Ten blindingly obvious things I've learned in my first year as an author

1. A book launch may be more hassle than it’s worth This time last year, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. My first book, the modestly titled Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World had just been published. Holding some initial copies in my quivering hands, I’d felt a rush of pride. Now here I was, preparing for my very own book launch. Then one by one, more than half the confirmed guests dropped out. My heart sank. Even though local paper reports and reviews followed and those lovely guests who did come along were overwhelmingly positive, I was disappointed. In hindsight I can see my expectations were unrealistic. But I hated feeling like Billy no-mates.

2. Authors don’t always want to discuss sales Go on; guess how many my book has sold. Bet you can’t. I’d rather not say, if you don’t mind. Of course if you know anything about publishing it won’t surprise you that my figures may not even rival David Blunkett’s. This wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for. I was so naïve. Wary of upsetting a PR team, sacred of jinxing future sales or plain embarrassed, other writers I know also prefer not to join this potentially humiliating ‘show and tell.’ Yet this ‘smoke screen’ allows wannabe authors to cling on to unrealistic dreams – creating a vicious circle of silence followed by dashed hope. Seriously, how many do you expect your book to sell?

3. They don’t always want to talk about rates either My advance and royalties are modest by any standards. I was paid £1,500 in advance and have royalties of 10 per cent on further UK sales. Finding out how indicative this is of current rates, initially proved as effective as Russell Brand at a True Love Waits meeting.

4. However many positive reviews you get, you should be prepared for the possibility that you’ll care most about the bad ones. I was bowled over when one reviewer said my effort was ‘the only book a writer will ever need.” Then someone slated it. That’s the conclusion that lingers in my mind. I’m not sure why one negative comment is felt so much more keenly. Can anyone explain this phenomenon other than saying it’s basic human nature?

5. On the subject of reviews – they don’t sell books The resoundingly positive reviews may have given me a warm glow inside but aren’t doing a thing for my bank balance. I’m advised they may help me if I ever go in search of an agent. But that’s a terrifying prospect. (See point number seven) I’ve learned that reviews are only a small part of the post-publication story. Without a prime time chat show or reality TV career, even the most wonderfully received non-fiction books from small publishers may be destined for an underwhelming future.

6. Checking out where you are on Amazon is pointless. It’s depressing to ride the roller coaster ride of Amazon rankings. I can sometimes make it to the top of a list of bestselling books by (ta da!) authors with the same name and some days I manage to hover around the 2,000 mark. I don't think I'll crack open the Aldi champagne just yet. But it’s pure vanity, desperation or complete madness anyway. It’s just one bookshop. I'm just glad I'm not alone.

7. Agents are scary Who’d have thought I could have so much in common with John Prescott, apart from the waistline? Yet I feel bound to flounder as a working class outsider when it comes to understanding agents. I’ve read they prefer young Oxbridge graduates with a media profile. That’s enough to put me off. The one time I got over my nerves and was told a more recent proposal was “excellent”, I was later dismissed with “Sorry Dahling, I read it too quickly". I rest my case.

8. Publicity and blogging is a long hard slog I threw myself into promoting my book. Pieces have popped up in radio shows, newspapers, magazines, websites and blogs. I laughed my head off when a magazine called me a 'celebrity'. I keep people up to date in a Facebook group. Funnily enough, each time I send an update, coupled with details of new opportunities for writers, someone drops out.

9. That thing in the movies where first time authors go misty-eyed over their book in a shop window, doesn’t happen to everyone Yes I really did think about that. When a reader emailed me to say she had bought my book from Waterstones in central London, I was cock-a-hoop. When my publisher emailed to explain that really, major retailers weren’t that interested, I was crestfallen. I should’ve listened to Craig who said I should give the book away to create more of a ‘buzz’.

10. I should have known this stuff before my book was published If you're an aspiring author, please learn from my mistakes. Look past that joyous moment when you’re told your book has been commissioned and get real – it could be a rocky road ahead. Find out what you can about how book marketing, distribution and sales really work now to help you through the inevitable potholes later.

Comments

[Nick Daws]

Great post, Linda, and lots here I could identify with!

I can testify that writing books is not the most lucrative of pastimes, unless you're very lucky or already famous/infamous. It does help to get your name known, however, which can lead to better-paid and/or more interesting writing gigs (e.g. speaking at conferences). And books can also go on producing an income for many years after, even though you might not be able to retire on them!

Hope you've also registered your books for PLR/ALCS, by the way.

