Alexa, I rarely leave comments but your channel is extremely helpful for all aspiring authors and you're doing Lord's work with the type of content you're putting out. I haven't learned as much from articles and other channels as I had from you. Your willingness to share your experiences when other authors prefer to be silent is one of the best qualities of your personality. You're a wonderful person
I agree wholeheartedly. I have seen two others, both females and both published writers but I learned more from Alexa when it comes to writing per se and the publishing industry.
*"So many feelings!"* Alexa coming in with the Real Talk once again. I appreciate the mention of cognitive dissonance between feeling one thing, recognizing how/why you're feeling it (and maybe sometimes that you SHOULDN'T feel it) but then still letting yourself feel it anyways. You're kind of blowing my mind about the buzz culture being manufactured. As a consumer, you can pick out the trends but that behind-the-scenes aspect of buzz not necessarily equating with good sales isn't as obvious! And your mention of being "tortured by absence," whether in a book store, not receiving blurbs, or not seeing your book on booktube is one I've always been so curious about! I've never known how that works outside of the clear "breakout successes." There's so much more middle ground between "failing" and "wildly succeeding" than you can see from the outside. (And as a writer hoping to be published someday, something I'll need to research more!) I feel like the post-debut talk isn't one we hear often enough! It sounds like such a weird middle ground of "this is what I've always wanted" and "this is what I want to keep doing and I'm not done yet." There's a finality to it and it's also the beginning (hopefully)? Thank you so much for shedding light on this and sharing your experience!!
This is so interesting. I would love to see a transparent discussion video on the current "debut culture". A lot of authors on twitter are hinting at how toxic it is, but no one is really delving deep into the topic.
Lindsay Puckett Toxic amongst themselves or toxic between a debut author and their publisher? I try to stay away from social media because I find it toxic as is, but I’d like to be prepared if it’s with a publisher.
@@bellamin4549 Most are talking about the debut environment in general, and that does include author-author relations, but mainly it's about how publishers do disservices to their debuts with advances too large for them to ever earn out, circulating "shallow" hype around their debuts, and their treatment of minorities as cash cows.
Just sayin', your book is in my public library! I looked for it so I could check it out, but it had already been taken out by someone else! So I think that's pretty cool :) Also, I'm not often a commenter on videos in general so I'll leave another thought here - I've really appreciated all of your videos. You go into so many topics that I don't see covered on other channels, and though I'm intending to selfpub the book I'm working on currently, I have future projects I'm more interested in traditionally publishing. You are immensely helpful. All I've ever wanted is to be an author, and I feel like I know so much more about the publishing industry now than I did before I found your channel. So thank you! You're awesome!
This was so relatable and I'm glad that you're brave enough to share your joys and your disappointments. And you have a great optimistic way of looking at things! YA seems like a tough market for debuting authors so I wish you all the success for 2019 and 2020! Btw, your cover for your second book is GORGEOUS so hopefully you'll see more Booktube attention this time ;)
I wish more BookTubers talked about Brightly Burning. I've found a few who did and it's been so much fun to talk about how much we love it. Not sure how I'll wait until 2020 for the next one XD
It seems to me that children's authors have to publish way more books to stay in the game than adult authors. Avi won two Newbery medals but he has published over 75 books. Lois Lowry has written 45 books. How many have you heard of, apart from The Giver and Number the Stars? The most successful children's authors have published a ton of duds.
I'm primarily a nonfiction writer, and when my first book came out, it had the misfortune to share the exact same title as a book from an established author that was released at the same time. I remember that when my mom went to order copies from her local bookstore, she told them that her son had written “Under His Wings.” The guy looked it up on his system, turned to my mom, and said, “Your son's name is Patsy?”
This video was SO real, and it was absolutely wonderful to hear. I have very “realistic” expectations like you did, but it’s so nice to hear that there are still things that can catch you off guard and maybe let you down. If I hadn’t watched this video, I’d probably go through everything thinking I was the only one who felt like that lol!
Thank you for always telling it like it is, and neither sugar-coating nor complaining about the experience. I think you're helping loads of aspiring authors (myself included) manage their expectations of the process. So grateful :)
I have no book or publishing experience, but enough writing experience to understand how much it says about you as a writer, creator, and creative that u finished a final manuscript, got an agent and r now published. I love ur honesty but wanted to give u props from a pure writing aspect, publishing aside. Congratulations on being a special writer and clearly wonderful at ur craft!
This is going to become a classic vid on your channel because it is undoubtedly what many newly published authors go through. Your guidance and dissection of the process will help a lot of people! Have a fantastic New Year!
I've just checked my catalogue and there are five copies of "Brightly Burning" available through the public library in my city. Don't worry, you have a presence here.
I SO appreciate your honesty. As a writer hoping to become published, it's really important to see "how the sausage is made." We need to reminded that it's a slough, even when it's wonderful. I'm excited to see where you go as an author!
2012 was my debut year. I was with a small indie publisher, but still... my debut year. I can relate so much to your feelings. Even now, many many books in, I still get the after release blues. Not because sales are low or because of anything really-- I kind of think of it like Frankenstein after he built his monster. He'd spent years on the one project-- to make a creature and bring the dead back to life-- and when he did, when he was successful, the man went to bed. To. Bed. You spend so much of your time and your energy in the project and then when it is released (successful or not) there is this, "What now?" moment. Love your videos btw. I"m a small press/indie author, but I still get the same feelings and ups and downs. Great video and here's to a wonderful 2019/2020.
