Cintia
asked
Elaine Levine:
I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Elaine Levine
Hi Cintia—
Hmm. I can only answer this from my own worldview—it likely won’t be the answer you want to hear. And really, the only answer that matters is your own.
Competition from other authors in the field of fiction is steep and getting steeper every day. We’re assaulted with the vagaries of the business choices our vendor partners make (without consulting us). We’re constantly having our intellectual property stolen by ebook pirates, which severely diminishes our income. Fiction competes with all other digital media entertainment options, like games, movies, blogs, websites, etc. On top of that, we have to contend with falling literacy stats among American adults.
Writing, like any other field of endeavor, is tough. It could take just 1 book to achieve recognition, but it might take 10 or 20 before that happens. Or it may never happen. There are no guarantees. You have to decide if you’re tough enough to exist in that world. But the same is true for anything you want to do. Want to become a lawyer…well, there are a million of them, so what will make you stand out? Want to be a grocer…well, there are a million of them, so what will make you stand out?
There are many people who make a nice living without reaching significant fame or fortune in any career. Think of all the engineers who work for car manufacturers who never become a CEO. They can pay their bills, take vacations, educate their kids…all while being an obscure worker. What is it you want from life if you become an author? What are your goals? What made you think writing would be your way to make a difference/be known/earn an income?
I think the differentiating point is your answer to the question—is the pain of doing it greater than the pain of wanting it? No one can motivate you but you. No one but you can say if the challenge is worth it to you. There are so many easier ways of making a living/making a difference than becoming an author. Really examine your motivation, and if it can be achieved in any other way, do it.
If you can shut the world out, then become an author. If you can’t, don’t.
Nothing is worth the loss of your self-esteem and happiness.
--Elaine Levine
Hi Cintia—
Hmm. I can only answer this from my own worldview—it likely won’t be the answer you want to hear. And really, the only answer that matters is your own.
Competition from other authors in the field of fiction is steep and getting steeper every day. We’re assaulted with the vagaries of the business choices our vendor partners make (without consulting us). We’re constantly having our intellectual property stolen by ebook pirates, which severely diminishes our income. Fiction competes with all other digital media entertainment options, like games, movies, blogs, websites, etc. On top of that, we have to contend with falling literacy stats among American adults.
Writing, like any other field of endeavor, is tough. It could take just 1 book to achieve recognition, but it might take 10 or 20 before that happens. Or it may never happen. There are no guarantees. You have to decide if you’re tough enough to exist in that world. But the same is true for anything you want to do. Want to become a lawyer…well, there are a million of them, so what will make you stand out? Want to be a grocer…well, there are a million of them, so what will make you stand out?
There are many people who make a nice living without reaching significant fame or fortune in any career. Think of all the engineers who work for car manufacturers who never become a CEO. They can pay their bills, take vacations, educate their kids…all while being an obscure worker. What is it you want from life if you become an author? What are your goals? What made you think writing would be your way to make a difference/be known/earn an income?
I think the differentiating point is your answer to the question—is the pain of doing it greater than the pain of wanting it? No one can motivate you but you. No one but you can say if the challenge is worth it to you. There are so many easier ways of making a living/making a difference than becoming an author. Really examine your motivation, and if it can be achieved in any other way, do it.
If you can shut the world out, then become an author. If you can’t, don’t.
Nothing is worth the loss of your self-esteem and happiness.
--Elaine Levine
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Dec 28, 2017 10:21AM · flag