Book Update: I’m Ready for Rejection (NOT!)

So, folks, this is the part of my writing experience that has kept me from becoming a Creative Writing major in college.  This is the part that will determine if this book was a waste of time.  This is the part where, statistically speaking, I will very likely get several rejection letters.

And I’m scared.

I could avoid rejection.  I could go the easy (well, easier) route of self-publishing, but I truly feel that going through a publisher will allow me to have a wider audience.  I appreciate all of my friends who have already promised they will buy a copy of my book, but I know that God has led me to share this book with even more people than just those in my sphere of influence.  In order to do that, I have to jump over a few hurdles before my book will reach the public.

In writing this book, I never wanted to go the easy way; I wanted to go the right way.

My book is realistic fiction.  Having done much research, I’ve discovered that publishers will rarely look at a fiction book unless it has been reviewed and recommended by a literary agent.  When talking to my friends about it, I’ve compared literary agents to real estate agents.  Can you buy a house without a broker?  Absolutely.  But if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can end up making mistakes that might have been avoidable had you gone with a broker.  Since, quite honestly, I don’t know what I’m doing, I want the help of a literary agent, so that I do not get discouraged in the process.

My goal for this week is to apply to three different literary agents, and then pray.  Several sources have said that rejection is bound to happen, so I’m mentally preparing myself for rejection.  I have faith that this book will eventually get published, but I know that failure and obstacles are part of the process (insert motivational quotation here…).

I realize that it might take some time for my book to be published (most likely several months), so God is going to be growing my patience through the waiting!  While I wait, I hope to expand my platform (as in, the people waiting for my book and anticipating a copy).

Speaking of platform, as I’ve said in my other book updates, if you have been enjoying my blog posts every week, or if the topic of my book resonates with you, please feel free to share it with your friends/family on social media.  Publishers want to see that I have a lot of people who want to read my book/blog.  I know a lot of you have shown support by word of mouth, and I thank you for that, but it would be really helpful if you also commented/viewed/shared my blog.

For those who need a refresher, this is the summary of my book: “What does it look like to be set free?  Torri was locked within the cage of her own insecurities, masking her emotions with false positivity.  It is only until she discovers who she really is that she is able to find out what it means to live in freedom.  And it all started with reaching out to the King.  If you find yourself craving more than your life has to offer, join Torri in believing that hope is out there.”

In short, it’s a book about being freed from anxiety and defense mechanisms. You’re gonna love it.

Before I end this post, I want to thank all of those who added me on Twitter this past week!  I have so appreciated the tips, resources, and programs that have been recommended to me on social media.  Pray for me as I need discernment with submitting to reputable literary agents, working out contracts with them, and submitting to publishers.  Thanks again for all your support!