As a 1st time author, nothing prepares you for the chaos, multiple alleyways and mazes and gauntlets you have to navigate, more so if you wish to publish your work.
The book and publishing industry is hardcore, and authors must decide upfront how hardcore they are prepared to be.
Most authors would happily prefer being challenged and stimulated with the creative process and the sheer joy of completing the work. In this moment, I must be the boring truth teller. Your journey has only just begun!!
Based on feedback from multiple authors, the part that flummoxed most was the process of finding editors, reviewers, agents, publishers, building a marketing profile and doing countless reach outs. As with most large industries, it is filled with questionable characters who prey on the many, and trust becomes fragile as you meander the road. It will require resolve and wits to keep true to your mission.
To repeat. This industry is hardcore. In some of my other articles, I shared some key stats. The potential is massive with an almost $83bn industry, but a hyper competitive one.
What has been your experience. What is the more challenging aspects.