Thank you for this realistic take on the post-publishing life. I absolutely adore your channel, and I find your candor and your willingness to share the sort of details other authors are often tight-lipped about. Can't wait to see what else you have in store for 2019 :)
I’m so happy you’re pleased with how well your book sold, but I think you deserve to be a bestseller. Too bad publishing isn’t a meritocracy. Edit: I also recognize that taste is also a huge part of success. Some people love the books that I’ve hated and vice verse. But everyone knows there have been some real stinkers that have gone on to be bestsellers, and masterpieces no one has ever heard of.
I moved out of state for college to the local area of an author who wrote a book that I read when I was about ten. This book meant a lot to me because it was about a girl who I identified with, but never saw in books before this one. The author was at a festival for books at my college and when I went up to get this old book signed instead of the author's new release, her face lit up. She was so happy to see it, as it had been out of print for a long time and wasn't a "buzzed" book. Still, the book was special to me growing up- even if it wasn't a breakout hit. I loved making her so happy to see this one little book she put out did make an impact on a real child.
I really appreciate how honest and heartfelt your channel is, it is clear how much this means to you and sharing yourself is so helpful for aspiring authors. Thank you. Keep it up and don't lose heart.
My dream is to be where you are. This video is so inspiring and helpful. I feel like I can achieve my goals and with the knowledge you've shared, I feel like I know what to expect and can stay grounded. Thank you for this and everything you do!
Alexa, I've been watching you since I started having a thought of querying and you've been helpful. I just love you, but I never really thought of commenting. I feel like off all author channels I watch, you're the most honest. Somehow I came across this late... But I just wanna say that this get me really emotional for some reason. You are awesome.
You are my favorite behind the scenes traditionally pubbed author on authortube. Also, every video, I look at your shelves, and this time I noticed Battlestar Galactica. So say we all!
Thank you for the real talk! I'm a chronically paranoid and insecure person who routinely torments myself with the possibility I'll never be published or liked as an author. I've considered your debut a success and to know you had doubts and fears and that that's normal is a comfort. Also I think BookTube is afraid to cover its own. Zenith wasn't covered by the big names because they didn't want to review a friend's book (so I've heard) so maybe that is the standard now? Either way well done on your debut and I wish even more success for your follow up.
Thanks for sharing this. It's great to hear this kind of real talk. One thing I had been wondering about is the difference in experience getting published versus posting fanfic, and the experience of audience feedback (or lack thereof).
Well, publishing comes with a lot more general validation than fanfic, for me. A publisher decided I was good enough to publish, and put my book out professionally--fanfic is a whole other ballgame (and you're writing for different reasons). And since the scope was smaller for fanfic, done for fun, I never had such expectations on fanfic, such as making a living, being well reviewed, etc. There is audience feedback with publishing, but the difference is that it's not meant for me, if that makes sense? In fandom, comments are a conversation. In publishing, they're meant to function in a funnel that exists outside my experiences, since reviews are for the readers.
@@AlexaDonne That makes a lot of sense, particularly the difference between comments-as-conversation and reviews as a funnel that isn't meant for the author. Thanks!
Hey Alexa, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate these videos of yours. It's kind of funny how I used to think my publishing-related anxiety would all disappear once I got a book deal. NOPE. If anything, it's gotten much worse. But watching your videos is helping me brace for what's to come, and honestly, I think it'll make dealing with it all a bit easier, since I'll feel less alone. So, anyway, thank you so much. P.S. Your book is on *MY* tbr list. :-D
I'm so glad this is helpful, Diana! And, yeah, the pub anxiety gets worse, not better once you're on the other side--there are so many extra/new layers to things, social strata, unspoken rules, dynamics, etc. Message me anytime if you want to talk!
This is so interesting. I love all of your videos Alexa! I don't know if I will ever try to publish anything, but I definitely feel more prepared for what it might be like.
Yep, I saw that one and got a huge kick out of it! Basically the exceptions tend to be booktubers who also watch authortube (ie: aspiring writers) and apparently like my channel (yay!)... and the booktubers who were included in promotion by my publisher (yay!). No one else :D
I'm not sure if I've said this or not before, but your channel helps me push forward and lasso my courage to get my own book published. The information you've shared is not only helpful, but you make it fun and enjoyable. Sadly, I missed out on round five of the submissions for the Author Mentor Match (I waited until the 21st because it was my birthday). However, as you've said, just shrug it off and move on. I've seen enough of your videos and other's, along with delving into the research, I feel I can make the first steps on my own. I'm really scared about it, but as long as I keep my expectation on a reality level, I think I can manage. I'm really grateful to you in posting advice, your own personal experiences, and pushing all of us forward to give it a go ourselves (carefully and safely, of course).
Thrillers aren't my thing, but Brightly Burning is at the top of my tbr pile. It's the very next in line -- THANK YOU for putting it on kindle unlimited (or whoever made that decision)
Bless the authors that reach the niche. Most people do want to make it big, so I wonder how many authors we’ve lost to either them changing their genre or not even going on to publish.
I'm so glad you're so open and willing to talk about your experience. How to get people to review your book and what people need to get it in their hands to make an impact and how to get it there is what haunts me most about publishing. Where do you even start if your publisher doesn't do that for you?
Thanks for your transparency, Alexa! I appreciate you being honest about both the ups and the downs of the process. This is probably naive/shortsighted of me, but as an aspiring author myself, I think/hope that my experience with writing fanfic will be a good foundation for the disappointments of the industry. For whatever reason I've almost always been drawn to write fanfic about rarepairs and characters no one else likes, so I'm pretty used to putting my fic out there and watching it get largely passed over while other writers get buckets and buckets of feedback. If I ever get an original novel published, I'll just anticipate it'll be more of the same, lol. Best of luck with "The Stars We Steal!"
