10 Toxic Publishing Mindsets That SUCK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- Want more harsh writing advice? I'm sharing ten toxic publishing mindsets that are just plain nasty, or can actively hold you back (or hurt you) in publishing. Jealousy, social climbing, pitch contests, unicorn dreams... I'm covering a lot!
00:00 Introduction
01:12 Zero Sum Game
03:04 Compare & Despair
06:48 Focus on the sprint
11:13 Pitch contest obsession
16:19 Social climbing
22:48 Agent/Publisher snobbery
30:55 Debut/buzz culture
35:30 Want Author, won't work
38:41 Expecting an easy road
41:49 Work for hire is soulless
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Social climbing 101: “Be good to the people you meet on the way up, cause you’re gonna meet the same people on the way back down.” - Ralph Kramden
Alexa: “you work for years and years and don’t finish anything.”
Me: I feel personally attacked.
Same
At least you are not like me who, at this point has a chance to start his life over again in his 50’s & yet has no clue what he really wants to do. I come here because she’s got great dvi for writing, A year go my Dad died at the age of 90. He would motivate me towards writing (I would like to be either an actor, screenwriter, filmmaker, illustrator or magician all rolled into one, but now with my Dad gone, it’s rather hard for me to get back into writing again.
Same!
@@tomthemantv6482 im sorry for your loss! Hopefully things become clearer for you 🙏🏾
yeah i heard this and i was like "hey, y'know something? fuck off with this negativity right now."
I work in publishing and I guarantee you, we REMEMBER the authors that are shitty to us and we warn our coworkers. Some publishers literally have sections on paperwork where we list notes about authors (ie. unresponsive, late with deadlines, or flat out rude). So not only do you burn bridges, but it spreads and we ALL know publishing is a small network of people who also move to different publishers. That Editorial Assistant that you were rude to could turn out to be the Associate Editor that chooses not to acquire your manuscript in a just a few short years.
YES! Exactly. There is... an author I had in mind making this who I have heard has upset almost every department at their publisher. It's so bad it's circulating WIDELY among authors now too. I'm just over here like... it costs you nothing to be a decent human being! We're all just trying to do our jobs! (and maybe b/c I work in marketing in my day job, I try to be SUPER appreciative of my publicity/marketing people b/c there is nothing I hate more than the "pissy, demanding client email" haha)
@@AlexaDonne "it costs you nothing to be a decent human being" - People would do well to take that to heart as a guiding principle for life in general, really.
@@AlexaDonne I remember a well-known actor I follow going off about that. He said, in an overcrowded profession, you can't afford to indulge in this kind of behavior if you want to work. There's no reason to put up with it anymore because there's plenty of actors out there who are just as talented and could take your place in a heartbeat. That applies to publishing too.
Question, how does the publishing community view teen authors?
I might have been frustrated with a editor and acted “rude” at first and realized I wasn’t being nice. I tried to be better and apologized. I have done this twice I think but overall I try to be a decent percent. I am hoping my one time mishap didn’t cause this to occur.
Someone: only the best agents will do.
Me: *holding a cardboard sign * will write books for food.
Ha ha, true!
Lol! Pretty much.
I mean if someone thats similar to me gets a book deal I'll be happy because it might indicate that I could too! 😬
yea genre hype is real and if nobody is publishing books that can comp yours thats probably a bad sign lol
A healthy brain sees other people as peers, not competitors. Congrats.
And, if you wanna have a good friend, BE ONE!
If someone buys one fantasy book based on Celtic folklore and likes it, they will buy the next Celtic folklore fantasy they see, so...
The most toxic one for me personally is Imposter Syndrome. The comparing yourself, the "I'm not good enough," the "I'll never improve, no matter how hard I work" mindset. That's what I've suffered from, multiple times, and it has brought my writing to a screeching halt. I did get past it, but it's not easy, and it can get you so frickin depressed. I sympathize with anyone going through it. Alexa, if you ever want to focus on another writing, positive feelings, pep talky video, I am more than here for it!
Same. Imposter Syndrome is very real. Alexa has referenced it before, I think she may have suffered from it, but another video on it would be nice.
Ughh I agree entirely. I constantly have to tell myself "just get through the first draft" and "you can edit it later. You can make it better if you just finish it" because every time I write anything I feel like I'm not good enough and like it's a waste of my time because it's terrible and I'm never gonna get better
And it really sucks because I enjoy making stories and love writing while I'm writing but the moment I finish a scene, I'm discouraged from writing again.