[kelly]

Wow, real food for thought there, Linda. Thanks for sharing (even if you have scared me!)
Kelly

[Linda]

Hi Nick, thank you.

Yes I am starting to learn that having more books out can lead to a more significant return over time - I have written another book since and have another one to finish by next April.

I am ashamed to say that I have the paperwork for the PLR/ALCS and haven't sent it off. I should also add Nick that I found out about this thanks to a post on your blog, I'm hoping to blog here more from now on (it's been a bit quiet lately) and I think I would like to point people in the direction of your excellent advice.

Yes I have enjoyed and relished some aspects of being a published author. Last week I did a writing workshop for some people and they loved it, they each had a copy of my book to take away and made my night when they asked me to sign it, they were lovely and it was a brilliant experience to hear their work and ideas, I was very touched by their interest.

I am planning more training/workshop sessions and will look forward to them.

I know there are other aspects to cherish apart from the money side but it's a wake-up call to see what you actually do earn when sitting outside somebody's house for an afternoon then persuading them to speak to a certain type of publication can earn you £3,000!

I really don't mean to sound mercenary but I suppose the point of my post is to let people know that rates and earnings from this sort of writing doesn't match that of other writing - some wise people know this already of course - I didn't.

There is a mismatch between what it does for your reputation and your bank balance!

Even the most established freelance journalists I know can be reduced to a quivering wreck by the prospect of submitting a book proposal, when they can earn more in a week with their usual work than what they will get out of a 'small time' book project.

I have huge admiration and respect for anyone who can make a good living as a writer and think we are in a very lucky position to be able to do that - but I feel that there could be more discussed about the reality of being an 'author'.

Thanks again.

[Linda]

Hi Kelly - I don't think you have anything to worry about, as I understand it, your book is on a bit if a bigger scale than mine was/is. I just wanted to make people think a bit, that's all.

[Susan Kirkland]

I had dinner with a few very wealthy people and was introduced as a professional artist and writer. The first thing out of one dowager's mouth was, "I published a book," which elicited my response of "so who hasn't." Her book was a 12 page pamphlet on owning a small bed and breakfast which she produced at a vanity publisher. Money isn't everything; even the rich seek recognition beyond financial success. So revel in who you are and your work. Celebrate your gifts and enjoy your accomplishments, whether they fill your bank account or not. You've made a lasting contribution; and not many do.

Breaking the myths surrounding publication is a tough job, especially when kids are educated to respect and admire authors; there's nothing wrong with that. The conundrum appears when trying to equate that respect with monetary rewards; why don't the smartest, hardest working people who pour heart and soul into their work reap the richest rewards? Because success is determined through many avenues and efforts, more requiring greed, avarice, and a flair for verbally hypnotizing the masses into submission; and you need a football team of sales support to produce the type of sales needed to make the big bucks. So "publication equals success" is an assumption that young minds accept; those of us who write are not immune to holding that magical goal. It has more to do with luck and determination; otherwise it would be a snap for great works to get noticed. J.K. Rowlings is a good example of persistence pays.

Now I just know you're already on to what great thing you will do next.

[Maria McCarthy]

Fab post - and very very true!

[Dee Pfeiffer]

Fabulous piece Linda, albeit a bit depressing. I guess it depends on your expectations. One of the main reasons I haven't written my long awaited book yet is because I'm earning more than any prospective commission by writing just one or two pieces for the nationals. It is disconcerting, but if you harbour that dream and have that all consuming passion for writing a book that simply won't go away, then nothing will stop you. The fact that you are now writing more books is evidence of that all pervasive desire to write and be published regardless of the pitfalls and pittance! Your book might not rocket you into the best sellers list, nor give you a reasonable income, but it may just propel you into the realms of being considered an expert in your field, and that in itself can open many doors.

[Elaine]

Linda, thank you for 'telling it like it is' I shall make sure all my students are directed to your site - so many people go into book writing wearing rose tinted glasses. I've leaned a lot from your experiences and those of fellow writers and hope that when my own book, Showing Dogs: The Beginners Guide is published next July I will go in with my eyes wide open. Having had a shock and disappointment with a publisher that we both know well I am now more cautious - even though I am with a better and more established company. I will continue to promote your book within my classes where it has been well received since it's publication.

Elaine

[Liat]

Great post....I can absolutely relate to the Amazon ranking obsession. I even set up an Excel spreadsheet to track it. Given up now as it was all too depressing.