Nah, not naive! That's how I was coming in--I liked to write rare pairs, as well, and little one shots that never blew up. Honestly it prepared me pretty well for the business and not being a BNF lol.
This video gave me so many feelings because of your honesty -so refreshing!- and in the end I just want to hug you ♥️ (And I really enjoyed Brightly Burning, as I enjoy your videos, keep it up!)
Thanks for your honesty, being a debut author sound like all fun and games for us aspiring authors- but the truth is it has both its ups and downs, and sometimes the anxiety and wonders are what can worry the most
Trade reviews? I had no idea. Libraries? My novel hasn't made it to the shores of the country it's based in, never mind to libraries here... and we're a pretty small country! My debut was also published May 2018 and I'm experiencing a similar roller-coaster, fortunately off-set by the upcoming release of my second novel under a new (and far more vested and enthusiastic ) company. Becoming an actual 'author' as opposed to an 'aspiring writer' is a journey I hadn't anticipated and it takes a great deal of acclimatizing. Fortunately for me, I've discovered channels like yours to help me along as I will freely admit I was absolutely and completely ignorant when the journey began. Thank you.
I LOVE your honesty and really appreciate you being vulnerable about your own journey to help others. Thank you!! Umm I just bought your book (on kindle) and I'm DYING to read it tonight
I just recently stumbled upon your channel and was intrigued by the title of your video. I am a high school librarian in Maryland and I thought I would let you know that your book was nominated for our state's Black-Eyed Susan Award for High School Students! I recently purchased three copies of your book for my library and plan on promoting it along with our other nominees next school year! Because your book was nominated for this award you should be getting lots of library sales in Maryland High School Libraries! At the end of next year, students will vote on their favorite. I hope this makes you feel like you are seen! Looking forward to checking out your book!
I just recently found you on TH-cam. I loved your videos so much I bought your books and devoured them both in like 3 days. Loved Loved Loved them. Can't wait to read more from you.
You're such a Millennial in this like in energy and it's quite interesting to see this side of you. As a Teen (TM), it's definitely relatable, but I mean it's overall interesting because you seem more relaxed and less in that 'professional TH-cam' persona (though I'm sure it's still there)
GREAT video, and a really great idea for a "get real" talk!!! I can't remember now who it was, giving some kind of lecture-thing about being published... BUT it got candid somewhere in the "middle of the thing"... He explained that it wasn't always the greatest achievement to be publicly well noted. There's two kinds of "Notorious", notoriously great, and notoriously ill-advised... (more or less). SO while it's hard to find all the good-good feelings from an accomplishment like being published, and make no mistake, that IS A VERY REAL accomplishment. Sometimes, it's good to go relatively "un-noted". Maybe it's just better and simpler to point out that this is your DEBUT, and for a long-term career, one should probably settle in for a long-haul on the "slow burn" track, rather than push, push, PUSH for the FAST track to infamy... and a short flashy career before obscurity devours you. I'm still just muddling together ideas, from a GM with 30-odd years of storytelling and games mastered... BUT I've always taken risks in the storytelling, risked being REVILED for the chance to be AWESOME... The whole ideal of that post-debut thing... well... scary. I'm not sure I'd even WANT to be mentioned on my first book, to be honest. Don't forget to breathe! Relax... and "A writer writes, always." {luck with the reference} ;o)
I’ve been there for a while now. Big business kills creativity. I have no regrets about my own career, it has taught me a great deal...but fighting that complacency was turning into more and more of a frequent task. Unfortunately, this is the entire entertainment world. Some people do well in it. Some who do very well in sales and favorability find a better balance because they are paid well to do their part in the circus. This is why I ‘m currently stockpiling a body of work to self publish. None of it’s a perfect world, but there’s the world you control (more work), or the world you don’t (and you roll with the ebb and flow of a tide set in motion by others). To get you books in publication is a giant first hurdle. Make no mistake on that score. It may not have been a break-out, but it was a definite break through. And that’s most first novels. Plus you’ve learned a great deal. Keep moving ahead because ultimately, you’re in control of how your writing improves, how you grow as a creator. You will digest, then progress!!!
Thank you so much for your honest insights and feelings. I actually found your channel and your book through booktube. And I picked it up because I love Jane Eyre and I love retellings. When I picked it up at B and N it was in a featured display, and then a few months later I spotted it at the library 😊
I recently subscribed to your channel and wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. I looked up your book and saw that my local library carries it. I’m looking forward to reading it in the near future! :)
I loved this video. It both excites me and terrifies me lol. It's soooo helpful though, so thank you. You mention briefly your pub house is known for certain types of books...I know you've done one video on pub houses, but could you do a super in depth one on the bigger houses? I feel so confused about each.
Well, all the big 5 do big commercial books, and plenty of school & library market darlings (award winners) so there's really not much to go in-depth on because they're huge and publish... everything. But my publisher, one of the smaller majors, has had it's bread & butter been award winning/school & library darlings for... a long time. Their big books include The Giver, Curious George, and LOTR. Lots of their MG and PB titles are HUGE with teachers and librarians, but you probably can't name a single breakout YA novel from HMH--they don't really do massive commercial breakouts (exception: Graceling, but they only published the first book, not the rest of the series). So where my publisher is a bit different is that their focus has been prestige titles for so long, but I'm not a prestige title, I am a commercial title (as are most of their 2018 & 2019 titles). Bloomsbury was the same until they broke out with SJM, and now they're a big player. Disney focuses on commercial books that also work for the school & library market. Scholastic does a mix of prestige & commercial titles, but still generally fills its list based on what will work for school & library (and their famous Scholastic Book Fair). But a commercial publisher will buy books that have broad commercial appeal but aren't necessarily literary or that will work for school & library markets--ie: what many of the Big 5 specialize in in certain imprints.