I think this feeling never fully goes away, but I'm hopeful that it can improve with time and experience
I hate the idea that "You MUST write 100k a day" to be a writer or youre not passionate about writing. I work FullTime...I'll write what I can.
Yes! And writing what and when you can and actually writing is better than having words hoals and then not eriting because you're afraid of not meeting them.
Someone asked a panel of authors what their writing process was and everyone gave a different answer from 2000 words a day to writing in pretty note books and typing it up later, to write when they can.
In my experience those types of targets do not yield quality results.
Yet, Authortubers preach this. I say 1k or 2k is safe and Healthy. 2-4hrs a day if you can. If not, it doesnt mean youre not a writer. Authortube or #writingcommunity condemn taking a break. Yet some ideas, you will need a break for a bit (not a 4 week vacation). My most ambitious project right now is overworking me and draining my passion in the craft.
I draft fast and edit really really slowly! But I am a pantser through and through and an overwriter so just because I managed 10k in a day doesn't mean I am not going to have to edit 7k of that out and completely rework the 3k that is left! (Another toxic mindset is the plotters who think that plotting is better than pantsing.) Some world renowned authors set writing goals of a page a day, or 1000 words a day (and this is their full time job). I am sure they have days where they don't write and days when they manage much more but yes, I see that My Word Count is bigger than Your Word Count toxic mindset all the time. Quality not quantity...
@@sararobinson5632 Im always under my WC. The Flux trilogy was all plotter for me. Fantasy War, I tried to be a pantser. (Which ever is outlining vs open minded, I used different terms like builder vs planter.) However, I never recommend one over the other. My comment was for toxic idea that others in the community frown upon new writers because they're not dedicating 24/7 to their work...I have and I'm overworked and drained every day. But somehow that doesnt make me a writer??? That idea needs stop. Whether or not you write 100 or 100k youre a writer. What ever system you use (plot or pan) youre a writer.
Usually people who are jealous will be jealous about everything. About their friends getting married, their friends starting families, their friends getting coveted promotions, and so on... It's sad because it's actually just super destructive thought and emotion cycles.
I had a friend like that. It was hard to talk about anything good about my life since she got so passive aggressive about it.
@@PeachBlossomGirl90 That's most likely why she is accomplishing any of those things.
"Second chance at high school" people are everywhere. In day jobs, in youtube, writing, TV, fandom... It's an "avoid at all costs" for me. I didn't have a particularly notable high school experience but I can say for sure that I, as an adult, have no desire to be dragged back into the pettiness and insecurity involved in that mindset.
Great vid Alexa! You always make me think
I've decided to make my first couple books "practice books." I know I don't have the technical skill or the concepts to make it in the market right now. This mindset has actually helped a lot when battling imposter syndrome, jealously, etc. Someday, when I have a book I think is ready and I have complete faith in, I'll look for an agent. My time will come. Am I the only one?
nope! i also write this year just to improve my skill. im not where i wanna be, but im gonna do some fun projects until i am and i can be proud of those too.
I have a hot take: to have only your fans as beta readers won't do the job. I've seen quite a few authortube authors who do that and I'm yet to hear about a good book that came from that.
YES! I was so excited for The Cyborg Tinkerer, and I bought the audible audiobook. It was the worst, most forced crap I have ever had the misfortune of consuming. I got a refund so thank goodness for that but I can never get the time I wasted on that book back. I later saw some youtube reviews on it and I agree wholeheartedly with most of their critiques. Just getting butt-licking friends who will never tell you the truth to be your beta readers, self-publishing because you know a publishing company would not take your project in a million years....it was just.... I can't stop thinking about how bad that book was. And it's supposed to be a series? ugh
Yes! Authors need people who’ll tell them when their book needs work. Last year I was given the opportunity to beta-read for an author (full disclosure: that I AM a fan of) and one of the questions asked of me to agree to in that situation was: I will be honest with the author, even if I don’t like what they’ve written. And I agreed but added the comment that it was even more important to be honest with the author if you don’t like what they’ve created, because they didn’t ask for our help because they only want to be told everything they’ve done is wonderful, right?
@@itsjustmargarita holy crap! Did I just read that!? Thee perfect comment I could have seen today. Thank you
@fortyfiveframes the saying it’s all about who you know can’t be understated when who you know are yes people who’s accumulated strength in number can guarantee a cushy launch.
