What an excellent description of the process. Painters face the same “gatekeepers” in the form of big galleries. I have always found that system incompatible with my goals and values. I ‘never drank the cool aid’.
The great news is that social media has taken the power out of the hands of these pretentious and often ignorant people. Like you…. Simply deciding to put my work out there has been a revelation. I now have what could be described as a “career” without kowtowing to the ‘art world’. I am finding an audience of peers and when I sell a piece I do not have to give 50% to a gallery….that was always a complete deal breaker for me.
I enjoyed reading your backstory. Sounds like you assessed the situation and had the courage to get the job done yourself! I am glad you feel gratified with your decision and have been able to share your passion for writing with the whole wide world!!
I love this, Elisa, because to me it really speaks to the truth behind every book that comes to life: at the core of the enterprise is a writer who will not give up. You had a story you wanted to tell and you made it happen despite the barriers. Everyone's publishing story is different but the one thing that's pretty consistent: there will barriers. For some it's rejections or ghosting or editors who leave the company and abandon the book or entire companies that disappear in a merger. There's all kinds of variations on this theme. And the antidote is what you describe: keep on it. Find a way. I'm so happy you did not give up and I'm so happy there are many paths to getting books into the world. Yay for hard work being rewarded!
Great, inspiring piece! One other (depressing) factor is the de facto age thing. The stats for finding an agent - and that agent finding a publisher- are bad overall and decline with the author’s age. Which means many excellent books never find readers. (And on the flip side, mediocre ones get published). And if you go indie, follow Elisa’s advice—put out the best book you can: well-written, revised with help from a developmental editor, beta-readers, and/or fellow writers. Shell out for professional copy editing, formatting, and cover. And be proud of going indie.
Thanks, Tracey. You’re a great example of indie success! And you’re so right about the demographics—I had that in the piece but took it out because it was too depressing. I don’t blame agents for wanting to sign an author and help develop a career. But we still have a lot of life (and stories) in us, not to mention life experience that supports successfully executing a project.
Great essay, Elisa. And thanks for the shout-out on my piece about seeking agents. I consider it only step one in the process and appreciate your advice and trailblazing on the next steps. Yes, getting the story out there is the greater goal. Looking forward to reading your next book and finding the right home for my own.
Love this. There are SO many EXCELLENT indie writers. You are at the top of my list, friend. And I do not want to wait years for another book from you so keep on keeping on.
Elisa, I appreciate your sharing your feelings about self-publishing and especially the useful details. Learning about your experience expands my thinking about possibilities.
And may I add - the paper you chose is sublime, and most certainly enhanced the reading experience. :)
Keep punching, E. You were always one of my fave writers...
Aww. Thanks, my friend. That means a lot coming from you. 💜
Elisa, you are my North Star!
This came out with the perfect balance. Well done!
Thanks to my Washashores focus group!
What an excellent description of the process. Painters face the same “gatekeepers” in the form of big galleries. I have always found that system incompatible with my goals and values. I ‘never drank the cool aid’.
The great news is that social media has taken the power out of the hands of these pretentious and often ignorant people. Like you…. Simply deciding to put my work out there has been a revelation. I now have what could be described as a “career” without kowtowing to the ‘art world’. I am finding an audience of peers and when I sell a piece I do not have to give 50% to a gallery….that was always a complete deal breaker for me.
Thanks, sis. I thought of you when I was writing this piece. Thanks for the validation!
I enjoyed reading your backstory. Sounds like you assessed the situation and had the courage to get the job done yourself! I am glad you feel gratified with your decision and have been able to share your passion for writing with the whole wide world!!
Thanks so much, Cheryl!
I love this, Elisa, because to me it really speaks to the truth behind every book that comes to life: at the core of the enterprise is a writer who will not give up. You had a story you wanted to tell and you made it happen despite the barriers. Everyone's publishing story is different but the one thing that's pretty consistent: there will barriers. For some it's rejections or ghosting or editors who leave the company and abandon the book or entire companies that disappear in a merger. There's all kinds of variations on this theme. And the antidote is what you describe: keep on it. Find a way. I'm so happy you did not give up and I'm so happy there are many paths to getting books into the world. Yay for hard work being rewarded!
Thank, Nancy. Excellent points and there are all too many cautionary tales.
Great, inspiring piece! One other (depressing) factor is the de facto age thing. The stats for finding an agent - and that agent finding a publisher- are bad overall and decline with the author’s age. Which means many excellent books never find readers. (And on the flip side, mediocre ones get published). And if you go indie, follow Elisa’s advice—put out the best book you can: well-written, revised with help from a developmental editor, beta-readers, and/or fellow writers. Shell out for professional copy editing, formatting, and cover. And be proud of going indie.
Thanks, Tracey. You’re a great example of indie success! And you’re so right about the demographics—I had that in the piece but took it out because it was too depressing. I don’t blame agents for wanting to sign an author and help develop a career. But we still have a lot of life (and stories) in us, not to mention life experience that supports successfully executing a project.
That's a beautiful story. I hope to do as good of a job as you did.
Ms. Elisa:
I now have some tools to make my way through, over and around the mishegos (yiddish for insanity) of the publishing industry.
Gene R
BC '82
NYC
Keep going, Gene! And let me know if I can help.
You are an inspiration
Thanks, Jan.
Great essay, Elisa. And thanks for the shout-out on my piece about seeking agents. I consider it only step one in the process and appreciate your advice and trailblazing on the next steps. Yes, getting the story out there is the greater goal. Looking forward to reading your next book and finding the right home for my own.
I predict wild success for you, Claudia. Your story should be required reading.
Love this. There are SO many EXCELLENT indie writers. You are at the top of my list, friend. And I do not want to wait years for another book from you so keep on keeping on.
Thanks, Dianne. Saw your book on the shelf at BoG today and it made me smile! Hope to see you soon.
On behalf of many of your Boston friends we thank you for your persistence
Thanks so much, Bill.
Elisa, I appreciate your sharing your feelings about self-publishing and especially the useful details. Learning about your experience expands my thinking about possibilities.
Thanks, Barbara! There are many paths to success, and the world needs your stories!
There is something wonderful about saying, "I want this story told." Isn't that why we write?
Bravo, Elisa.
Exactly!