[Linda]

Hi Susan, thanks so much for your kind words, I think that as my day job involves earning enough money for my company to keep other people alongside me in wages which is of course a challenge in itself, I think because I have had a 'business head' on for the last few years, I made the mistake of applying the same logic to something that is judged as you say on a more creative process and result.

Hi Maria - thanks, I know your expert tips are a lifeline for many seeking publication and publicity!

Hi Dee - thanks - yes I think what brings it home even more is that the one-off fee for some of the pieces we can work on in our 'day jobs' is more than an advance for a book should be stamped in all our minds - funny how it doesn't stop us though, though of course some people are wise enough to say 'no thanks'.

Elaine, thank you, I'm chuffed for you that you have a good deal and I hope your book gets the recognition it deserves! Thanks also for telling your students about my book.

Hi Liat - thanks - bloody hell an Excel spreadsheet - now that's impressive!

[missfine]

oh my god. this top 10 is SO TRUE - I just wish you had posted it about 2 years ago so I didn't have to learn all ten items the hard way! (I think you should contact the Author Society Magazine and see if you can get this published...) Thank you for your honesty - it's wonderful to know I'm not alone.

[Cheryl Rickman]

Great piece Linda. I wanted a book launch but didn't get one, but I don't mind anymore. Re rates: I also have 10 per cent on UK sales although managed to persuade my publishers to move it to 12% once I hit 10,000 sales (something many publishers are happy to do as it encourages the author to promote and sell the book too). I agree about the reviews too - one of my reviews was so good I was incredibly chuffed until someone commented that they thought it was a bogus one. It wasn't, but the negative comment stuck with me more than the glowing review. Grrr.

Fortunately, I am able to disagree with point number six as I am ranked well on Amazon. In fact, my good news is that I've written two best-sellers, the bad news is I'm not rich. However, I am proud of my achievements, considering that I've only written two books. The first, my own book, The Small Business Start-Up Workbook (http://www.smallbusinessworkbook.com), is number one on Amazon in the Start-Up category (Small Business and Entrepreneurship section). I'm really proud of this book. It was my first and it's had some brilliant reviews. However, although it sells well, Amazon sales are discounted heavily which means the publisher (and author) doesn't make a huge profit, regardless of best-selling ability. Still, it's nice to get my (albeit relatively small) royalty cheque every April regardless. The second is a book I 'ghostwrote' for Peter Jones of Dragons' Den fame. It's a 'Sunday Times Bestseller' and I was paid a one-off fee which could lead to more work with the publishers who were impressed enough that there may be similar commissions in the future.

Also, I agree Maria - I'm hoping that becoming known as an expert in my field will open some doors... (any advice greatly appreciated.) I'd love to get on This Morning or have a regular column in a National newspaper (or in a magazine like Red or Easy Living), as an expert on starting up in business, but finding the time to promote myself isn't so easy now that I have my five month old daughter (so I've read your other post Linda - on family friendly working).

I don't have an agent and I need to do more to promote my book, but I thank you Linda for pieces like this open the eyes of writers of the future and help us all learn. Thanks for your honesty. Good luck with all that you do.

[Ellee]

I enjoyed reading this. You did brilliantly to get all this off the ground without having an agent. I'm supposed to be writing 80,000 words for Xmas, and I still don't have my promised advance. It's complicated, but I do have a great editor at Headline.
The lesson is not to put all your eggs in one basket. I think you have done brilliantly.

[Linda]

Hi Missfine, Cheryl and Ellee, thank you for commenting and commenting so fully, there's some great info included in the comments.

I hope to post again on this subject with more advice gleaned here and elsewhere. My book on writing does drift in and out of the top 10 books about writing so that's encouraging but one of the drawbacks of 'not putting all your eggs in one basket' is that you don't find the time to push it more - for me it does come down to potential return - if I can do one copywriting job in afternoon or a feature or even, God forbid (!) a press release, that's going to keep my business and family going a lot more than the potential sales notched up by a 'small' book.

I think if I was in the realms of having a book out that was going to sell 10,000 copies then I would be pushing more.

It's also very interesting to me to see people mentioning the names of more estbalished/bigger publishers here - I'm interested to know more about experiences with them. For me and many others, we are at a different level.

[guy cousins]

Linda, I'm not sure you've thought about what you're doing here. Thanks for the brutal honesty but take a step back and look at what you've written in this blog....