Alexa you should really cut yourself some slack, this is only your first book, who makes it big on their first attempt? keep your chin up and have some faith in yourself please because we love you around here. . p,s I can't wait for a chance to read your book!
Hey Alexa -- just making my way through your content with my note-taking app of choice 😊. One question I had: did becoming a published author impact what you did / do for your day job?
I know I don't comment on here a ton. (I'm more of a "listen while folding the laundry" type, which I'm currently doing) Anywho, just wanted to pop in and say I really appreciate your real talk. :) Also, I loved Brightly Burning and ranked it as one of my 2018 faves and would have loved to do a booktube review for it, for what that's worth. :) Unfortunately, I had to set my channel aside for a bit because after having my baby I got really really sick and then my oldest was diagnosed with Autism. So between therapies, baby raising , life, and writing my own book, I just didn't have the time to devote to this as well. :/ But I really did enjoy it and am looking forward to the next one. Just wanted you to know that. :)
Hey, I’ve been wanting to buy your book and was curious if it’s a true retelling or just similar themes. I’m obsessive about reading originals before reading retellings. Because ❤️ classics + book 🤓 (Also absolutely love your videos. As an aspiring author your transparency is so refreshing!)
It's a very faithful, beat-by-beat retelling (except I had to take some liberties with the third act!). My next one is more loosey-goosey (Persuasion retelling), but I kept it pretty faithful for Jane Eyre!
All my favorite retellings take their own liberties. I love when authors take those old stories and make them their own and put their own spins on them. Looking forward to getting and reading your book in early 2019!
Blurbs are endorsements. It's one author saying to book buyers "this book is good and I endorse it." Authors do it as favors for friends, or just because they genuinely love a book and want to shout it from the rooftops--it varies.
One question I have after watching this. Actually two, sorry... Okay, so you're happy to be published, but were kinda disappointed by some aspects of the process as well as some of the results. So, 1) Okay, it's been around ten months since you published, so roughly how many copies has your book sold up to this point? I only ask because you clearly wish you had gotten some more exposure/promotion in the trades and whatnot, so I'm just wondering how many sales a writer can expect if they're more or less "ignored" the way you were. In other words, have the sales still been pretty good despite everything? Or not? And 2) Just curious, how much do you think running this TH-cam channel helps raise awareness of your work and/or boosts your sales?
I have a question on just your last comment about when stores eventually stop stocking the physical book (which makes sense, they can't sell every book ever for forever but I sympathize with the feelings accompanying that). Even if they stop physically stocking it, with ebooks and digital copies rising in popularity and having essentially unlimited shelf space, would that remain forever online in places like Barnes and Noble, or Chapters, etc? P.S. Got gift cards for Christmas and was able to buy "Brightly Burning" for myself on Kobo! Looking forward to it. Could you possibly do a video on ways readers can help support their favourite authors organically? Does writing things like Goodreads review help out authors, or requesting it at libraries?
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If you walk into a bookstore and *don't* see your book, you should just assume that they sold out!
Alexa, I rarely leave comments but your channel is extremely helpful for all aspiring authors and you're doing Lord's work with the type of content you're putting out. I haven't learned as much from articles and other channels as I had from you. Your willingness to share your experiences when other authors prefer to be silent is one of the best qualities of your personality. You're a wonderful person
I absolutely agree. She is a miracle for me!
I agree wholeheartedly. I have seen two others, both females and both published writers but I learned more from Alexa when it comes to writing per se and the publishing industry.
*"So many feelings!"* Alexa coming in with the Real Talk once again. I appreciate the mention of cognitive dissonance between feeling one thing, recognizing how/why you're feeling it (and maybe sometimes that you SHOULDN'T feel it) but then still letting yourself feel it anyways.
You're kind of blowing my mind about the buzz culture being manufactured. As a consumer, you can pick out the trends but that behind-the-scenes aspect of buzz not necessarily equating with good sales isn't as obvious! And your mention of being "tortured by absence," whether in a book store, not receiving blurbs, or not seeing your book on booktube is one I've always been so curious about! I've never known how that works outside of the clear "breakout successes." There's so much more middle ground between "failing" and "wildly succeeding" than you can see from the outside. (And as a writer hoping to be published someday, something I'll need to research more!)
I feel like the post-debut talk isn't one we hear often enough! It sounds like such a weird middle ground of "this is what I've always wanted" and "this is what I want to keep doing and I'm not done yet." There's a finality to it and it's also the beginning (hopefully)? Thank you so much for shedding light on this and sharing your experience!!
Ironically, as a Real Teen, I read your book because my library had it. Loved the video, and the book!!
Real Teen™
This is so interesting. I would love to see a transparent discussion video on the current "debut culture". A lot of authors on twitter are hinting at how toxic it is, but no one is really delving deep into the topic.
I mean it's pretty bad. I probably need a bit more distance from it before I can do an in-depth video, but it's a good idea!
Lindsay Puckett Toxic amongst themselves or toxic between a debut author and their publisher? I try to stay away from social media because I find it toxic as is, but I’d like to be prepared if it’s with a publisher.