@fortyfiveframes I DNF'd TSS. I couldn't finish it! There was a book reviewer here on YT who said if she had just put both books together, cut out a bunch of fluff, it could've been way better from both points of view
In some cases, these are life lessons. Be genuine and grounded. You never know when or where your next opportunity will present itself.
That jealousy one really reminds me of that lawsuit lady that Lindsey Ellis talked about somewhat recently. That's jealousy to the point of trying to absolutely destroy your competition.
Genre snobbery! I hate when you say you write genre fiction and get the quiet judgmental “oh” in return
Along with #9, there’s also this idea that if something is easy once, it’ll always be easy for you. Getting my agent and debut deal was easy for me. I was one of those unicorns who had things fall together quickly and easily. But that doesn’t mean every subsequent book is going to be sunshine and daisies! Writing can still be hard, and the market shifts and - even with success on a debut - it can be harder to sell another book. Having a healthy sense of reality regarding this can be a sanity saver!
The most toxic mindset I have ever witnessed in person other than being a primadonna who was too good to treat people with basic human kindness was not having any faith in your own works to the point that you take every peice of advice and DESTROY your manuscript beyond recognition in order to "make it" instead of really knowing what your story IS before going out looking for publication.
hmm that's a good tip to watch out for
If I can add a toxic mindset: writers, debut or otherwise, who think that readers and reviewers need to cater to them, or that reviewers are there just to make you a better writer. For example, a reviewers HAS to give you a good review, rate it a certain way, or they have to promote your book, just because you sent it to them. I've been a blogger for a long time, and I've seen authors be absolutely nasty to reviewers, especially reviewers who give them a negative or neutral review. And seeing authors, not going to name names, bash reviewers for giving mixed criticisms, because they think reviews are there just so authors can be better.
this one !! so important
“A rising tide lifts all ships”
I know it’s kinda off cuff but I really like that phrase
The people who do these weird, toxic things...have they never held a job outside of getting published? This kind of behavior would get you kicked out (or isolated and ignored) in most workplaces, regardless of industry. You'd have a very hard time paying the bills in the long run, with such pervasive behavioral issues.
I think people don't view their publishing career the way they view their day jobs. I think it's easier to fall in the trap of thinking you're a star if you become a published author since it's not the same dynamic as when you are a literal employee somewhere. You'd have to have the presence of mind to remember that you are collaborating with your publisher to stay grounded during the process.
@@erikrinard7908 that's a fair point.
@@zetaforever4953 because many jobs actually allow these toxic things to flourish in the workplace especially office jobs. High school never ends and that bitchy queen bee often because a manager
@@ayajade6683 well, that's true enough. I've had personal experience with some of those 😂
Hi Alexa, great video! I recently finished my first manuscript ever, 74,000 words, and I’m super grateful for all of these videos you’ve made, they’ve been invaluable in helping me get over the finish line! Thanks for creating useful content that I can always come back to.
Congratulations on finishing!
"Eyes on your own paper" YES! So much yes!
I'm doomed, cause I have no interest whatsoever in being part of a writing community. It seems it's essential to get into writing, by making a website, going on Twitter, networking, etc? Could all that not become a waste of time instead and a distraction from the actual writing? Before the internet existed, this wouldn't have been essential, so what changed?? Surely a publisher will judge your work on the quality of it and not your Twitter presence???
(Oh and a little apology as I was rude on this channel before. I was drunk that day, but there is no excuse to not being kind.)
I'm not sure if it's a toxic mindset exactlt, but the mindset of "writing is so hard, I'm a suffering artist, I suffer for this." Writing is hard, but it should also be a joy. And if the only thing you're focused on is the "suffering artist" aesthetic then that can hinder your progress too. Like writing is sooooo hard that you just don't write...
This sounds like exactly what Elizabeth Gilbert wrote about in Big Magic. So true. Writing can be tough, but you should still experience joy in it even in the daily work.
Super recommend this book btw it was a gentle kick in the pants for me.
@@rebeccasperring1747 yes! I loved it too.
Eyes on your own paper! I need to write that on a post it above my screen 🤣
I'm the opposite of #8. I don't want the glitz and glam; I want to hide in my cave and never see the sun... But I'll come out if it's snowing; I love the snow.
