by Les Anderson

I had the opportunity to query a selection of authors about their respective paths to publication. These authors were generous in their advice. They opened up with regard to their trials and hardships, as well as their victories, both major and minor. I sincerely acknowledge and thank these authors for their contributions: JB Kohl, Frank Johnson, David David Katzman, and A.T. Miller.

I asked the authors the following question. For the person hoping to be published, is there a single piece of advice you would like to pass on? Here's what they had to say.

Take the Time to Enjoy the Writing

Frank Johnson, author of Roseanna's Reply, says, "Don't put yourself under some difficult self imposed deadline. There is certainly a line that has to be drawn for those of you out there who lean too far the other way and tend to be such perfectionists that you never finish, but it is important to stay flexible."

The point is well taken. One online author claimed to have worked on her first novel for ten years before finally self-publishing. Possibly this author was in no hurry to see her book published, or she is an extreme perfectionist. Conversely, a famous young-adult fiction writer says she wrote her first novel in three months in her spare time. It's hard to fault the success of this multi-million selling author, but she is probably the exception on the other side of the spectrum.

I believe Frank's position is that there is a happy medium. I tend to agree. Frank expands on his point, "After my first draft, I did a major revision to the book and took out 80 pages. That was a little hard to swallow but I got over it in a couple of days and then tried to enjoy the challenge of getting the re-write right." (emphasis mine)

So enjoy the labor of writing your book. King Solomon said, "...I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work..." As Frank Johnson stated, "Take the time to enjoy the writing."

Find Yourself, Find Your Voice

The author of Exordium of the Faerie: Io's Exodus, A. T. Miller says it is necessary to, "...find yourself. Find your voice, something original, and build upon that. You must write from what you know, and in your own way. That is what makes a good writer and a good work."

Don't merely imitate another author's style. There is only one you in the world. Allow your unique self to show through in your writing. How would it feel to be compared to great authors like Addison, Andersen, Longfellow or Poe? What a compliment to be likened to Angelou, Austen, Bronte or Christie. All are brilliant authors.

Have you ever thought of what it would feel like to have someone else compared to you? It would be fine to hear a critic say, "I love his/her unique and original style of writing." Like A. T. Miller says, "Find yourself. Find your voice." (emphasis mine)

Always Be Focused on Your Craft

David David Katzman gives advice that's in sync with Johnson and Miller. Artist, and author of Death By Zamboni, Katzman advises aspiring authors to, "Always be focused on your craft, never the end goal." This is sound advice because it encourages you to remain focused on what's most important. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by the big payoff. This ensures the best of you goes into your creation. Dreaming about the payoff does not contribute to your creation. It's the creation that ultimately provides the big payoff, so you want your efforts targeted toward your creation.

Miller approaches this subject from a more technical angle: "...work on your craft. If you are not a strong writer, get out your grammar guide. Make it your Bible." More good advice: know your weaknesses. If you want to be your best, use all the tools at your disposal.

In the movie/play, Glengarry Glen Ross, the sales slogan was, "ABC-Always Be Closing." When it comes to writing your book, I like David David Katzman's advice, "Always be focused on your craft..."

Develop Thick Skin

Expect rejection. Expect harsh, critical reviews. All authors have received rejections and poor reviews, deserved or not. These are growing pains; don't take them personally. A.T. Miller advises, "Look in the mirror and call yourself all manner of derogatory names. Find your worst weak points in writing and skewer yourself with them. Get used to it, because you are not the only one who will be doing it."

I have read many book reviews and artist reviews. Even Stephen King has a bad day now and then. As you develop your craft, bad days will become fewer and farther between. When they do come, your experience and perseverance will have thickened your skin.

Don't Count On Someone to Notice You

The publishing industry has changed dramatically from back in the day. Although traditional publishers abound, the competition is stiffer than ever. Unless you're a seasoned veteran or popular multi-umpteen-selling author, there is a burden on you to make yourself known. Especially for your first book, it's up to you to get noticed because at this point, you're virtually anonymous. You can look at it as a setback that you have to market yourself, or you can see it as an opportunity.

Until you're established as an author, don't quit your current job. David David Katzman advises, "Don't count on someone to notice you. Send it out, but if no one responds, do it yourself. Remember Van Gogh. Not the ear-cutting-off part. The never-supporting-himself-financially-from-his-art part."

Keep Submitting

Finally, you can measure the thickness of your skin by how you handle rejections of your inquiries and manuscripts. Again, don't take the rejections personally. The reasons for rejection are many. Sometimes your submissions are rejected because the agent or publisher has been there done that: your book is nothing new or different. Sometimes you haven't done your research and the publisher receives your romance novel when they specialize in science fiction. Revamp your inquiry letter. Re-research the agents' and publishers' requirements. When you're sure you have it right, submit again. And again. JB Kohl, author of The Deputy's Widow, encourages, "Keep submitting. It's the one sure way to end up published."