@@AlexaDonne Great! :D
@@bellamin4549 Most are talking about the debut environment in general, and that does include author-author relations, but mainly it's about how publishers do disservices to their debuts with advances too large for them to ever earn out, circulating "shallow" hype around their debuts, and their treatment of minorities as cash cows.
Just sayin', your book is in my public library! I looked for it so I could check it out, but it had already been taken out by someone else! So I think that's pretty cool :) Also, I'm not often a commenter on videos in general so I'll leave another thought here - I've really appreciated all of your videos. You go into so many topics that I don't see covered on other channels, and though I'm intending to selfpub the book I'm working on currently, I have future projects I'm more interested in traditionally publishing. You are immensely helpful. All I've ever wanted is to be an author, and I feel like I know so much more about the publishing industry now than I did before I found your channel. So thank you! You're awesome!
I’m I the only one that wants her to do a make tutorial. Because omg that blue eyeshadow 💕
This was so relatable and I'm glad that you're brave enough to share your joys and your disappointments. And you have a great optimistic way of looking at things! YA seems like a tough market for debuting authors so I wish you all the success for 2019 and 2020! Btw, your cover for your second book is GORGEOUS so hopefully you'll see more Booktube attention this time ;)
I wish more BookTubers talked about Brightly Burning. I've found a few who did and it's been so much fun to talk about how much we love it. Not sure how I'll wait until 2020 for the next one XD
My debut is out next year, and I shall keep my expectations low. LOL! Thanks for the reality check, chickie! I love your videos. ^_^
Congratulations! What is it called?
@@rfr2703 Thanks! It will be called "Beaus and Arrows" if they let me keep my title. LOL! ^_^
@@rashidabreen6103 Nice I'll keep my eye out😉
It seems to me that children's authors have to publish way more books to stay in the game than adult authors. Avi won two Newbery medals but he has published over 75 books. Lois Lowry has written 45 books. How many have you heard of, apart from The Giver and Number the Stars? The most successful children's authors have published a ton of duds.
I'm primarily a nonfiction writer, and when my first book came out, it had the misfortune to share the exact same title as a book from an established author that was released at the same time. I remember that when my mom went to order copies from her local bookstore, she told them that her son had written “Under His Wings.” The guy looked it up on his system, turned to my mom, and said, “Your son's name is Patsy?”
This video was SO real, and it was absolutely wonderful to hear. I have very “realistic” expectations like you did, but it’s so nice to hear that there are still things that can catch you off guard and maybe let you down. If I hadn’t watched this video, I’d probably go through everything thinking I was the only one who felt like that lol!
Thank you for always telling it like it is, and neither sugar-coating nor complaining about the experience. I think you're helping loads of aspiring authors (myself included) manage their expectations of the process. So grateful :)
I have no book or publishing experience, but enough writing experience to understand how much it says about you as a writer, creator, and creative that u finished a final manuscript, got an agent and r now published. I love ur honesty but wanted to give u props from a pure writing aspect, publishing aside. Congratulations on being a special writer and clearly wonderful at ur craft!
This is going to become a classic vid on your channel because it is undoubtedly what many newly published authors go through. Your guidance and dissection of the process will help a lot of people! Have a fantastic New Year!
I've just checked my catalogue and there are five copies of "Brightly Burning" available through the public library in my city. Don't worry, you have a presence here.
I SO appreciate your honesty. As a writer hoping to become published, it's really important to see "how the sausage is made." We need to reminded that it's a slough, even when it's wonderful. I'm excited to see where you go as an author!
2012 was my debut year. I was with a small indie publisher, but still... my debut year. I can relate so much to your feelings. Even now, many many books in, I still get the after release blues. Not because sales are low or because of anything really-- I kind of think of it like Frankenstein after he built his monster. He'd spent years on the one project-- to make a creature and bring the dead back to life-- and when he did, when he was successful, the man went to bed. To. Bed. You spend so much of your time and your energy in the project and then when it is released (successful or not) there is this, "What now?" moment. Love your videos btw. I"m a small press/indie author, but I still get the same feelings and ups and downs. Great video and here's to a wonderful 2019/2020.
This was such a fascinating and enjoyable video to watch! Your authenticity is electric-I can’t stop bingeing your videos. Keep up the wonderful work!
Thank you for this realistic take on the post-publishing life. I absolutely adore your channel, and I find your candor and your willingness to share the sort of details other authors are often tight-lipped about. Can't wait to see what else you have in store for 2019 :)
I got your debut book for Christmas! I am so excited to start reading it!
I’m so happy you’re pleased with how well your book sold, but I think you deserve to be a bestseller. Too bad publishing isn’t a meritocracy.
Edit: I also recognize that taste is also a huge part of success. Some people love the books that I’ve hated and vice verse. But everyone knows there have been some real stinkers that have gone on to be bestsellers, and masterpieces no one has ever heard of.
I moved out of state for college to the local area of an author who wrote a book that I read when I was about ten. This book meant a lot to me because it was about a girl who I identified with, but never saw in books before this one. The author was at a festival for books at my college and when I went up to get this old book signed instead of the author's new release, her face lit up. She was so happy to see it, as it had been out of print for a long time and wasn't a "buzzed" book. Still, the book was special to me growing up- even if it wasn't a breakout hit. I loved making her so happy to see this one little book she put out did make an impact on a real child.
I really appreciate how honest and heartfelt your channel is, it is clear how much this means to you and sharing yourself is so helpful for aspiring authors. Thank you. Keep it up and don't lose heart.
