I have gotten several rejections by agents. I don't know if anyone will read me if I self-publish, because I've never been good at self-promotion.
There, I said it.
This has been my fear all along, that I will hit a dead end in my writing career -- and yes, I think of it as a career, or at least the start of a career.
If that's the worst thing that can happen, what are the possibilities?
- I keep trying to find an agent, with the great possibility that revising my query materials will not attract an agent.
- I self-publish, trying to get a readership on my own, which scares me to bits, because I hate self-promotion. I am convinced there's a psychological disorder called "Midwestern Female Syndrome" in which sufferers display inward perfection while at the same time striving to look mediocre to others
- I give up writing novels, because it's really a waste of time to write novels that nobody reads.
On the flip side, how would I measure success?
- An agent, and eventually a publisher if going the traditional route
- At least 1000 copies sold of a self-published book, without having to resort to buying the books myself and reselling them
- In the short run, at least breaking even on the investments I put into coaching, editing, and other items.
My vision, or where I would like to be:
- Money to supplement my retirement in 10 or so years
- A devoted readership
- A book signing tour
- The confidence to say I'm an author
I think my goals are realistic -- perhaps too modest, but realistic.
This is where I am, world.
If you could send encouragement (non-anonymous preferred), prayers, wishes, or advice I'd greatly appreciate it.
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