Patience Isn't Just a Virtue, it's a Requirement: Slow Down to Move Faster & Avoid Getting Scammed.

You’ve invested countless hours in crafting your book. You’ve experienced the euphoric highs and endured the heart-wrenching lows of this emotional roller coaster. You’ve faced your inner demons, shed tears, but persevered, and you’ve finally reached the finish line! Your story has matured, and now it’s time to release your baby into the world. You recognize its potential for success if you approach the next steps with wisdom. Yet, why do some authors jeopardize all their hard work by allowing despair to dictate their decisions?

It's disheartening to witness the number of new and emerging authors who, driven by sheer desperation, make choices that have the potential to damage their writing careers. While it's entirely natural to be eager and passionate about sharing your work with the world, it's essential to embark on your publishing journey with deliberate thought and strategic planning.

Achieving success in the realm of writing seldom happens overnight; it demands patience to cultivate a sustainable writing career. The stress and anxiety resulting from impulsive decisions can exact a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s explore some key considerations to ensure you keep the cart behind the horse.

Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a requirement: slow down to move faster and avoid getting scammed! Rushing into decisions due to fear can lead to regrettable outcomes. The world is full of shysters and conmen and unfortunately these unscrupulous people pray on new writers, leveraging their insecurities against them. In this digital age, where information is both abundant and easily accessible, it's essential for writers to be armed with awareness and preparedness to recognize and fend off these threats. Investigate publishers and literary agents thoroughly before submitting your work to them. Avoid publishers that ask authors to pay upfront fees for their publishing services, and steer clear of vanity presses, who often require authors to pay high fees, and can harm a writer’s reputation.

Legitimate publishers typically cover publishing costs and share profits with authors. Look for reputable agencies and publishers with a history of successful author-client relationships. Read your contracts carefully or hire a literary attorney to review them. Ensure you retain the rights to your work, and be wary of contracts with overly restrictive terms. Be cautious of unsolicited offers or emails promising instant success. Publishing is a long-term endeavor, and success takes time. I can’t urge you enough, new writer, to sloooow doooown.

Let’s consider Sarah, an aspiring novelist, who’s finished her manuscript after years of hard work. Eager to see her name in print, she fell into the trap of a fraudulent literary agent who promised quick publication for a substantial fee. Excited, yet blinded by the prospect of overnight success, Sarah paid the agent only to realize later that she had been scammed. The agent disappeared, taking her money, her work, and her dreams with him. Sarah learned the hard way that rushing into opportunities can lead to heartbreak and disappointment.

Conversely, let's turn our attention to another aspiring author, Mark, who opted for a different path. Mark embarked on a journey characterized by diligence and thorough research. He scrutinized potential editors, literary agents, and publishing houses, deliberately seeking out reputable professionals. Mark embraced the understanding that writing was a long-term commitment, devoid of instant gratification. He courageously submitted his work to legitimate agents and publishers, encountering rejection letters along the way. Yet, Mark refused to allow these setbacks to thwart his determination. After numerous rejections, Mark's unwavering patience bore fruit when he secured a coveted publishing deal with a well-respected company. His journey, though lengthy, resonated with authenticity and proved immensely rewarding.

The stories of both Sarah and Mark serve as poignant reminders of the paramount importance patience plays in the lives of writers, especially those who are just beginning their journey. Patience empowers us to meticulously research and evaluate potential agents, publishers, and services. Rushing into agreements without conducting due diligence can plunge a new author into the depths of despair and, tragically, undermine their budding career before it even has an opportunity to flourish.

Readers invest time and money in books, and they expect a satisfying reading experience. As writers, our ability to meet those expectations hinges on our commitment to patience in the publishing process. Rushing to publish can lead to subpar work that disappoints readers. A patient approach allows writers to refine our craft, polish our manuscripts, and ensure that we deliver the quality our audience deserves.

In a world filled with shysters and conmen, patience is the shield that guards new writers from making impulsive decisions in their quest for publication. Sarah and Mark's stories remind us that the path to literary success is often a marathon, not a sprint. By embracing patience, new writers can meticulously research and vet potential agents and publishers, make informed choices, and build a strong foundation for a successful writing career. So, remember, when it comes to finding the right agent or publisher, patience isn't just a virtue; it's your most valuable asset.

-Dani