I love your honesty. This video is so insightful and interesting ✨
My dream is to be where you are. This video is so inspiring and helpful. I feel like I can achieve my goals and with the knowledge you've shared, I feel like I know what to expect and can stay grounded. Thank you for this and everything you do!
Alexa, I've been watching you since I started having a thought of querying and you've been helpful. I just love you, but I never really thought of commenting. I feel like off all author channels I watch, you're the most honest. Somehow I came across this late... But I just wanna say that this get me really emotional for some reason. You are awesome.
You are my favorite behind the scenes traditionally pubbed author on authortube.
Also, every video, I look at your shelves, and this time I noticed Battlestar Galactica. So say we all!
I love how REAL this is and how she explains all the things other people don't really talk about or just kinda gloss over.
This made me want to buy your book
EDIT: as an aspiring author, I’m anticipating the ups and downs you’ve pointed out.
Thanks for another great video. I feel like this such a much-needed topic. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you for the real talk! I'm a chronically paranoid and insecure person who routinely torments myself with the possibility I'll never be published or liked as an author. I've considered your debut a success and to know you had doubts and fears and that that's normal is a comfort. Also I think BookTube is afraid to cover its own. Zenith wasn't covered by the big names because they didn't want to review a friend's book (so I've heard) so maybe that is the standard now? Either way well done on your debut and I wish even more success for your follow up.
Thanks for sharing this. It's great to hear this kind of real talk. One thing I had been wondering about is the difference in experience getting published versus posting fanfic, and the experience of audience feedback (or lack thereof).
Well, publishing comes with a lot more general validation than fanfic, for me. A publisher decided I was good enough to publish, and put my book out professionally--fanfic is a whole other ballgame (and you're writing for different reasons). And since the scope was smaller for fanfic, done for fun, I never had such expectations on fanfic, such as making a living, being well reviewed, etc. There is audience feedback with publishing, but the difference is that it's not meant for me, if that makes sense? In fandom, comments are a conversation. In publishing, they're meant to function in a funnel that exists outside my experiences, since reviews are for the readers.
@@AlexaDonne That makes a lot of sense, particularly the difference between comments-as-conversation and reviews as a funnel that isn't meant for the author. Thanks!
Loved this video! I’ve also mentioned your book on my channel a few times since I loved it. I put it in my favorite books of the year video
Hey Alexa, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate these videos of yours. It's kind of funny how I used to think my publishing-related anxiety would all disappear once I got a book deal. NOPE. If anything, it's gotten much worse. But watching your videos is helping me brace for what's to come, and honestly, I think it'll make dealing with it all a bit easier, since I'll feel less alone. So, anyway, thank you so much. P.S. Your book is on *MY* tbr list. :-D
I'm so glad this is helpful, Diana! And, yeah, the pub anxiety gets worse, not better once you're on the other side--there are so many extra/new layers to things, social strata, unspoken rules, dynamics, etc. Message me anytime if you want to talk!
This is so interesting. I love all of your videos Alexa! I don't know if I will ever try to publish anything, but I definitely feel more prepared for what it might be like.
Thank you so much for this. I published my first book in September and this is 100% relatable. Thank you thank you
I saw your book in a booktuber's video. InsaneReader was building a throne made out of books, and I noticed brightly burning there.
Yep, I saw that one and got a huge kick out of it! Basically the exceptions tend to be booktubers who also watch authortube (ie: aspiring writers) and apparently like my channel (yay!)... and the booktubers who were included in promotion by my publisher (yay!). No one else :D
I bought your book for myself for Christmas! I've just read the first chapter so far, but I LOVE your writing style!
I'm not sure if I've said this or not before, but your channel helps me push forward and lasso my courage to get my own book published. The information you've shared is not only helpful, but you make it fun and enjoyable. Sadly, I missed out on round five of the submissions for the Author Mentor Match (I waited until the 21st because it was my birthday). However, as you've said, just shrug it off and move on. I've seen enough of your videos and other's, along with delving into the research, I feel I can make the first steps on my own. I'm really scared about it, but as long as I keep my expectation on a reality level, I think I can manage. I'm really grateful to you in posting advice, your own personal experiences, and pushing all of us forward to give it a go ourselves (carefully and safely, of course).
Thrillers aren't my thing, but Brightly Burning is at the top of my tbr pile. It's the very next in line -- THANK YOU for putting it on kindle unlimited (or whoever made that decision)
Loved your open commentary, thanks Alexa!
Yay!!! Good luck. You did good so far. Love your video. Glad that you are doing well.
I’m a real teen, I and many friends needed and LOVED your book
Thank you! That is so lovely to hear!
Bless the authors that reach the niche. Most people do want to make it big, so I wonder how many authors we’ve lost to either them changing their genre or not even going on to publish.
Thanks for this video - I can relate to the mix of emotions and this video will be great to new authors to help manage expectations
Thanks Alexia. I'm learning so much from your videos. I appreciate you taking the time to give us your thoughts and opinions. Cheers from Jamaica...
I'm so glad you're so open and willing to talk about your experience. How to get people to review your book and what people need to get it in their hands to make an impact and how to get it there is what haunts me most about publishing. Where do you even start if your publisher doesn't do that for you?
Thanks for your transparency, Alexa! I appreciate you being honest about both the ups and the downs of the process. This is probably naive/shortsighted of me, but as an aspiring author myself, I think/hope that my experience with writing fanfic will be a good foundation for the disappointments of the industry. For whatever reason I've almost always been drawn to write fanfic about rarepairs and characters no one else likes, so I'm pretty used to putting my fic out there and watching it get largely passed over while other writers get buckets and buckets of feedback. If I ever get an original novel published, I'll just anticipate it'll be more of the same, lol. Best of luck with "The Stars We Steal!"
