The purpose of this blog has always been to help other writers by giving them insights that I wish I had when I was trying to get into this industry. A refrain that I've heard lately from many of my author friends is that for as hard as it is to get into the business of traditional publishing as an author, it's even harder to stay there. So today, I'm going to talk a little about that.
If you're going to school to become, say, a teacher, there are lots of undergraduate and graduate programs that will teach you the mechanics of it, but when push comes to shove, you have to stand up in front of the class and actually teach. And the only way to learn how to do that is by doing it. I think the same premise holds true for authors. Sure, you can study writing, but I have yet to find a university-based program on how to actually be an author. There are so many skills and nuances to learn, so many different components that drive success, and many of them exist in such a fast-paced, changing landscape that it would be really hard to capture them all in a snapshot and sell them to aspiring authors. Like, "Hey, here you go. This is it. This is the roadmap to success you've been looking for."
But let's pretend for a sec that such a program existed. Here's what I imagine it might look like:
Pre-Requisite: MFA program, Creative Writing or English undergrad degree, or a whole lot of experience with the written word
Course Load:
Writing 101: How to Finish a Novel
Business 101: How to find an Agent
Business 102: Going out on Submission
Business 201: Advances and Royalties
Business 202: Contracts and Rights
Business 301: Sub-agents, Film, and Screenwriting
Marketing 101: Why Sales Matter
Marketing 102: Creating an Online Presence
Marketing 201: Book Tours
Entertainment 101: Creating an Author Persona
Entertainment 102: Time Management Strategies
Entertainment 201: Self Care and Mental Health
And for an advanced degree:
Fiction 201: How to Write a Breakout Novel
Entertainment 202: How to Mine Reviews for Data
Team Building 101: The more you say thank you, the less you'll have to say please
Human Resources 201: How to Curate the Right Support Team
And these are just the courses I came up with off the top of my head!
My point is, young fledgling writer, it may not be not what you think it is. And obviously everyone's path is different, and certainly trad-pubbing is not the only way to get books out there. I just wish such a university existed, because the whole dive-in-head-first-and-then-sink-or-swim model is, well, not great for people who like to have a plan and know what's coming next.
As someone who wants very much to stay in the publishing business, I do a lot of research on these and other topics. My publisher has my option package right now and I'm hoping they'll like it enough to sign me for more books. I've spent the past two years studying the industry from the inside and I think I know more now about how to develop a game plan for the future. I've been privileged and honored to talk shop with the likes of Lucy Score, Kristan Higgins, Elle Cosimano, and other authors who have made it big and whose work I deeply respect and admire. One day, I hope to be able to pay it forward to up and coming authors. Who knows? Maybe I'll start my own Author University. (Doubtful, but you never know!)
Are you a writer with a specific question about author life? If so, drop me a line on my Contact Me page. I'm happy to answer any questions or provide support on your journey if I can. ❤️
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