Excellent advice! Thank you for sharing! It reminds me of advice I was given by my first Executive Officer when I was in the military. Be mindful of the toes you step on on your way UP the ladder of success because they will be attached to the asses you will kiss on the way DOWN!
toxic publishing mindset: making excuse after excuse for the bad behaviour of industry professionals and brushing off other writers who raise genuine concerns, all because you hope an agent will spot you sucking up and hand you a client agreement. i see this CONSTANTLY in aspiring writer circles. someone will come in with a real whopper of a story like, “my schmagent signed me, gave me crappy notes, then ghosted me for eight months” and inevitably someone else will say, “well maybe they were just busy!! you don’t want to be pushy!! just wait patiently!!! don’t be a nuisance!!!” it’s the publishing equivalent of being a pickme. c r i n g e.
Another great video, Alexa! You always get me so inspired to write, even though you don’t make it sound easy. Thanks!!!
Came for the advice and loved how much it was so practical! You are really appreciated by this aspiring writer!
Thank you for still going strong on youtube, I love your videos! It is great to get these insights!
really enjoyed this! would love part 2!
When I started looking for writing info, the more fun and direct ones came from self-pub authors here on YT and they almost had me convinced that trad-pub had no value in the modern day and self-pub was the way to go... Then I found you and got a more realistic view of the situation.
I just started watching your channel on the advice of a friend. I love it so much! I work out while watching your videos lol!
Looooove the long videos! (And the eyeshadow is on point!) :)
Current one floating around on Twitter is that #fanfic writers are not 'real' writers. But that's how many writers start out and practice their craft. Some write as a hobby and are really good, they just don't want to do it as a career. But I can say I have read some excellent fanfic and downloaded some awful published books. Fanfic platforms are a great way of meeting other writers with similar interests and building up a network of critique partners and beta readers.
Our second chance at high school - not good!! 🤣
I'm loving your videos. You're very helpful. I took a different approach. I self-published both of my books & had NO idea that publishers scout. I had to respectfully decline for financial reasons.
I'm still learning & you had some great points in other videos. I found out during the pandemic that I really love writing. I love writing and so I started doing my homework on what goes into doing the copyright, making the cover, uploading to different platforms to gain an audience, contracts and the different types, self publishing pros and cons, and being happy with it.
Your video helped me adjust to somethings. Your videos will help me level up as a writer. Thank you. 😊
It really does all come together...I'm considering making a tag video from these points--so great to consider and reflect on. 💖😘👏🏼
OMG Alexa there is so much tea in this video and I LOVE IT! Another toxic mindset, I think, is taking it personally when a specific marketing tactic works for one author and not for you. I've seen authors get down about this, and even publicly vent on Twitter about how, for example, nobody's entering their giveaways. 😬 But every author's book, audience, and brand (e.g. their personality!) is different. So if you model your giveaway, TikTok video, whatever after another author's, and it flops, don't sweat it. Forcing it won't make you happy, either! Just keep testing out different promo tactics that better fit your own brand and audience.
Thank you for all the information you give! This has been so helpful and boosting. I’ve been stuck on a book for years, but finally progressing into it actually looking like a book instead of random things slapped together. You’re amazing for sharing
Fantastic commentary and advice! I've definitely seen some of these in my own experience. My biggest problem tends to be much more internal, stressing over the next book beause the last one was well-received and I don't want to let anyone down. Despite knowing intellectually that the next book is objectively better, there's always that very real fear that you totally misread what people enjoyed about your first book, and that they're going to be disappointed with the sequel. From what I've seen, I'm definitely not alone in feeling this way, and ultimately it's just part of the whole process, especially when writing a series.
Hi Alexa, great video. I really have been loving your content and insider knowledge. You’re literally my favourite channel right now and I’m really grateful I found you as you’ve really helped me get focused on getting my novel written. You have said you are really good at researching the authorsphere and keeping on top of industry trends, researching agents, etc. which is something I have found really dense and I don’t even know how to get started or where to look for industry news. Would you be able to do a video about how you research the industry, agents and resources that authors can use to keep on top of this stuff?
How are you so helpful :-) thank you! I've been struggling so much lately. I'm so glad I found your channel!
As always, I appreciate your insight so much, Alexa. Love the language “community, not competition.”
Excellent video. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to more videos about writing and the writing business. Especially liked your comments on "work for hire" publishing.
Ooof! Sucker punch, but also, a good grounding reminder for a lot of us in the writing community.