So you've written a book on 'writing tips' but here you've listed how you find agents scary, how your book isn't really selling etc. I'm really not sure this is the impression you should be giving. Who wants to take writing tips from someone with this attitude?
I wonder how your publisher feels about these statements? They hardly get people running to buy your book do they? Sure, you were probably over optimistic, but from what you've written here, you seem a little naive. Personally, I'd wipe this blog while you can, and start believing in youself. This may sound harsh, but it's the best advice I can give you.

Guy

[Linda]

Guy, I appreciate your comment - yes I've said in the piece you have just read that I was naive, that was the point. I was naive about non-fiction book publishing and how it works, not about writing. The point is that established journalists earning hundreds or thousands of pounds for one feature can overlook the fact that rates for this sort of publishing just don't compare.

The book passes on tips about writing, mainly about how to pitch newspaper and magazine features based on experience of writing for national newspapers and magazines, from 20 years in journalism and founding a company that has gone on to win national recognition for its approach to flexible working. It passes on tips about commercial writing based on experience of winning a significant amount of work over the years. I hope that may be helpful to people.

I can understand where you are coming from and of course I gave it a lot of thought, I'm perfectly comfortable being this honest.

People can judge me and the book by the reviews, by this blog, by my freelance journalism work, the media training that I do, or the features I have written, the feedback I have had from the book or from journalists I have mentored over the years, perhaps they'd like to weigh up my background as a senior regional journalist, an editor and news editor, or as a working mum and agency director. Whatever, if they find my advice helpful, that'll do for me.

They can read the reviews of the book and comments here and make their own mind up.

Of course someone was going to make the connection that this is a book about writing and this piece is from a writer admitting frustrations about how well it has sold, but the advice stands - both in this piece and in the book.

Perhaps I should clarify - some parts of this post were written with humour, I'm not actually like quaking in my boots about ever talking to an agent ever again.

Anyway thanks for your concern, good luck with your writing endeavours.

[Louise Bolotin]

Guy, maybe you should read the rave reviews Linda's book has had. There's no shame in admitting, though, that venturing into the book world can be daunting and scary to the uninitiated. I'm writing my first book just now, thanks to Linda, and her tips a while ago about the publishing process stopped me making vital errors.

[guy cousins]

The trouble is I don't see any advice here. I see a catalogue of disappointments, with no solutions - no examples of how you've overcome these obstacles. By all means list your tales of woe but then tell us how you managed to overcome them. Do that, and you're a winner - list your problems and you just become a whiner I'm afraid. That aside, this seems pretty unfair on your publisher. You're hardly telling the World what a great book you've written are you? (you've put me off buying it). If I was your publisher I'd be tearing my hair out.

Write this again in a years time, and tell us what a success you've made of your book, and how you've overcome all the obstacles. That would be helpful to your readers, your publisher and most of all you. You advertised this blog on MWC and invited people to read and comment. I'm sorry, but I've given it to you straight. I think it's a mistake to write something like this without a positive spin on it.

[Linda]

Guy, the point is that as a writer earning much, much better rates for other types of writing, yes I am cataloguing the disappointment of the reality of having a non-fiction book out, with humour, if you consider that makes me a 'whiner' then fine and if you don't want to buy my book then that's perfectly understandable. You can't win 'em all, but I would like to say thank you to all the other writers and journalists who have responded so positively to the book and to this piece - I have lots and lots of writing work to do today and I'll go and get on with it!

[guy cousins]

Linda,
It’s not what you say in this blog that worries me, it’s what you don’t say. By omission you’re sending out a rather bleak message about your publisher. Rightly or wrongly I detect a conflict here – it’s just my impression. You don’t thank them for their efforts or refer to them with any degree of warmth. I checked out the people who published your book and their submissions page seems to be pretty up front about what to expect as an author of one of their books. However, I’m not sure how your title fits in with their marketing strategy. The other titles seem to be tips on household subjects and leisure activities; babies, pets, gardening etc. They say they will be pushing additional sales next year through ‘party planning,’ which although might prove successful for a majority of their books, I don’t see how it will help you. If you’re not selling the amount of books you hoped for then maybe it’s a case of ‘right book – wrong publisher.’ It would be interesting hear the publisher’s take on it.
I’m sorry if I didn’t pick up on the humour of this piece. My point is simply this: your book is still out there trying to find its way. I’m not sure the points you’ve listed above are really a help to anyone, unless you tell us what you would have done differently to achieve a better result. For example, point one: you say the book launch was disappointing, but I’m interested to hear what you would have done differently to make it a success – that’s the kind of advice I’m looking for. From the replies you have received it is clear that other people have found your comments helpful. Regrettably, I’m still one of those people who ‘believes’ and subsequently I can be rather dismissive of ‘bad news’ stories. Maybe I’ll be agreeing with you in a year’s time. I hope not.

