Thoughts on Self-Publishing

Some authors do self-publishing right. You know who you are.

You consult with professional editors.
Meet with writing groups.
Utilize feedback from beta-readers.
Attend writing clinics,
Rewrite your manuscript again,
And again.

Making sure it is perfect.

It's expensive.
It's hard.
It's worth it.

And some authors hurt my heart.

They are the ones with lovely words and wonderful ideas
But not enough patience for perfection.

It makes me so sad.

Such beautiful aspirations deserve love and care,
Not a quick read-through, an amateur cover, a rushed online publication.

They're excited. They want to send their story into the world. 

But be kind to dreams.

The first time you type "The End" on a full length manuscript, put it aside.
Celebrate.

Then tell your excitement to sit and simmer.

Wait.

Read it again. 
Write it again. 

Show it to trusted friends and mentors.

Then repeat.

Make your manuscript shine.

The same applies for traditional authors
Who query agents and publishers
Before a novel is ready.


The secret to writing,
So far as I can tell,
Is as much patience
As persistence.

It is hard.

But we can do it.