I had a project last year that did not sell. Before it went out on submission I chatted with my agent about what I would do if it didn’t sell and the answer left my lips immediately, without hesitation. I’ll start working on the next thing. Because I can’t help it. It’s a compulsion.
It's seems such a shame that these projects can't see the light of day Penny and Ali. Could you self publish even by putting it on your website? If it does well then publishers may pick it up.
Nah - I’ve well and truly moved on from it! Since then I’ve written a whole other non-fiction book and now I’m on to the next project. Moving forward is very liberating ❤️
Thank you for your kind support, Faith. I tried self publishing in the past, learned a lot, but it took too much time away from actually writing. I do think I might like to publish some of my work here on Substack at some point in the future though, thanks for the reminder! 💕
Thank you so much for putting this out there Penny. I admire you so much. Answering this without hesitation with a "continue onwards to write more" is a service for us all. We need your work!
Inspiring honesty! It's refreshing to hear the realities of writing laid bare. Love the point about the compulsion to write, even when the road ahead is uncertain. This resonates with anyone who creates for the love of it, not just the potential rewards. Onwards to the next project!
It’s definitely a creativity thing - not just a writer thing! I don’t know how musicians keep playing the audiences old favourite year after year at concerts - it must take a lot of patience not to be constantly moving on to the next new thing you want to create (although I suppose performance in itself is its own creative experience which constantly changes)
Thank you Penny for another timely post! I’m currently approaching agents with a full novel and I know there are risks I will come out of it empty handed … The thought of then starting all over again with a new novel, is very unpleasant, sometimes borderline impossible, but I also can’t imagine a life where I’m not writing and striving to share my work with others. Fingers crossed I can start my next project with an agent! 🙂
My first non-fiction proposal didn't sell - for commercial reasons (this was made explicit, after successful meetings with keen editors etc. It just wasn't considered financially viable). I was devastated at the time. It's a frustrating kind of rejection, because it leaves you with no where else to go: it's not the writing, it's not you, it's not that they don't think there's a need for the book.... No where else to go, of course, but on to the next writing project!
Hi Penny. It's a strange compulsion, isn't it, this writing thing? Thank you for sharing your story, it gives others, like myself, the courage to keep going. My book, based on caring, disability, female aging and bodies, has also not sold, despite being represented by a well respected agent, and having investment from the arts council, two mentorships, and praise after an extract was published in a literary magazine. All this gives me confidence that my work is good quality and the topic worthy, but it still hurts, so I understand how it feels. Some books are just a difficult sell, I suppose, and publishers don't want to take that risk. They are primarily a money making business, after all. Anyway, I keep telling myself I have to let go and move on to other projects. Thank you for putting it all into context, and every success with your new book and your next project! 💕
Publishers are so risk averse!! We absolutely need to separate out the quality of our work from the selling of our work - because they are not the same thing. I’m so glad you can recognise that you made something beautiful ❤️
Ah this resonates all too much. I also like to emphasise how difficult the publishing journey can be when I work with new writers because I think it's important for them to have a vaguely realistic understanding of the process.
It's seems such a shame that these projects can't see the light of day Penny and Ali. Could you self publish even by putting it on your website? If it does well then publishers may pick it up.
Nah - I’ve well and truly moved on from it! Since then I’ve written a whole other non-fiction book and now I’m on to the next project. Moving forward is very liberating ❤️
Thank you for your kind support, Faith. I tried self publishing in the past, learned a lot, but it took too much time away from actually writing. I do think I might like to publish some of my work here on Substack at some point in the future though, thanks for the reminder! 💕
Thank you so much for putting this out there Penny. I admire you so much. Answering this without hesitation with a "continue onwards to write more" is a service for us all. We need your work!
❤️❤️❤️
No matter your passion, vocation or daily pursuit, one has to fail their way to success. No one worthy starts in the board room.
Inspiring honesty! It's refreshing to hear the realities of writing laid bare. Love the point about the compulsion to write, even when the road ahead is uncertain. This resonates with anyone who creates for the love of it, not just the potential rewards. Onwards to the next project!
It’s definitely a creativity thing - not just a writer thing! I don’t know how musicians keep playing the audiences old favourite year after year at concerts - it must take a lot of patience not to be constantly moving on to the next new thing you want to create (although I suppose performance in itself is its own creative experience which constantly changes)
This resonates so much - we keep writing xo
Just on and on 😆🫣
Thank you Penny for another timely post! I’m currently approaching agents with a full novel and I know there are risks I will come out of it empty handed … The thought of then starting all over again with a new novel, is very unpleasant, sometimes borderline impossible, but I also can’t imagine a life where I’m not writing and striving to share my work with others. Fingers crossed I can start my next project with an agent! 🙂
I have everything crossed for you!!! ❤️
Thank you!! 🙏🏻
My first non-fiction proposal didn't sell - for commercial reasons (this was made explicit, after successful meetings with keen editors etc. It just wasn't considered financially viable). I was devastated at the time. It's a frustrating kind of rejection, because it leaves you with no where else to go: it's not the writing, it's not you, it's not that they don't think there's a need for the book.... No where else to go, of course, but on to the next writing project!
Exactly! It’s hard but also - of course I’m going to put myself through it again 🫣😂
Hi Penny. It's a strange compulsion, isn't it, this writing thing? Thank you for sharing your story, it gives others, like myself, the courage to keep going. My book, based on caring, disability, female aging and bodies, has also not sold, despite being represented by a well respected agent, and having investment from the arts council, two mentorships, and praise after an extract was published in a literary magazine. All this gives me confidence that my work is good quality and the topic worthy, but it still hurts, so I understand how it feels. Some books are just a difficult sell, I suppose, and publishers don't want to take that risk. They are primarily a money making business, after all. Anyway, I keep telling myself I have to let go and move on to other projects. Thank you for putting it all into context, and every success with your new book and your next project! 💕
Publishers are so risk averse!! We absolutely need to separate out the quality of our work from the selling of our work - because they are not the same thing. I’m so glad you can recognise that you made something beautiful ❤️
Ah this resonates all too much. I also like to emphasise how difficult the publishing journey can be when I work with new writers because I think it's important for them to have a vaguely realistic understanding of the process.