One piece of advice I find myself giving writers frequently is to find validation and meaning in doing the work itself and developing your craft, rather than in external recognition, such as landing an agent or publisher, winning awards, getting glowing reviews, or hitting the best-seller list. These things are wonderful when they happen and should be celebrated, but don’t hang your self-worth, or the meaning of your writing life, on them.
Even friends and family may not understand why you spend so much time writing, and may look for worldly proof that your work has value. They may not understand how many years a writer can spend on a manuscript that may never be published.
So, it’s important to find your people. Connect with other writers who understand the value of the craft and what it takes to bring a story to life on the page. Be part of the literary community where you live. Read avidly. Support local bookstores and writing organizations. Develop a writing practice that works for you. Pursue publication and recognition, but don’t make recognition your purpose.
I say this as an agent whose job is to find talented writers and help their manuscripts become published books. I love that part of my work. It’s thrilling to see a manuscript go from a submission in my inbox to a book in the bookstore. But, I’ve also felt the pain of rejection when work I deeply believe in doesn’t find a publisher. Many deserving writers never receive the recognition they hope for. That doesn’t make their work less meaningful.
The meaning lies first and foremost in the act of writing. All of the rest is, to a large degree, a matter of talent intersecting with the right timing. Don’t count yourself out because you don’t achieve the writer’s dream of fame and glory. Recognition is usually quite fleeting, and every artistic career has ebbs and flows.
—Julie Stevenson, agent, Massie, McQuilkin & Altman Literary Agents
Photo credit: Tiffany Williams