My journey to publication started more than a decade ago. When I look back, I wonder what it was that kept me going. Year in and year out, I would keep working on that novel, never giving up. I took very expensive courses, watched endless YouTube videos for advice (Cont'd) 
and worked with a star editor. Until late 2016, I had no idea if I would ever even come close to getting published. I just kept writing because I enjoyed it and it felt therapeutic. I was going through a very stressful time in my life and writing stabilised me. (Cont'd)
I was also enjoying the entire process of seeing my work transform from something completely random to a proper novel. Everything changed in 2017 when I was offered representation by @CROSSLANDAM but even then, I came to realize that the world of publishing
doesn't owe anybody anything. You have to go through the grind. I was lucky to have an incredibly supportive agent as otherwise I'd have given up. I didnt, or perhaps Annette didn't let me 🤣. Things started changing for us in late 2018 and before I knew it (Cont'd)
ITCOS was picked up, published and received well by readers and the press. This encouraged me to finish writing my second novel NO HONOUR which was then picked up by Orenda Books in a preempt. Audio rights for ITCOS were subsequently sold as well. (Cont'd)
I still have a long way to go. I am nowhere close to where I want to be, but if there's one thing I've come to realize in this industry is that it's all about the long game. Patience, persistence and dedication are key to success. (Cont'd)
It may not happen today, not tomorrow but someday it will. Never give up! This is coming from an author born and bred in Pakistan who has struggled through lack of opportunities in his home country and tried to make a mark in UK publishing. (Cont'd)
If it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone.
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