Nearly two years ago, I set a goal of completing the memoir that I promised myself I would write 30 years ago. Over those two years, I have had to take large breaks during the writing process. The work has been difficult. I needed time to think, heal, and learn. Despite being a capable writer, I needed to hone the tone and voice I was using. I’ve also done a great deal of learning about website creation and management, the publishing industry, and even looked into self-publishing. I have learned how to research agents, how to craft a query package, and tried to ignore the daunting statistics about first-time authors.

I know that I am meant to publish this work. I will. It’s only a matter of when.

Last month I attended an online event called the Boston Writer’s Conference. During that day I met with an agent via zoom. She liked my idea and asked me to send her the full manuscript. It was a big day and might eventually turn into something, though I haven’t heard back yet. Since sending it I have pressed on, sending the manuscript to an editor as I had planned. I now have it back, with some great feedback. I plan to revise it again as soon as I manage household logistics that have been hovering. After revising again I will look into sending my query package to new agents. (For those of you who wonder: an agent helps sell rights to publishers/media and is an invaluable partner in the traditional publishing process.)

I have chosen, at least for now, to publish traditionally because I want the reach that can only be granted when you have teams marketing with you. I know that publishing this work will lead to many opportunities to spread awareness and create positive change. I don’t know the path yet, but I have faith: I am focused on success. I’m waiting for signs from Creator about where to turn next as I work to complete yet another round of revisions.

You are what keeps me going. Though I have no set deadlines or timetables, I want you to know that I am moving forward. I want to say “thank you” to everyone following along and giving me a reason to keep working.

Throughout the process of writing and revising I have relied on many amazing people to read sections and offer advice. I want to mention both Katrina Ray-Saulis and Borbala Branch, who are amazing editors that offer useful insights and reasonable rates. Please reach out to either if you need an editor? (I can’t promise they will be available.)

Until I know more, that is all for now. Stay healthy, keep moving toward your dreams.

“The answer is ‘no’ if you don’t try” – Translated Dutch proverb.

Last summer, as I was riding home from vacation I began to wonder about the publishing process.

I know how to write. That part is going well. Publishing itself is a very different task than writing, however. I know that writing a first draft and then editing over and over again is only a start. I know that hiring an editor and finding an agent are important next steps. I had very little idea of how to accomplish those steps, so I began to research how to set myself up with the greatest chance of success.

I knew I had a lot to learn, so I decided to start learning before my manuscript was ready. I thought looking for publisher and agent advice was a good start.

This article was very helpful. I’m glad to share it with you. I hope you take some of the advice. Please let me know if it helps you?

https://www.smithpublicity.com/2016/06/5-things-literary-agents-wished-every-writer-knew/?_vsrefdom=googleppc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6v1iNiP5gIVOvfjBx1_GA5xEAAYAiAAEgKU-_D_BwE

Update: there is another program that is very useful for researching agents. It also helps you track your queries! Unsurprisingly, it’s called Query Tracker. There are free and paid memberships and both have many useful tools to help you select the agents or publishers that are most likely to be a good fit. I love that I’m able to record which agents I have queried, which ones i would like to query, and who to avoid! I hope it’s a resource you find helpful. Please comment below if you find it useful?