Tuesday Tumbling Terms and the Indie Author

It's Tuesday so it must be the Tuesday Tumbling Terms. < Quick look at my clock> Yes, it's Tuesday. <Whew!> These days I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached.

Now for the word of the day is...

per·se·ver·ance
[pur-suh-veer-uh ns]
noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2. Theology . continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

Now while two definitions are given here I could change the second definition to fit this blog by changing a few words to read- 2. Continuance through turmoil to the end, leading to publication.

You can twist anything by changing a word or two in any definition.But in reality, it's the first definition that applies to writers. We write a book and submit to agents who will attempt to sell the manuscript, that's if the agent is interested. The agent could say "no thanks" at any time unless you are under contract. The legalese may mention a termination date for the contract. Most agents will not represent you unless they feel strongly about selling your book. They get no money if it doesn't sell, so they are in it with you. They DO earn their fee. Can an agent carry you under contract without selling your manuscript? Yep, they can and no, they don't like it anymore than you do.

Many would-be authors dream,or start a book but never complete it. So many authors do not edit thoroughly. This is probably the most daunting task next to finding an agent or publisher facing authors. Many give up the hope of publishing after a few rejections. It takes perseverance in spite of all of this.

Even if you did like I did and become an indie author, it still takes perseverance to market day in and day out to eek out a living writing. It still takes the effort to finish a manuscript. It still takes strong editing skills. It still takes everything you need to be standardly published and more.

I often talk about the hats I wear and they are many as an indie published author. I am the writer, the editor, the formater, the proofreader, the cover designer, the layout exec, the marketer, the public relations firm, and mother/wife/grandmother/pastor. It isn't easy, but I do it by choice.

If you decide to follow in my footsteps, be forewarned. There is nothing to stop you except you yourself. There is also a no greater reward for a job well done.

Do you have perseverance or have what it takes to persevere?

Keep writing and loving the Lord.