I thought it was apropos to publish this blog post on April Fools’ Day. I’ve often wondered whether setting my sights on a writing career was a foolhardy venture. When I completed my manuscript, I naively assumed that I’d finished the hard part. I assumed my Great American Novel would be snapped up by a publisher and quickly converted into print. Well, you know what they say about assuming… I learned that getting published is a long and arduous process and there is no guarantee of success.
Unsolicited manuscripts are rarely accepted by large publishing houses. Publishers prefer submissions via literary agents. Thus, an aspiring author must jump over two hurdles: first, land an agent; and second, find a publisher. When Elizabeth Trupin-Pulli, one of the founders of JET Literary Associates, agreed to represent me, I was elated. I did a little victory dance, like a touchdown celebration in the end zone. My dance moves are fairly rusty, so it probably wasn’t a pretty sight.
I was told publishers prefer authors with an established public media presence, so they can assist with marketing. But it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. It seems rather presumptuous to create an author website before actually being a published author. However, an aspiring author may not get published unless she already has a website. A bit of a conundrum! So, I’m taking a leap of faith and creating this website. And I’m praying for a soft landing as I plunge into the abyss.
It’s often said that a lawyer who represents herself has a fool for a client. I sure hope that line of thought doesn’t apply to an author who promotes herself.
