Before the ink was even dry on my book contract I had a crisis of confidence. I must be crazy, I couldn’t do this. It took almost two years to write my first book and they wanted the second in eleven months. What if I couldn’t do that? And they wanted an outline. I never wrote an outline. And publishing, and promotions, and all the things I didn’t even know about yet. How was I going to get through this? I needed help—lots of help!
I decided to look for writers who were in the same position as me—new to publishing and not really sure what we were getting into. I didn’t know any local authors, so I turned to social media. There was already a group for authors whose books released in 2017, but so far no one had formed one for 2018. Unless I wanted to go through all these new and slightly terrifying experiences alone, I’d have to form one.
I started stalking agents on twitter, waiting for one to announce a book deal for a new client. I poured through the deals section of Publishers Marketplace. Once I’d found a debut author, I’d have to make contact—would you be interested in joining my group to help prop each other up while we go through this publishing experience? Please? I was so relieved whenever they said yes. It finally dawned on me to post a notice on Twitter for debut authors to join us and member by member, Authors 18 was born.
That was March of 2017. Now we have 120 members in our Facebook group and I don’t know how I’d get by without them. We are one another’s fans, confidantes, advisors, and sounding boards. Those who published earlier in the year were able to share their experiences with the rest of us. When one of us finds a new marketing tool or promotional opportunity we share it with the group. If someone is having a crisis there’s always another member to talk it out. From cover reveals to launch parties, copy edits to cover blurbs, we have friends on this publishing journey who know what we’re going through, and I think we’ve all gained confidence from that.
Writing is a very solitary occupation, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are so many writing groups online and maybe even in your neighborhood. The camaraderie and support a group can provide is priceless. They can also be a source of critique partners and beta readers. If you can’t find an existing group that fits your needs, form one. It was the best thing I ever did for my writing career and my sanity. More importantly, it brought some wonderful new friends into my life.
Dianne Freeman is a life-long book lover who left the world of corporate finance to pursue her passion for writing. After co-authoring the non-fiction book, Haunted Highway, The Spirits of Route 66, she realized her true love was fiction, historical mystery in particular. She also realized she didn’t like winter very much so now she and her husband pursue the endless summer by splitting their time between Michigan and Arizona.
Her debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is scheduled for release with Kensington June 26, 2018.
Website: https://difreeman.com/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/Difreeman001
Dianne, you are so right about the difference a supportive writers group can make. Thank you for visiting the blog today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity, Shari. I loved it!
DeleteI couldn't agree more! At RWA, I'd love to find a way to host some kind of (free, informal) gathering for people who haven't found their tribe yet. I remember too well what it's like to feel alone on this bumpy ride... Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. I haven't been to an RWA conference, but I thought there was some kind of meeting for newbies. Maybe you could approach the moderator with your idea.
DeleteThank you for your willingness to help us newbies.
ReplyDelete