fridays – February 23, 2024
Thank you, Steve, for focusing on the sovereignty of God. It’s tempting to think, “God gave me this message, so it is going to be a big success.” God doesn’t measure success in dollars or books sold. If one person needs to read my message, my writing and their reading counts as success. And yes, my writing has changed me for the better — even if no one reads what I wrote, the journey has been worthwhile.
I do not write for riches,
I do not write for fame.
I write ’cause cat’s tail twitches,
and doggy knows his name.
I’m writing for the sunrise,
I’m writing for the storm.
Every word is a surprise
though writing is my norm.
I’m writing for the shooting star
flashing for honoured dead,
no matter who they were or are
at close of lives they led.
I write ’cause writing’s what I do,
and in the end, I write for you.
“It could be that your love of writing and efforts to that end have continued to grow your dependence on Him.”
Yes, Steve!
There have been times I tried to quit writing. But I can’t stop for long. I’m so full of stories, I have to write them or I’ll drown in them. haha! Some have gotten published traditionally. Some independently. And I’ve been so happy that other people have enjoyed them. Do I wish I’d have a best-seller? Sometimes. But that comes with responsibilities. Marketing, book signings, etc. as well as writing ANOTHER one! Like the author you mentioned that had a wild success and then nothing.
Over the years, I’ve learned to be encouraged, and even content, writing and submitting and getting accepted with the short stuff. Devos and short stories. I get to write my ideas and get them published, and people get to read them. PTL!
I haven’t been published and may never be published. I fit the group that can’t attend conferences and writers groups, but I can still research and hone my craft for the sole purpose of pleasing Jesus. (That’s a daily adrenaline and endorphin rush.) This article surely pleased Him.
Of all the things that fill my day, writing tries to squeeze itself into it, asking for my attention, too! Sometimes I give it my time. Other days, it seems to fade into the background. Yet, writing is my best friend! Why would I treat it like just another “thing” that gets in my way?
I’m doing the unthinkable: republishing my trilogy under an new name, with a new cover, tweaking some of the story, adding new material; and turning it into a series, by adding two more books! Sounds like a “chore!” But really, I’m allowing the story to flow, my characters to scream in my writer’s ear, “Keep me alive! I long to live my full self into your story, which is really ‘My story!'”
Yes. I hear my characters all day long, complaining that I haven’t given them a fair reading and writing! So, I’m back at it today: reading the previous, pondering their message, and writing down what I hear them saying. It can be arduous, but at least I’m getting it off my writer’s chest! And if God can be glorified in the process, I praise Him and honor Him by doing it, published or not, best seller or not!
“But until then, write for His glory.” Thank you for this last line of such encouraging advice!
Such great insight and comfort!!
Very well said. I once spent some of my hard-earned cash to hear a writing coach I greatly admire speak at an early-bird session at a national conference. The session was good, but I walked out thinking I should’ve saved my money. I had already read the book, and he didn’t share anything he hadn’t written in much greater detail. My time would have been better spent if I’d taken the lessons from the book and applied them to my writing.
Many great conference speakers–like you, for instance–also write books and/or blog, sharing their insights and knowledge for free.
Conferences are about so much more than learning to write, of course. But when it comes to honing our craft, we can learn so much from books and online courses (which aren’t always free but are much more affordable than in-person conferences). Usually, the problem isn’t a lack of information. The problem is that we don’t apply what we learn. We’re too busy. We think we already get it, or we think our way is better.
We think we have it all figured out.
Taking the information we’re given and using it–that’s something we can do at home–and it costs us nothing but time and a smidge of humility.
I love this post, as well as all the comments here. There is something special about writers for the Christian market. All writers write for themselves and for their readers. But we also write for the glory of God. And that is always a win.
Write for His glory. And He will reward your efforts—either now or later with his “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Hey Steve,
Not sure you’re specifically talking about me. But I resemble one of your examples.
/jay
No Jay, I wasn’t referring to you.
I’m careful to disguise things like that.
“Don’t aim at success. …For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication.” –Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
Interesting post, thanks. While working on the same story as both novel and film for way too long, I’ve tried to do as you suggest, but the costs have added up. My novel and screenplay each have several contest recognitions. But after jumping through all the hoops: website, newsletter, social media, memberships, lit agent, publishing offer (withdrawn; no one’s fault), and finally self-pubbing at God’s leading… I now wonder, would those contest or membership fees have been better spent on Amazon ads or a video trailer, the newest must-have for screenwriters? In the movie Body Heat, righteous Ted Danson accuses shady lawyer William Hurt of crossing the line. Hurt’s reply: “Yeah, but they keep moving the little sucker.” Sadly, I can relate. But thankfully, God is sovereign. If he wants this story to fly for His glory, nothing will be able to interfere. What a relief! Meanwhile, back to writing the sequel … which costs nothing.
This was really encouraging to read– I feel like us authors are so quick to forget why we even write in the first place. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you for this post. You make your point well. Many of us can relate to what you have to say to us.
Thank you for your perspective on topic that I have found overwhelming as a new author. It’s hard to know where to spend wisely when the financial resources are limited. So I thank you for bringing it back to the Why. I write to glorify God, and to share His truth in a way that is compelling, especially for non-believers. As today’s secular media edges further into darks corners, I want to write stories that help lead people back into the light.