Insecure Writers Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to display the badge and the link in your post!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
To find out more about the IWSG or to join us [please do] visit:
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
It’s also:
WritingWednesday
Wednesday is the day I share what I have learned on my journey to publication, marketing and publishing again. Information that I wish someone shared with me back then…
It finally happened last week. I received the news I tried to convince myself would never come, that I was imagining all the tell tale signs. My publisher closed its doors leaving 37,000 authors with so many unanswered questions and filled with panic and fear.
My first book was a wonderful experience. My team was supportive and inspiring. They were also honest. That honesty was tough to take at first but they convinced me to trust them. The finished product made me so grateful I listened to them. When I signed with them for my second book it was immediately different. There was no supportive team just confusion. I hoped and prayed it would all go back to the way it was but it only got worse.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. That some doors close so others, with better opportunities can be opened.
There are options. I am terrified of choosing the wrong one.
Have you been through the closing of a publisher? Do you have any advice?
This months question: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader? Sadly it has made me a critical reader. I have been doing so many critiques and reviews that I’ve been finding it hard to just read to enjoy the story. It is one of my goals for 2017. More reading for fun!
Please visit this month’s co-hosts Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, and Joylene Buter
Happy Writing,
Doreen
22 thoughts on “Its Wednesday and I am Insecure…”
I haven’t been through that experience, but my goodness, I can imagine! I’m wishing you extra cheese and a powerful dose of discernment to figure out where to go from here.
Thank you Crystal! Cheese and wine is getting me through.
Publishing right now is not so stable… I’ve seen a number of author friends have books cancelled entirely after publishers closed, or who did not get paid though the pub keeps acquiring new works. My book’s release date changed 3 times and my editor took a new job at another company right in the middle. (Thankfully the book completed edits and released!) You’re right that doors closing mean new opportunities. Writers have even more possibilities now with indie publishing. I hope you find a home for your new writing.
One book that helped me out quite a bit is For Love or Money by Susan Kaye Quinn. She has another book the Indie Author Survival Guide. The first one helps you determine why you write, what you are looking for out of writing, and what avenues are available to you. The other one is more strategy for self publishing, but I found it helpful even if you are published traditionally.
Here’s my February IWSG post: Stephanie Scott How I Read Now
Thank you for the reading suggestions! I’m going to read them.
I’ve been through a couple of publishers and have come to the conclusion that self publishing is the way to go. I know not everyone feels that way, but 90% of the writers I know are leaving publishers as striking out on their own. I think it’s best to keep everything about your book within your own control. If u do want to go thru a publisher, I would have a lawyer check out the contract before signing. Most publishers these days are all about their own interests and not the Author’s. Good luck with all your endeavors!
I think you are right!
I fear this is going to start being the norm, that many publishing companies are on their way out, as they are not able to adapt to the times. The rules of writing and publishing are changing and the old standard is no longer viable.
It doesn’t sound ideal, but indie publishing has a lot of benefits. Feel free to contact me, and I can give you some information about the indie process.
Thank you so much Christopher. I am self-publishing my next book and am enjoying the process, so far!
Wow – I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be going through. I wish I had some advice to give you but I’ve never experienced something like that. Keeping you in my thoughts as you figure out your next steps.
Thank you so much Ellen.
I’m sorry to hear this. I hope you figure out where to go from here soon, and can be moving forward again. Though, like you, I also believe things happen for a reason, and bad things often lead to something better than before.
I am looking forward to better than ever!
That’s a tough one. I don’t have any advice, since I’ve not worked with a publisher at all, let alone one that folded. All I can do is send my best wishes for you to find the right way. There are pros and cons for going Indie (the biggest con being that if you suck at marketing like me, it’s hard to make any money at it), but there’s one thing–the publisher won’t fold on you!
—Rebecca
My IWSG Post
Thank you so much Rebecca!
I’m so sorry things aren’t going as well with the publisher for this book as they did with the last one. Are you working with the same exact people … or is it an entirely new team, just with the same company? I’ve never published a book, so I really can’t offer you any advice other than to hope another of your readers will provide the advice you need. I hope things improve with your publishers or you can find a way to cut ties while still getting your book published and not suffering from the cut as a result. 🙂
Thank you Mandy, keep moving forward is my motto!
Sorry to hear this! No advice, but sending moral support your way. 🙂
Thank you so much Yvonne!
I have had my publisher close. It was devastating as I was just about ready to submit my novel. My best suggestion is to get back out there. Look around for other publishers and read lots about them. I feel really fortunate to have my short chosen in the. Ew anthology so it’s given me a boost of confidence again. I am so sorry you had to experience the let down too. There’s always light though. I honestly believe we get stronger from these events.
I am so sorry that happened to you. I have a publisher that offered to re release my books and publish my next, it just takes time. I am grateful to have opportunities. Yes, we definitely get stronger!
thank you for this interesting post – makes me reflect a great deal about what we expect from publication, and what we might do if things take a dip. I’m sure you are not alone in losing your publisher, and that traditional publishers are doing their best to stay afloat in often chaotic conditions.
I’m trad published with my first book, ‘Trapped’ – and I’m going to be self publishing my next two books. There is a sense of freedom that goes with that, so long as you can afford the start up costs, and see a niche for your independently published work. Of course, both avenues have advantages and drawbacks, but we learn from all of it, don’t we. (And yes, I suspect that almost all authors are insecure.)
I am definitely doing a lot of reflection too and absolutely we are all insecure at some point or another.