Nah, not naive! That's how I was coming in--I liked to write rare pairs, as well, and little one shots that never blew up. Honestly it prepared me pretty well for the business and not being a BNF lol.
This video gave me so many feelings because of your honesty -so refreshing!- and in the end I just want to hug you ♥️
(And I really enjoyed Brightly Burning, as I enjoy your videos, keep it up!)
Thanks for your honesty, being a debut author sound like all fun and games for us aspiring authors- but the truth is it has both its ups and downs, and sometimes the anxiety and wonders are what can worry the most
I'm really glad I found your channel. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for this Alexa! I love everything you share. I think this video is going to give your book a push :)
Love the honesty! Never stop babe!
Trade reviews? I had no idea. Libraries? My novel hasn't made it to the shores of the country it's based in, never mind to libraries here... and we're a pretty small country! My debut was also published May 2018 and I'm experiencing a similar roller-coaster, fortunately off-set by the upcoming release of my second novel under a new (and far more vested and enthusiastic ) company. Becoming an actual 'author' as opposed to an 'aspiring writer' is a journey I hadn't anticipated and it takes a great deal of acclimatizing. Fortunately for me, I've discovered channels like yours to help me along as I will freely admit I was absolutely and completely ignorant when the journey began.
Thank you.
Alexa, thank you so much for all your video blogs. They are super helpful and I will be buying your book soon!
I really liked this video. You showed emotion and shared your experience. Love your channel but this video touched me.
I LOVE your honesty and really appreciate you being vulnerable about your own journey to help others. Thank you!! Umm I just bought your book (on kindle) and I'm DYING to read it tonight
If/when I get published I am 1000% certain my experience will be a lot like yours 💜
Thank you soo much for the real talk, Alexa.
I just recently stumbled upon your channel and was intrigued by the title of your video. I am a high school librarian in Maryland and I thought I would let you know that your book was nominated for our state's Black-Eyed Susan Award for High School Students! I recently purchased three copies of your book for my library and plan on promoting it along with our other nominees next school year! Because your book was nominated for this award you should be getting lots of library sales in Maryland High School Libraries! At the end of next year, students will vote on their favorite. I hope this makes you feel like you are seen! Looking forward to checking out your book!
I just recently found you on TH-cam. I loved your videos so much I bought your books and devoured them both in like 3 days. Loved Loved Loved them. Can't wait to read more from you.
You´re such inspiration for me! I don´t like sci-fi very much, but I´m soooooo excited to read your book. You´re doing a geat job! :)
You're such a Millennial in this like in energy and it's quite interesting to see this side of you. As a Teen (TM), it's definitely relatable, but I mean it's overall interesting because you seem more relaxed and less in that 'professional TH-cam' persona (though I'm sure it's still there)
GREAT video, and a really great idea for a "get real" talk!!!
I can't remember now who it was, giving some kind of lecture-thing about being published... BUT it got candid somewhere in the "middle of the thing"... He explained that it wasn't always the greatest achievement to be publicly well noted. There's two kinds of "Notorious", notoriously great, and notoriously ill-advised... (more or less). SO while it's hard to find all the good-good feelings from an accomplishment like being published, and make no mistake, that IS A VERY REAL accomplishment. Sometimes, it's good to go relatively "un-noted".
Maybe it's just better and simpler to point out that this is your DEBUT, and for a long-term career, one should probably settle in for a long-haul on the "slow burn" track, rather than push, push, PUSH for the FAST track to infamy... and a short flashy career before obscurity devours you.
I'm still just muddling together ideas, from a GM with 30-odd years of storytelling and games mastered... BUT I've always taken risks in the storytelling, risked being REVILED for the chance to be AWESOME... The whole ideal of that post-debut thing... well... scary. I'm not sure I'd even WANT to be mentioned on my first book, to be honest. Don't forget to breathe! Relax... and "A writer writes, always." {luck with the reference} ;o)
I just want you to know that I have definitely seen your book Brightly Burning at my local library 😊
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO
i think i really needed to hear some of the things you talked about.
I’ve been there for a while now. Big business kills creativity. I have no regrets about my own career, it has taught me a great deal...but fighting that complacency was turning into more and more of a frequent task. Unfortunately, this is the entire entertainment world. Some people do well in it. Some who do very well in sales and favorability find a better balance because they are paid well to do their part in the circus. This is why I ‘m currently stockpiling a body of work to self publish. None of it’s a perfect world, but there’s the world you control (more work), or the world you don’t (and you roll with the ebb and flow of a tide set in motion by others).
To get you books in publication is a giant first hurdle. Make no mistake on that score. It may not have been a break-out, but it was a definite break through. And that’s most first novels. Plus you’ve learned a great deal. Keep moving ahead because ultimately, you’re in control of how your writing improves, how you grow as a creator. You will digest, then progress!!!
Your eyeshadow is amazing!
Faridah Iyimide Agreed. As is her hair color, skin, and lipstick. 🙌
Thank you so much for your honest insights and feelings. I actually found your channel and your book through booktube. And I picked it up because I love Jane Eyre and I love retellings. When I picked it up at B and N it was in a featured display, and then a few months later I spotted it at the library 😊
I recently subscribed to your channel and wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. I looked up your book and saw that my local library carries it. I’m looking forward to reading it in the near future! :)
I live for this video! Thanks for the truth about your experience!
