One of the greatest misconceptions in publishing is that you make it through a door, it stays open.
I think about this constantly. I see so many debut authors like, "Oh, this is my life now!" And I think, "No, this is your life this year."
Success doesn't guarantee success. An advance doesn't set a baseline for all advances to come. The doors don't always open and the floors don't always lead up.
And maybe that sounds disheartening, but it's not supposed to. It's meant to sound realistic. Because if you want a career in this instead of a stint, you need to know what you're up against.
Ways to help yourself:
--Don't take things--good or bad--personally. Writing is largely passion but publishing is largely business.
--Always be working. Book does well? Gonna need another book. Book doesn't do well? Gonna need another book.
--Don't take things--good or bad--personally. Writing is largely passion but publishing is largely business.
--Always be working. Book does well? Gonna need another book. Book doesn't do well? Gonna need another book.
--If you're able, diversify your creative portfolio so your success isn't entirely dependent on one stream. I write MG, YA, and Adult so that if one foothold suddenly goes away, I still have places to stand.
--Remember, the good and the bad are both prices for playing the game.
--Remember, the good and the bad are both prices for playing the game.
