Responses to "Why Wait?"

Last week in this blog I presented a letter from Diana, an enthusiastic twelve-year-old writer. She asked me for help publishing the novels she has written. And she headed her e-mail with a very pertinent question, "Why wait?" 

I answered her personally, but as I did I began to feel  … well, rather out of touch. Forty years ago when I began publishing, a twelve year old, no matter how talented, wouldn't have had the remotest chance of being published. In fact, focusing on publication would have led, inevitably, to disappointment. So I responded initially with that old-fashioned "truth." But even as I was writing to Diana, it occurred to me that the world of publishing has changed profoundly in recent years. It has changed so much, in fact, that there might be legitimate opportunities for twelve year olds to publish now, opportunities I have no knowledge of. 

So I asked my readers what they might say to this dedicated young writer, and the responses I received, as I'd hoped, reached beyond my experience. 

Here is one:

Marion,

Your post really caught my eye this morning, as I get ready to head out soon to visit a small class of 7th graders who have written their own children’s books. They invited me for lunch to talk about what inspires me, questions on writing, publishing, etc.

Your question in how you respond to this young girl is a good one.

As someone who independently published, and seeing that growing more and more each year because of what we now have available to us, I, of course, encourage that. While at the same time, it has been so important to me to stress to other writers (young or old) how vital it is to have a good editor, book cover designer, illustrator, etc. on board with you. Unless one is talented in all those areas (which is rare) you simply can’t do it alone.

So given that, I would encourage that young girl to think about publication, as long as she had a good team supporting her.

I also think no matter what our age, we are all still growing and learning, thus our work continues to improve as we move through life–no matter what stage we are at. I started late and didn’t begin taking writing seriously until 41 years old.

But if this young woman has the passion and desire behind her, I say lets encourage that with sound advice of having a good team helping her. I’ll also bet that if it is something worth putting out there, and being her age, someone would want to help her.

Just my thoughts as I head out soon to inspire 7th graders!

Take good care,

Barbara

I thank Barbara for her perspective. Since I always work with traditional publishers who come with such a team in place it wouldn't have occurred to me to offer that advice. But clearly any manuscript published in any form needs such a team.

Publishing, even self publishing on the Internet, is more than getting your words broadcast. You still need editing—everyone needs editing, and that doesn't mean just a spell check--and your book needs to be designed so that it will be physically appealing to your readers.

An important point!

Next week I will present another reader's response with some very concrete advice about places on the Internet where young writers can actually be published.