Really good video. I'm not a writer, but I find your videos on the profession to be excellent. I'd also say that a lot of what you talk about can apply to other fields like design (closer to what I work in). A lot of people want to be great Designers, with a capital D, but don't want to make 100s of prototypes, figure out production etc. As a complete aside, nice job on your eyeshadow.
I needed this. Thank you as always, Alexa!
So many good discussion topics. I fall into the work on something for years but haven't published thing, but it comes from a fear of failure. "How do I know it's good enough to even try publishing?" type thing. I'm working on changing that now. Working on yourself for growth is so important.
loved this one. Just the thing to listen to while doing admin!
People who say self publishing is easy or a cop out 😬
Yes please make more salty publishing videos! I love these! 💖
Made it through the entire thing! I agree with ALL these points! My biggest takeaways from this, is there's no shortcuts. Think long term bigger picture, don't be short sighted, snobby, curb your expectations and treat other authors with respect - don't ditch your friends, and don't use people to social climb. I think because I consider myself a hobby writer with a full time career to fall back on, I don't have this huge pressure on myself to "make it", I just want to write stories I'd want to read and put it out there and see what the cats lick up, after getting it ready for publishing and it's all polished and ready to go.
I've never heard the term "over-querying." Interesting! Maybe in a future video you could elaborate on it.
I think she might have in the video on when to let a book die and how many agents to query
She made a video on "100 agents is too many to query" which covers it.
I love the insightful look you give us plebs into the publishing world. I have an agent (signed just about a year ago), but I've been on sub for a good while now (eyooooo 2020) and it's nice to have the reminder not to compare myself with others. I just need to keep working on the next book, and my time will come. Eyes forward and all that.
So glad you did this video. I appreciate your wanting to spread more love not hate.
I always forget Scholastic isn’t part of the major publishers because they’re my dream (even though I shouldn’t have a dream) publisher 😭
Yeah that's the thing--the non-Big 4 majors are AMAZING, famous publishers! And there are so many acclaimed smaller publishers that producer bestsellers and award winners all the time. Snobbery is silly!
@@AlexaDonne Scholastics also just have a lot of nostalgia, I still remember in elementary school, when those newsprint scholastic order forms would come in like once a month to order books, and once or twice a year there was a book fair. I remember buying all the Goosebumps and wanting to buy this book on Johnathan Taylor Thomason, but by the day in the week my class went to the fair, the book was all gone. I got very jealous then.
I’m new to all of this and don’t know the ins and outs, but Scholastic was my childhood and if they aren’t in the big 4, it’s because they are the Bigger 1 and stand alone. Books they published started a lifelong obsession for this dorky kid.
I will out myself as someone who can't break out of viewing friendships as transactional because I was traumatised by people who took my friendship but never gave back. Now to protect myself I feel like I can only allow myself to give as good as I get. It makes me sad but this is just something I have to deal with because of life history.
I think there's a difference between having some expectations of reciprocity and viewing relationships as exclusively transactional. It's healthy to expect people to reciprocate in some way to maintain a relationship. Otherwise, things quickly become one-sided and exploitative.
This publishing game sounds very hierarchical and power/influence based. These all seem like worthwhile rules, but no wonder a lot of aspiring writers don't like dealing with the industry side of the system.
Sounds just like academia.
It really feels like, that the same toxic things apply to office/day jobs. 😕
Thanks for the video!😄
Thanks for the advice Alexa!
Pure Alexa Donne gold - somehow harsh and caring at the same time! Never had 50 minutes go by so fast!
You should look into what happened with L J Smith* (edited to correct name) author of the Vampire Diaries. It was work for hire, but she was apparently assigned to just write a teenage vampire series, and pretty much all of the stories, characters, world building, etc. were her own creation. When the author and the publisher had a disagreement about how the story should go, they straight up fired her and had other people ghost write the remaining books which we still published under her name. I heard about this from Jenny Nicholson's video on the Vampire Diaries
Uh, EL James wrote 50 Shades of Grey, not Vampire Diaries
That was LJ Smith. Yes, that is an inherent risk in working for a packager. You don't own the IP. Usually in work for hire at a publisher, however, you have the copyright (for non-licensed work).
@@angelxxsin woops! Sorry about that, I accidentally swapped the name
Yeah, when I was new to researching traditional publishing I would see so many articles talking about how AMaZiNg the Big (former) 5 publishers were and of course my perfectionism and need to feel special told me those were the only options. Thankfully your videos and time have taught me otherwise, thank you!
I'm happy for any author that gets a book deal. Openly congratulate your fellow writers on their big accomplishments such as finding an agent or obtaining a book deal.
