Wow, thank you, I definitely needed to read this! Also reading Machado's newsletter right now and it is really resonating. I think (for me, at least) the desire to learn how to write the "perfect" query letter or whatever is because it feels like a formula, and if you just follow the steps correctly you can get an agent, as opposed to the much more subjective process of writing a (good) book. It's procrastination from doing the hard stuff by focusing on the other stuff, like when I read articles about how to stop procrastinating, or spend time setting up a new organizational system for my to-do lists, as a form of procrastination.
"You Should Do For Agents" is a welcome message, and it has arrived in today's email on the heels of my six-week commitment to Clarion West's online writing events. I have been writing what I want to read, and when I'm finished, knowing that work is its best "self", means it goes boldly into the submissions process. Thanks for your honest encouragement to all writers (including new ones just beginning the journey); no matter what, I will be happy to write my best.
I am bombarded with links on How to Get Pubilshed, How to Write a Novel That Gets Published, Twenty Tips and Tricks, etc. The Bare Minimum post made me very happy. Thanks.
Wow, thank you, I definitely needed to read this! Also reading Machado's newsletter right now and it is really resonating. I think (for me, at least) the desire to learn how to write the "perfect" query letter or whatever is because it feels like a formula, and if you just follow the steps correctly you can get an agent, as opposed to the much more subjective process of writing a (good) book. It's procrastination from doing the hard stuff by focusing on the other stuff, like when I read articles about how to stop procrastinating, or spend time setting up a new organizational system for my to-do lists, as a form of procrastination.
Loved reading this, as I try to meet my publishers deadline and produce good work!
Great read, Kim!!
Thank you, this was a good reminder, and you put it so beautifully.
"You Should Do For Agents" is a welcome message, and it has arrived in today's email on the heels of my six-week commitment to Clarion West's online writing events. I have been writing what I want to read, and when I'm finished, knowing that work is its best "self", means it goes boldly into the submissions process. Thanks for your honest encouragement to all writers (including new ones just beginning the journey); no matter what, I will be happy to write my best.
I am bombarded with links on How to Get Pubilshed, How to Write a Novel That Gets Published, Twenty Tips and Tricks, etc. The Bare Minimum post made me very happy. Thanks.
I love this advice! Thank you 🌸
“publishing is NOT a meritocracy, because you can write a ~~*~~GOOD~~*~* book and still not get published”
D’oh!