Guy

[Linda]

Hi Guy,

To clarify, the publisher is working hard to promote my book and the rest of the titles in their catalogue.

The on-going view is that my book can hopefully continue to be a steady seller, especially when you take into account the excellent feedback, reviews and ‘word of mouth’ recommendations it has received.

This blog contains lots of advice for writers, it also contains freelance writing job opportunities, as does its facebook page and group. The pieces I have done to publicise or accompany my book for Writing magazine, Press Gazette, The New Writer, and various other websites and magazines, as well as talks at writing groups and so on all contain tips about various aspects of writing.

This is all done on top of other work in the hope of maintaining a certain profile for my book - there are three double page spreads lined up in one magazine alone.

Last week, as ever, several writers contacted me directly either to say thank you for advice I had given them or ask for my guidance in seeing their work in print in major UK publications.

This piece isn’t written from the point of view of someone with rose-tinted glasses bemoaning the fact that a long-held, distant and cherished dream didn’t live up to expectations but rather an experienced writer sharing some painful lessons they have learned after all the work they have put in.

I sought solutions such as having this blog, which has built up thousands of readers, writing pieces for various publications with a national readership and pieces online – if any writer wants further advice on publicising their book, they can find it in the archives of this blog as well as from links provided by contributors and commenters.

I need to write a follow-up post with advice from other experienced writers that they have been kind enough to pass on having read it.

On the subject of the book launch, this was something that I planned, paid for and publicised myself – it was hard work, so my advice as to ‘what the solution is’ would be – don’t bother having one, well not unless they have a major publishing house behind them, lots of celeb mates and a mega PR budget! But you’ll see that even having said that, I’ve noted in this piece that it wasn’t all bad – the people who came along wrote pieces for magazines, newspapers and websites, so I got some great publicity – as with other areas covered in this post, my expectations were too high.

I’m now on to my third book, on another subject I feel passionately about, I’m now much better versed in the reality of what to expect. And as far as I was concerned, that was the whole point behind this piece – it’s about tempering expectations.

There are lots of ‘up’ sides to having a book out, not least the other work/opportunities it can lead to.

I’m happy to be challenged on anything that I write. But I would take exception to being described as a 'whinger', I spend a lot of time helping writers at different stages in their career, mainly through direct contact. The motivation behind this piece was to tell some home truths and it has been very well received by those who despite being published had similar experiences.

This is the key advice contained in the piece:

10. I should have known this stuff before my book was published If you're an aspiring author, please learn from my mistakes. Look past that joyous moment when you’re told your book has been commissioned and get real – it could be a rocky road ahead. Find out what you can about how book marketing, distribution and sales really work now to help you through the inevitable potholes later.

So 'get real' is the advice it offers. I don't know what I can say beyond that really but as I say, I am very, very busy with work and will continue to pass on tips to those who contact me and to say thank you to all those people who have told me that reading my book on writing has helped them in their own writing work - that's lovely feedback to have and apart from the lessons recounted in this piece, is excellent reward for having written the book.

[Ellee]

Linda, should it be easier for you next time round as a second time author with an excellent published book under your belt? Will that help you find a decent agent? I got mine through recommendation of another writer I met via blogging and he helped me get my deal with a top publisher.

[Linda]

Hi Ellee - thanks, that would be the plan if I go down that route! Writers I've interviewed for other pieces have stressed how important 'getting on the ladder' with a first book can be.

Good luck with yours, can you tell us more? :)

[guy cousins]

Sorry if I misread this Linda and called you a 'whinger.' I would laugh at my comment but it is rather insulting isn't it? Apologies. I totally understand what you're saying now. Good luck with the book.

Guy

[Linda]

Guy, please don't feel you have to apologise, while I said 'I take exception', I'm not at all insulted, I am very thick skinned, which I hope is a good thing.

You picked up on points that others didn't, that's not 'misreading' anything, that's just reading it and forming a different opinion, I wanted to try and explain more so have rambled on a fair bit, sorry about that and thanks for being interested enough to challenge me.

Best wishes
Linda