Jealously and comparisons aren't good at all. I've felt stings of Jealousy in my life outside of writing because it's human but it makes you forget what you do have. What is really important. It definitely steals joy.
I was spinning my wheels a bit, part of it is I work on multiple projects so it takes me longer then it should per project but... that 'years' on a book. Felling very called out right now :p
I'm not a writer but I like your videos because I find that your advice is useful for many types of projects.
“I’m not cool, for the record....”
madame, I disagree...
For the 8th tip, my immediate thought was "well if you don't do the suckie stuff, the glitzy shimmery stuff doesnt feel as high." You feel good BECAUSE you know the hours you put into the other bits that got you to this point. *I* did this. I am here because of my own power. Thats what i feel anyhow haha.
You're awesome, Alexa 😭 This was all very insightful and a great reminder to keep trying to do better.
My first year of dedicated writing was spent (between tears of despair and fear) repeating the same mantra over and over: 'I'm not the story--the story's the story.' It helps me refocus.
I have to say I am impressed with the dedication on your videos.
I’d listen to you talk about anything tbh 😂 I just love your personality Alexa
I haven't even written a book yet and I can't stop watching. You're hilarious. I'm hooked
We appreciate you too, Alexa hahah, thanks for the TEA
Miniature Master Class in How to Be a Heartfelt Person here (love the social climbing takedown)
I feel like there's a toxic writer mindset in the writing community and like you, I can't stand it. It's why I do my Arabella's Writing Rampages because it's a way for me to help myself and others to try and correct these mindsets at the root. It's this mindset that writers are lazy, stupid, procrastinating asses who shouldn't even be trying to write because their words are shit and why try? That BREAKS my heart to see so many ppl say this...and it's just a mindset and a belief and it's not true. I wanna see authors love their work and their process as much as they can.
& gosh I so agree with all these you got going on here too ! 👏🏻
Your tea is always the freshest *chef's kiss*
Pitch contest obsession is a big one right now. I have been serious about writing since 2012, have written 4 MS, queried 3 of them and still haven't made it. I never made it into PW and am waiting on my 3rd attempt at AMM. But, I know I'm getting better and am writing new projects. It's hard to watch CPs leveling up while I feel like I'm lagging behind. Comparison is the thief of Joy is SUCH an important thing to internalize (in all aspects of life!). I think having practiced perseverance and been (very!) familiar with rejection will help me when I'm on submission and all of those stressors in the future.
@Samara Hamilton YASSS he is the best
I feel the same way. I quit doing PW after not seeing sci-fi getting any attention from the community. (Not just me a lot of other sci-fi writers) Its YA or nothing.
This comment really spoke to me. While I haven't yet gone down the path of submission and rejection, I've been writing seriously for years and trying to better myself. I end up comparing myself to others, but it's a mindset I want to work on this year. Keep going with your writing and don't give in to the joy-killer that is comparison.
@@blr5341 thanks! I love writing and craft and storytelling - and even when I’ve taken time away I miss it. I don’t know if I’ll eventually let the dream go, or if I’ll start considering hybrid. But I love telling stories. And I know how to work hard! But comparison is something I am really working on. It is so hard to see people you’ve CP’d making it (and one of them breaking out). I’m trying to stay focused and positive. There’s always another project to write!
Felt the social climbing one in my bones. Nice to know that I’m not alone.
OMG! The #10 take was really something to see on Twitter a few months ago 😬
Oooh, compare and despair is tricky, too, because just when you think you've got it beat it can sneak up and bite your ankle, making your self-confidence stumble unexpectedly. I definitely struggle with the wistful wishing, but I am genuinely and sincerely happy when other writers win any successes because I love to read and their success means YAY BOOKS.
Also, I LOVED THIS VIDEO. 😝 I found myself going HECK YES so many times. I am still a baby debut author, but ohhhh I have seen some of these things and... yeeeks. 😬
I think you about covered it. I myself am that one author you hoped not to see again, the one who got stuck. However! I am finally moving on from it, after years of not writing due to life things, medical problems, etc, and am loving my new books (multiple). I'm building up my platform in hopes of becoming a hybrid author. I've seen they have great success in just finding the best market where their book fits. I thought I wrote upper YA, but after a couple of your videos, I'm starting to wonder if instead I'm writing an adult Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy with younger MCs (18). Would be so helpful if you could make a video about Upper YA specifically, the differences between upper and regular YA, and troubleshooting.... any more info on this subject would be just, great. Lol
I dunno if it's a PUBLISHING mindset, but by far the one I struggle with the most is "no one will care about this book". It can be really hard to keep pushing through edits and revisions when it feels like this book will just fall flat on its face the second I show it to someone.
