This month's awesome co-hosts are: Krista McLaughlin, Kim Van Sickler, Heather Gardner, and Hart Johnson. IWSG is also trying to get on the Writers Digest Best 101 Websites list. Please email them at writersdigest@fwmedia.com, subject line "101 Websites," and suggest the IWSG - http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ .
This month I'm insecure about being accepted. Rejections get me down, but acceptances stress me out in another way.
Will I live up to the editor's expectations? What if having a publisher doesn't live up to my expectations? Will my readers like it? What if my sales flop and no publisher ever wants to take me on again?
Taking a deep breath. Letting it out slowly.
Did I think I should be dancing for joy and kicking back with no worries? Well, no. I did think I'd be a little more confident about things. I know the twisty-turny roller coaster of writer emotions will take me around the bend again to dancing days, but this week, I'm gripping the edge of my desk as I finish off the first round of revisions for my editor.
Well I'm excited for you while you edit! All I can say to help is this: nothing is forever - especially in today's publishing industry! Look how fast and how much it's changed over the past five years alone.
ReplyDeleteThink of this as ONE project's direction. You will also have a catalogue of other projects behind you and ahead of you. YOU, not a publisher, are your boss. Keep that in mind, and learn what you can from all opportunities.
Best of luck with those edits! :)
shahwharton.com
Here is a big virtual {{hug}}. I am so far behind you in the process, I have nothing else constructive to offer.
ReplyDeleteIt's normal, because now you're not just living up to your expectations, but someone else's as well.
ReplyDeleteThe writerly emotional rollercoaster really is never-ending! I've had these worries ever since getting a novel accepted for publication, even after over a year. With publishing, nothing's certain - all you can do is your best effort. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the comments. It's a never-ending flip of emotions. You will succeed and it will be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI understand that feeling well. But then, that is why I went the indie route before going the traditional publishing. I guess what I do to avoid having those thoughts is give myself a backup plan.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't succeed with publishers, release as an indie. Show publishers what you can do on your own and how much people love you. They will fight to get you back.
The editing experience is so much better when you trust your editor. I've worked with some really good ones who clearly wanted to make my book better.
ReplyDeleteYep! the insecurities never go away; they just change form. At the beginning you wonder if you'll ever be good enough to get discovered. Then you wonder if your initial success is a fluke. Maybe you're only a one-hit wonder? But as long as you've got the perseverance, you'll be able to stick it out, find your groove, and keep doing what you love. Even if everyone doesn't always love everything you do. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm realizing more and more how you have to seize the great news (I have an editor!) and steel yourself for constant nerves (oh, crap...a real live editor). The trick is to still enjoy it along the way. :)
ReplyDeleteAs long as you're trying your best, there's no way you can disappoint your editor. If you've been accepted, then they're acknowledging that you're good. Things may not always go smoothly, but you won't be letting anyone down. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've no doubt that your editor and publisher will love your stories. But I also know how emotional the whole situation is. Why can't anything ever be easy when it comes to writing?? Good luck and knock 'em dead! :)
ReplyDeleteSuccess has it's own set of worries, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteChristine, you are an awesome writer. No fear they will dig it.
I agree with many of the commenters. I'm sure that your publisher and your readers will love your work. Just "keep your hands inside the vehicle" and anticipate the next rush of story excitement. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be good.
Woot! You're finishing your first round of revisions. That's great! I'm excited for you. Best of luck getting past the stress. Hope there's ice cream at the end of it.
ReplyDeleteLoni
Gotta love our emotional roller coaster! I think its valid to be worried, heck, it makes you a better writer in my opinion because you care. And hey! You have an editor and you're working on revision, that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think all writers worry about acceptance. Will readers like our work, or will they think we stink? I think you just have to do your very best, and be happy with your work. Some people will like it. Others won't. If we accept that, and not worry about it, it'll save us some stress.
ReplyDeleteThose are all weighty and very valid worries. My heart goes out to you. I wish there was a clear "THIS IS THE RIGHT ANSWER" sign the universe would flash in front of us when we trip over the correct path. Whatever comes, I'll support you. =)
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Canada day. We celebrated with Tim Horton's donuts. Good luck with your revisions. I enjoy working with an editor. They're your best friend.
ReplyDeleteSo true that the ups and downs don't go away even when you get to the stage of having an editor. But awesome that you do. I bet it'll be a great learning experience seeing what suggestions you get.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd not be human to not have new worries. But you'll do great. I've no doubts. :)
ReplyDeleteI think our expectations always exceed reality, but it's just an adjustment, really. You'll learn the ebb and flow and how the game works, and, just like before, you'll rock. No worries there.
ReplyDeleteTake it all one step at a time. You can do it! And if you got an acceptance, you will live up to your editor's expectations. There's no doubt about that. YOU'VE GOT THIS!
ReplyDeleteHere's to next week when all of the gripping will seem silly. The revisions will be great. All will be well. You'll be sailing.
ReplyDeleteI think the trick is to learn to value your acceptance of yourself over that of other people.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
ReplyDeleteRealistic positive anticipation of what you wish to realise with your writing goals maintains a nice balance.
Take those deep breaths and smile, even through gritted teeth :)
Gary
Thank you all! Your advice and encouragement mean so much to me. I might be able to sleep tonight now! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your first rounds of edits for your editor - you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI've struggled with being accepted too. I want to be myself, but I want to be liked too and it makes me insecure. We have to accept that we are who are and to love what we write and hope someone accepts us as we are. :)
ha, I think that's actually one of my biggest fears too. It's kind of refreshing to know i'm not the only one.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine! I understand your insecurities, but if your other work is as good as The Thirteenth Floor series, you're in great shape. I've re-read that series no less than three times.
ReplyDeleteOnce I crawl out from under this pile of work I have to complete, I will make sure to finally post my review. Have a great day and enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend. Eva
I hear you! It's simply a different type of rollercoaster than before. Have fun with the ride.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your acceptance! And you'd be thick not to think about all those questions you posed. So, well done you! But don't stress too much. (says the person who's stressing over her own edits!) ;p
ReplyDeleteWe've all read your writing, and there's no way readers won't like your book. Good luck with edits!
ReplyDeleteYou'll do fine, Christine. IMHO, you are a wonderful writer. I've read your work and enjoyed it. Now, I know publishers are all about what they think will sell, but even if you never sell a million books, know you are doing what you love and that you are good at it.
ReplyDeleteKeep on keepin' on, Christine! It's invaluable to have an editor/publisher who believes enough in your work to think they can make money off it -- and pay you a cut. Also, what JL said. Try to enjoy the process and know you're good at it.
ReplyDelete