If you haven’t downloaded Noah Lukeman’s free ebook on how to write a query letter, do. It’s a virtual Rosetta Stone on how to get published, written by a respected New York agent. But if you’re looking for shortcuts, you won’t find them.
Here’s Lukeman on patience:
“…most writers dig in for a 6 month battle when approaching the industry. If they are not successful by then, they give up. Dig in for a 10 year battle instead. Or better, 20 years. If you love the craft of writing and are truly in it for the passion of it, then 20 years should not seem like a long time–indeed, if you have a true love for it, you will want to write for your entire life. 20 years will give you ample time to do all of the things you need to do to become expert at your writing, learn the industry like a pro, make the connections, garner the publications, awards, laurels and all the other information you’ll need to break down the doors. Indeed, by then, agents will probably come calling to you, and you won’t even need to break down doors.” <
And yes, I can hear the moans and groans. But isn’t it true that the folks who are doing what they love have usually been doing for while–and are normally happiest when doing it?
I know how excruciatingly painful writing can be when it’s not going well. Oh boy, do I know! But to be really corny about it–was anything of true value ever easy?
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No. I don’t think anything of value ever comes easy. And when things of perceived value do come easy, somehow they don’t seem very valuable to those who get them.