I’ll Just Wait Until It Comes Out In Print

 

The Writer is excited. She or he feels as though a million years of scratching in the dirt, sore fingers, agonizing brains, tear stained and raw cheeks, has finally paid off. Someone, a Publisher, has taken a shine to their work. A contract sits before them.

And the Writer thinks, so what if there isn’t a gazillion dollar advance. So what if the New York Times still won’t know I exist. We all have to start at the bottom right? And for a billion other reasons, a small publisher is the way to go.

*sighs*

The Writer says, “It doesn’t matter because I…I have arrived.”

 

Until you realize the rest of the world has yet to catch up with your enthusiasm because how many of you have told you’re so called supportive friends and family that you are published. And they act excited until they go to purchase the book realizing it is actually an Ebook—not Print. Then comes the weird moment that sometimes flickers a hint of snobbery, uncomfortable fidgeting, and a mile long list of whatever excuses.

Your Friend, “I’ll just wait until it comes out in print. You see,” fidget, fidget, fidget, “I have such a hard time reading anything on the computer.”

(Despite the 24 hour long days they spend on messenger and on web sites mucking around)

“I am not electronically savvy. I just don’t get those electric… or… what is it? Electronic readers?”

(Yet we learned how to turn the computer on and use or text away on a cell phone, didn’t we?)

“I am so excited for you, but, I’ll just wait until it comes out in print.”

 

You, being totally understanding, accept that. In fact, when it comes to your writing career, what little you struggle to have, you learn that you are better off surrounding yourself within a world of strangers (possible readers and other writers like you) rather than share this part of yourself…this HUGE part of yourself with those you know on a personal basis. Why? Because the strangers don’t seem to tear you down so often.  Holding no ill grudge or hurt emotion for lack of support, you move on…trying to further your career, UNTIL you receive a phone call from another friend or family member…

“I just left the restaurant with what’s her name. You know, today was our Reading Group Meeting. I suggested we read your book and discuss it next month. What’s- her- name ruthlessly cuts me down, telling everyone that you were not really published. That just because you got some small press that New York will NEVER recognize, doesn’t mean you are any better than someone who has self published. Why, she even busted out laughing saying you didn’t even have a book in print yet. You were part of some insane trend called Ebooks…which any wanna- be author could get their work published in.”

 

Yep, stand in line because THIS is pretty much what every Writer has to put up with when they start at the bottom in an attempt to work their way up. In fact, my best advice to you is to suck it up and make a list—A LIST of all those people who can SUCK IT (my theme for today) who WILL flock to you and act as though they are your biggest fan when New York does realize you exist, or when Hollywood turns your baby into killer film!

You see, we don’t really live in a world where every person decides what they like and or do not like. We live in a world where the majority of the people want what everyone else has, or what name brand sources tell them they absolutely NEED.

But the truth is this…

Small Publishers exist and are usually very picky on what they put out there. A writer submits a Synthesis, Query, Manuscript and or Chapter by Chapter outline to them like they do a Traditional Pub. And, a writer waits. They are either rejected and or accepted. Period.

Small publishers usually publish extraordinary talent that Traditional Publishers overlook, and then sometimes, some small pubs publish crap. However, if they publish crap then one quick Google will tell you so. In fact you can check sites like Predators & Editors and THEY will tell you whether its a crap pub or not. See, these places are NOT just for Writers. They can also be a readers best friend.

Here’s the thing, Traditional Pubs are very corporate—and in a way, they have to be. They need the next latest thing or a thing much like the latest craze. It costs them a pile of money more to publish and or advertise than what a Small Publisher has to deal with. So when you are dishing out hundreds of thousands to get a new book out there, naturally you ONLY want the books that will bring in a bazillion times more than that. Therefore, a lot of times, extraordinary talent is overlooked.

But when you purchase a book from a Small Publisher, (one with a great reputation), chances are you are about to read something by an Author with a style unseen or unheard of. Chances are you are about to embark on a journey unlike any other. You are about to fade into something original…something fresh. Chances are.

So do not turn your nose up at someone who is published by a Small pub or by someone whose work is only available in an Ebook (for now). Remember, writers makes lists and or can easily immortalize you in fiction as being a pompous, empty headed, jealous and no good frigid twit that had nothing better to do then piss on someone else’s dreams all because you haven’t the class or originality to dream up any of your own. And then lets not forget the spunk to go out there and make them happen. *winks*

Just remember that even though Small Pubs start something out in Ebook form, doesn’t mean it stays that way. After the author sells a certain amount of copies, THEN it will be offered up in Print. Remember that EBooks are the wave of the future and will become expected…as expected as paper, ink and cover. We all know that things change and as time moves forward so does the technology we use and its advancement. With that being said, Ebooks are legit folks. Plain and simple.

Yet if you still have doubts as a Reader, just email the author. Tell them, “Hey, I have gotten screwed over and disappointed by a few books in the past. I have bought them but then nearly cried because they were unreadable. Is there a way I can see a sample of your work so I know I am not wasting my money?”

I bet you anything, that the Author will send you a free chapter to PROVE they have a well polished, professionally edited and great written book.

 

So to all the writers out there…

Keep on keeping on. Remember what it took to get there. Remember what it means to be here. And Remember to keep it real. Don’t let anyone push you down.