Fedore Writer

Imagine Stephen King talking to you, giving you advice about writing.

He’d tell you that writing isn’t about being famous or making money. In the beginning of his career, with rejection letters from publishers landing in his mailbox, he was neither. He’d say, “In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”

Reading novels has become richer for me because of reading or listening to at least seven different books about the writing craft, including King’s memoire, On Writing, and attending conferences and a retreat, which have explained the book business.

Authors, agents, publishers, editors, writing coaches, writers’ organizations and writers group members deserve a hug, thank you card, our verbal expressions of gratitude – however we prefer to say thank you.

To explain further, at September’s Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) Conference, agents explained what they’re looking for, and described their processes. One agent said, “We’re like real estate agents.” What this means is that agents basically work for free when they initially represent a writer. When a publisher picks up a book, then the agent receives payment.

It’s not just agents that give their time and expertise. Other examples include the non-profit PNWA, which depends on volunteers to help serve their many members. Writers-group members support each other during regular meetings to challenge, edit and encourage each other when attempting to find an agent and/or publisher.

At least a year ago, I learned that the average author makes about eight thousand dollars a year. What I didn’t fully realize was that conferences, writers’ retreats, subscriptions to Publishers Marketplace, website platforms, writing contests, and editors cost money. I started writing in earnest (every Saturday and Sunday and during school breaks) in July, 2021. Then, I retired in July, 2022 and am writing and learning about writing practically every day.

I’m still in the stage where this endeavor is worth every penny.

At what point do writers’ break-even points break their bank? Or, after several rejection emails, break their spirit?

At a November writers’ retreat, one aspiring writer described a conference session where a published author rolled a laminated scroll, containing rejection letters she had received, down the aisle of the room. Gasps were heard as would-be writers’ eyes followed the length of the aisle.

Stephen King probably has a collection like this, too. No doubt so does every writer that has been published.

After seventeen months of learning, I have realized a book in our hands, on our Kindles and flowing into our ears is nothing short of a miracle. Miracles that have taken place because of passion for writing, belief in someone’s ideas and manuscript, and belief in readers’ willingness to buy books.

Thank you, book business, for giving us miracles every day.