You talk about pitch contests, Twitter pitches, stuff like that. Could you do a video on how to find these contests/vet the good ones/pick one that's right for your book?
So as a person who has no social media with the exception of TH-cam am I just screwed? 😂🤦♀️ I despise social media so I stay off all of that. Will that hurt me in the publishing world?
I love this so much I put a book forward for a writing award on whattpad I didn’t win but the feedback I got was priceless. It was my first time getting professional feedback on my work I appreciate it so much. It got on my nerve she said my spelling was terrible and miss the note on page 1 it was written in British English. As a black writer I can honestly say the chances of me getting a book deal is non existent. I write because I enjoy it simple as that. I love your channel I’ve learn so much from it.
Your comment makes my heart hurt! There are sooooo many agents right now who are only taking queries from Black authors, and asking White authors to refrain from querying to give space to Black voices! I respect this with all my heart. Definitely do some digging and research on those agents who are looking for Black voices, it is a very good time!
QUESTION: Alexa, I been following for a long time (since your old background), I always hear you talk about the author and debut community, and in this video how you mention it is in a way kind of like high school. I can see that and have experienced that myself in other forms of art, the film industry, but writing itself is a very individual artform. Does anyone just keep to themselves, and not join the author communities, stay out of all of that gossip, the only contact they have into the publishing world is their agent and editor? Besides that, they keep their head down, write their novels, and do their full-time job while keeping a personal life with their own friends, not carrying about making author friends and getting involved in all of this drama?
Also - your shirt is gorgeous and I love it.
I will be honest I have started so many projects that I never finished because I was raised with a toxic mind set. I just started therapy at the first of the year and I am rediscovering my voice. I do have some of these toxic mindsets and I didn’t even realize what I was doing to myself. Gives me more things to talk about in therapy than my mother 😜
I really enjoy your content. The tips and hard truths. It inspires me, so thank you.
We appreciate you too, Alexa!
ooh yes more videos like thissssss
I've submitted my own essays and short stories to calls for submission and contests. I didn't win or get chosen, but I also didn't hate myself because I read the winning pieces and they were good! I feel some of these toxic mindsets are similar to high school. Sorry if that offended anyone, but thats how it felt.
I always enjoy your content and I look forward to more!
8 is the worst mindset and I personally had it fueled by depression I didn't have a good handle on. "If I have this fancy title, people will leave me alone," kind of thinking. This obviously isn't the case...I have a book idea I'd like to finish since I'm almost done with it. But I spun my wheels for years thanks to the depression. I'm gonna take a page out of Bradbury's tips and go to short stories after this. I believe it'll help me learn the form, learn the discipline, and maybe have some fun creating too.
Thank you for putting these mindsets out in the open.
Do a part 2! As a self published author of 13 books, I run into this idea I'm not 'a real writer', or don't know how to write / do the job, because I never wanted to do queries with big publishing houses. One thing I dislike about the self publishing world is when you run into people who have the idea you're only worth talking to if you can do something for them. I mean, ick!
Hey Alexa! Great vid - as always :) Quick question: what do you think about selfpublishing under fake name? Is't a way to workaround the risk of "low sales can impact your future plans with traditional publishing"?
Cheers! :)
I do generally think pen names in pub, period, are a great idea! It's easier to change a fake name than a real one :)
@@AlexaDonne Thank you
I do like that “I won’t ever get published” is not a toxic mindset. Because the truth of the matter is, yea you might not get published ever. Markets are fickle and quality is second to marketability.
@@kat8559 Not really I’m just going by the statistics of people who submit a query vs people who actually get published and that’s not even taking into consideration the amount that your book sells after publication
Lonngg term... I like jumping from book to book to book... finishing a paragraph here, a sentence there. When I was on my first book I had a five year plan, but I lost momentum. Now I simply sit, though I yearn to learn a bit more before I die of boredom.
Completely unrelated, but I ADORE your eyeshadow in this video
really eyeopening. the worst of human nature is also present in this industry....good to be aware of these "evils" for a neophyte dipping their toes in the water.
This is just good life advice as well! (And very helpful to self-publishing too)