Happy Holidays, Alexa!!! 😍
Alexa, yessss. I love your honesty ❤️
I'm just over here, drinking heavily :P (COFFEE. I'm drinking COFFEE)
Thank you so much for your honesty. And all your videos are extremely helpful.
Stay positive! You are right where your supposed to be. The big payoff . Your best is to come. I mean your publisher sees it.
Happy writing . Horse
bless you, Alexa. i love these videos!
Awesome video and insights, love how honest you are here. 😃💝
I usually don't read the kind of book you write but I love your vlog.
Thanks for sharing! This was fascinating
I found your book at my local library. In Australia. I don’t think you need to worry about the libraries!
love this love this love this
Thanks for this great video. I really enjoyed Brightly Burning :)
I loved this video. It both excites me and terrifies me lol. It's soooo helpful though, so thank you. You mention briefly your pub house is known for certain types of books...I know you've done one video on pub houses, but could you do a super in depth one on the bigger houses? I feel so confused about each.
Well, all the big 5 do big commercial books, and plenty of school & library market darlings (award winners) so there's really not much to go in-depth on because they're huge and publish... everything. But my publisher, one of the smaller majors, has had it's bread & butter been award winning/school & library darlings for... a long time. Their big books include The Giver, Curious George, and LOTR. Lots of their MG and PB titles are HUGE with teachers and librarians, but you probably can't name a single breakout YA novel from HMH--they don't really do massive commercial breakouts (exception: Graceling, but they only published the first book, not the rest of the series). So where my publisher is a bit different is that their focus has been prestige titles for so long, but I'm not a prestige title, I am a commercial title (as are most of their 2018 & 2019 titles). Bloomsbury was the same until they broke out with SJM, and now they're a big player. Disney focuses on commercial books that also work for the school & library market. Scholastic does a mix of prestige & commercial titles, but still generally fills its list based on what will work for school & library (and their famous Scholastic Book Fair). But a commercial publisher will buy books that have broad commercial appeal but aren't necessarily literary or that will work for school & library markets--ie: what many of the Big 5 specialize in in certain imprints.
@@AlexaDonne That's very helpful and interesting, thank you!
Idk if you did this on purpose, but your eye makeup is very ravenclaw in this vid and im ABOUT IT.
Alexa you should really cut yourself some slack, this is only your first book, who makes it big on their first attempt? keep your chin up and have some faith in yourself please because we love you around here.
. p,s I can't wait for a chance to read your book!
Hey Alexa -- just making my way through your content with my note-taking app of choice 😊. One question I had: did becoming a published author impact what you did / do for your day job?
Really appreciate your honesty..
I know I don't comment on here a ton. (I'm more of a "listen while folding the laundry" type, which I'm currently doing) Anywho, just wanted to pop in and say I really appreciate your real talk. :) Also, I loved Brightly Burning and ranked it as one of my 2018 faves and would have loved to do a booktube review for it, for what that's worth. :) Unfortunately, I had to set my channel aside for a bit because after having my baby I got really really sick and then my oldest was diagnosed with Autism. So between therapies, baby raising , life, and writing my own book, I just didn't have the time to devote to this as well. :/ But I really did enjoy it and am looking forward to the next one. Just wanted you to know that. :)
Hey, I’ve been wanting to buy your book and was curious if it’s a true retelling or just similar themes. I’m obsessive about reading originals before reading retellings. Because ❤️ classics + book 🤓 (Also absolutely love your videos. As an aspiring author your transparency is so refreshing!)
It's a very faithful, beat-by-beat retelling (except I had to take some liberties with the third act!). My next one is more loosey-goosey (Persuasion retelling), but I kept it pretty faithful for Jane Eyre!
All my favorite retellings take their own liberties. I love when authors take those old stories and make them their own and put their own spins on them. Looking forward to getting and reading your book in early 2019!
So honest, big respect!
Thanks for all your videos!!!
Great honesty, "its rarely magic"
Question:
Why do authors blurb other authors books? Is it for an objective standpoint?
Blurbs are endorsements. It's one author saying to book buyers "this book is good and I endorse it." Authors do it as favors for friends, or just because they genuinely love a book and want to shout it from the rooftops--it varies.
Wow. This is all good information and a great heads up.
One question I have after watching this. Actually two, sorry... Okay, so you're happy to be published, but were kinda disappointed by some aspects of the process as well as some of the results. So, 1) Okay, it's been around ten months since you published, so roughly how many copies has your book sold up to this point? I only ask because you clearly wish you had gotten some more exposure/promotion in the trades and whatnot, so I'm just wondering how many sales a writer can expect if they're more or less "ignored" the way you were. In other words, have the sales still been pretty good despite everything? Or not? And 2) Just curious, how much do you think running this TH-cam channel helps raise awareness of your work and/or boosts your sales?
You're in my library :D
Sorry it's off subject but i just have to say, you're eye shadow is excellent!
I have a question on just your last comment about when stores eventually stop stocking the physical book (which makes sense, they can't sell every book ever for forever but I sympathize with the feelings accompanying that). Even if they stop physically stocking it, with ebooks and digital copies rising in popularity and having essentially unlimited shelf space, would that remain forever online in places like Barnes and Noble, or Chapters, etc?
P.S. Got gift cards for Christmas and was able to buy "Brightly Burning" for myself on Kobo! Looking forward to it. Could you possibly do a video on ways readers can help support their favourite authors organically? Does writing things like Goodreads review help out authors, or requesting it at libraries?