Into the Fire

Sometimes it is how you play the game. And how long you play the game. If it was just about writing, the writer's life would be much simpler. Just write, baby.

But it's not. An accomplished and multi-published author once said to me "It's more about perseverance than it is talent." Some writers can attest to that after making it into the publishing arena. Even though the professionals often tout "only the best" make it to publication, I doubt there's a reading writer out there who believes that anymore. Too much evidence against it.

But if you want to play the game, there are many things that must be done. The writer must decide which and how many of those things he/she can and will do in order to reach that goal of publication. Usually there's a cost. It isn't all about the hours and hours of time put in on the manuscript(s). The selection of a - or more than one - conference to advance the cause of your work takes a prominent place in the must-do column of decisions. Usually this is the singular way to make eye contact with an agent or editor. Certainly not the only way but most will tell you it's the best way to give yourself an identity beyond being another anonymous author. 

 The game is changing with e-books. Right now the process for the author via a royalty publisher through an agent is in flux and still being defined. Multiple new e-publishing groups are forming to produce and format e-books, and they're figuring out how to do it inexpensively and conceding the rights to the work to the author which means there's a setup fee but the income from the e-book goes directly to the author.

I don't know a writer who wouldn't love to just write and do the minimum to get published and after being published. The game is much more complex than that. And looking for it to get easier in terms of selling the work of our hands looks doubtful. If you write for anyone besides yourself, you're gonna have to learn how to play the writing game. An additional problem? The rules to the game keep changing . . .

Father, you lead. We follow. At least we want to follow. We fail. We try again. You know the plans you have for us. Help us to truly follow your plans. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.