My Writing Career Changes and Plans

With today's access to the world via Internet, I’ve come in contact with hundreds of websites. Who hasn’t, right? As a writer, looking for the perfect agent to represent my manuscript (s) it’s been a tempting temptation to put my work out there to anyone who is interested. I mean that’s what all authors want, isn’t? To have a published book by anyone who is willing to print it?

That’s a huge NO. My perspective on this has changed in a drastic, career changing way. After being swindled a few times, cheated twice, used by so-called friends in the industry, and lied to more than I can count, I’m pulling back the pens and doing a huge inventory check.

My most recent girl agent crush has recently tweeted an extensive amount of writer tips, which I took to heart. She mentioned that self publishing works for some and may be a good thing for them. But if the reason a writer chooses to self pub is because no one else will represent them or publish them, then you are cutting your self short as a writer. 

I mean, really. Why settle for less than best when you have an amazing opportunity to better your writing?????????

These tweets were followed by another set of outstanding tweets where my new girl agent crush listed plenty of ways on how to improve your writing. She mentioned never settling for GOOD ENOUGH. She saw a lot of good projects and this is why good is not good enough. 

Aim for GREAT.

Write fresh and original. 

Don’t write what’s been written before. 

Make your writing add something new to the genre.

These tweets opened my eyes to see how much I needed to improve if I ever wanted to find my agent and land a publishing contract. My writing *may* be good, but GOOD IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

I want GREAT. 

And then, I came across the discussion of pitch contests and writer/agent websites.

WOW. Just wow.

So many thoughts going on inside my mind. I mean, I was all onboard with something like this. What a great opportunity to find an agent, right?

Hmmm. I don’t know.

Sure, it could be a good thing.

But an agent weighed in on the discussion and her comment grabbed my attention more than anything else. 

She said something like, “These websites make writers come off as desperate” and I had to wonder if this is the legacy I wanted for me as a writer, an author??

I’ve come to the conclusion this is not the professional appearance I want to wear. I’ve concluded that my work, my time, my writing is worth more than a desperate plea, a this is good, but not good enough.

And for the PS on my post, I want to add that every writer needs to very careful with who they send their material. Even those who you thought you could trust. I’ve been taken advantage of, used for ulterior motives, had money stolen from me, and bold face lied too, all from people I trusted. All well known. So please, writers. BE CAREFUL. You’ve invested too much in your manuscripts to have them stolen, abused, and used by others in underhanded deals.

You deserve better.