Just read an excellent post on Substack I thought I’d share to my zero readers, mostly because I want to save it to read again down the road, and, maybe, help the algorithm find a solid article even more.
Here’s the thesis statement.
Getting published requires skills in (1) storytelling, (2) writing, and (3) identity—stories that are uniquely you. Together. All at once. Working cohesively. Not two out of the three. Not two and a quarter. All of them in the same manuscript at the same time, layering on top of each other in the most satisfyingly original way.
I think there’s a lot of truth to it and considering my position right now, I’m already regretting having queried too early.
The Thing Nobody In Your Discord Will Say To Your Face
(Insert some meme about how I don’t have Discord.)
My query stats so far. Fourteen queries sent, 3 haven’t replied and I don’t expect will, one full request that, again, I’m kind of regretting. Not because of the agent, she seems excellent, and very editorial, which is something I’m looking for. But, I worry that I didn’t give her enough of these three categories to see the value.
Oh well, lesson learned. I’m already about 10% through my next thing in just 4 days. At this pace, I could be done in a couple months, at least the fat first draft.
And keeping in mind, storytelling, writing and identity has helped keep things going in one direction. It’s interesting, I’m already not overwriting, which I guess could be good or bad. But either way, it’s flowing faster. That’s good.
And if I keep up the trend of writing faster, I’ll have the 4th thing done in a solid 3 day weekend. That wouldn’t be good.