As I make the transition from a traditionally published author to hybrid author, I find myself reflecting back on the good, the bad and the ugly about my traditional publishing experience.
The Good: Getting multiple offers from agents on my first query go around and choosing one of the most powerful in NYC.
The Bad: Getting dumped by said agent three years later after one book sale.
The Ugly: Going through five agents during the course of my career (Got dumped by two, and left two).
The Good: Finding a critique group that helped immensely with my writing.
The Bad: Getting attacked by critique group because I was arguably the weakest writer in the group and yet the first to land an agent.
The Ugly: Learning to deal with real insults and perceived insults with critique partners and groups. Not easy.
The Good: Getting a six-figure publishing deal.
The Bad: Less than optimal sales on much hyped book.
The Ugly: Getting subsequently less money in advances.
The Good: Going to Book Expo of America in NYC and signing 200 books! Fancy agency party! Publisher party! Meeting R.L. Stein at a fancy children’s bookstore party in NYC! Visiting my editor, Lauren McKenna at her fancy corner office! (I’m from Alfalfa Oregon, everything about that trip felt fancy!)
The Bad: Not having enough photos of that optimal experience.
The Ugly: NYC taxi rides
A couple more peak moments include:
My daughter running into her mom’s book at Barnes and Noble circa 2013, and being featured at a tea party by the incomparable Jane Porter in 2014.
As I transition into this new venture, I am incredibly grateful for all of the experiences I’ve had as a traditionally published author. I am so very, very blessed. I’m also looking forward to all the adventures to come as I both publish my own books and continue to work with my agent on new opportunities in traditional publishing. What a wonderful time to be an author!
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