Diana Cosby ©2018
When I began writing, I remember sending out my first partial, smiling, telling everyone the manuscript’s title, and that my book was going to sell. Then how, months later, I received a rejection letter. I was devastated. How could a publisher not want the book of my heart? And the rejection letter, Dear Author . . ., it could have been written to anyone!
Over the years I discovered that I had a deft skill for acquiring rejections. I remember one day my oldest son, who has now served a tour in the Marine Corps, carrying in a manila envelope saying, “Hey, Mom, you received another rejection.” 😊 Gotta love kids. After 100 rejections, I quit counting. I decided I knew how to acquire a rejection.
Throughout the years, regardless of the frustrations and doubt, I never gave up. Not only is it important to never give up, but I believe it’s essential for you to RECOGNIZE that with each passing year, you’re growing more knowledgeable in the craft, plus, you’re connecting with fellow authors and industry professionals, which is networking. Once you sell, your experience and contacts will prove invaluable. I never realized until looking back, the benefits of selling later in my writing career.
I feel passionate about this topic, because I wish someone would have sat me down and said, “That you write is well and good, but let’s say you sold, what’s your plan?” Plan? Why to write of course. It’s critical that after we sell that we keep on writing, but it’s also important to build a readership along with a list of reviewers. The hard reality is that unless you sell a book through a high visibility venue, few people will know who you are, much less buy your book. So, if you’re a new writer, don’t worry over about rejections, they’re a part of writer’s life, but plan for the day when you sell. Use your time accrued to your benefit, your success is no accident.
What is your exact goal? Define it. Plan not only make it, but make it a success. So, what can you do? My thoughts:
-If you have a website, great. If not, place it on top of your priority list. Let it reflect the target market you are writing for and will eventually sell to. If you’re going to blog, great, but stagnant blogs turn away readers.
-A Brand. What tag to do you feel is the essence of what you write, regardless of the line, era? My tag is, “Romance Edged With Danger.”
-Business Cards. Keep them professional. I have two different business cards, those I hand out to readers that have my website and e-mail, but not my home address and contact information. The other business card has all of my contact information, which I give to industry professionals.
-Bookmarks. I think bookmarks are one of the single best marketing tools a writer can have. I always say that if someone takes one and really doesn’t want it, odds are they’ll leave my bookmark somewhere – to be found by a reader who’ll scoop it up. Also, I send bookmarks to conferences, booksellers, venues that feature the type of book I write such as medieval gatherings, and anywhere I feel it’s beneficial.
-On-line social media pages.
-Conferences: Keep networking!
-Marketing. I’ll give you two bits of advice, choose what you LOVE DOING, and what’s within your budget.
After 9 1/2 years of writing, I sold. I found that in addition to writing an intense, multi-layer story, came the challenge of fitting in time for promotion. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. This is where preparing early in your career for success comes into play. Your well-planned foundation won’t add time onto your day, but it will give you a significant edge as you work hard to help your career take off.
As I look back, I’m thankful I didn’t sell early on in my career. After 9 1/2 years of writing I thought I was ready for the challenges after I sold; in essence, I was clueless. The years accrued before I sold gave me time to strengthen my writing, meet industry professionals, and to make friends who were a not only a bedrock in the enormous transition of becoming published, but who are truly a blessing in my life. So, next time you receive a rejection letter, set it aside, and focus on building your career. Last, always believe in yourself! I wish each and every one of you every success!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
Author of:
The Oath Trilogy
MacGruder Brother Series
Forbidden Series: Forbidden Legacy/Forbidden Knight/Forbidden Vow–May 15th, 2018/Forbidden Alliance TBA/Forbidden Realm TBA
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I really enjoyed reading this post. I have also been so proud of something, then I find out what I had done, wasn’t that great.
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Thank you for this post. I haven’t been writing much (at all) lately, and my heart misses it. I’m ready now to begin writing, and I’m seeing there’s so very much more to publishing a novel than publishing short stories or poetry. You’ve added many more layers to this process. I appreciate you being so candid with us and providing such wonderful (and beneficial) information.
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Wonderful post! I am thinking about writing but not sure if I shall try it or not.
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That was very informative for someone who writes. I am glad you didnt give up
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Your advice is so well stated, I’m ready to jump in and find a publisher, well, when I finish the book. For those who have those defeating rejections, I have rejections, and decided I really was a writer. After all, in this industry, nobody but writers get them! Therefore, I am a writer!
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I really enjoyed the post and truly enjoy your books they always make me fell as though I’m right there keep on writing .
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Loved your post….. just loved it! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
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Wonderful post…I’m not a writer but certainly appreciate all the hard work & time that you put into your writing…I’m an avid reader of all your books.Thank you 💋
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I wondered…and you find time to do so much.
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So happy you didn’t cave in and continued your journey. Hugs
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Wow!! I din’t know how hard it is to write let alone market the books. I’m such a fan of your books this blog is so interesting and you give such great information. Thanks for writing such great books that help take us away to another time and place and to fall on love with such wonderful characters.
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I thank you for the advice. Sometimes I feel I want to write and get discouraged. Reading this kind of cheers me.
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Thank you for sharing this and thank you for your courage to persist in becoming published. As a reader, I am grateful. As a writer, I am encouraged.
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As a reader of your books, I for one am VERY glad that you never gave up on your writing!!! Getting all those rejection letters had to be hard but no doubt it strengthened your desire to become a published author.
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Audrey Stewart wrote: I really enjoyed reading this post. I have also been so proud of something, then I find out what I had done, wasn’t that great.
~Hi Audrey, thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words. We’re constantly learning, and each step forward is exactly that. Take care and I wish you the very best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Michelle Willms wrote: Thank you for this post. I haven’t been writing much (at all) lately, and my heart misses it. I’m ready now to begin writing, and I’m seeing there’s so very much more to publishing a novel than publishing short stories or poetry. You’ve added many more layers to this process. I appreciate you being so candid with us and providing such wonderful (and beneficial) information.
~Hi Michelle, I appreciate your stopping by and for your kind words. I’m pleased you found the information I shared helpful. There is a lot to creating stories, but you hold one of the keys of becoming a successful author – you love writing.
Persevere, if you haven’t joined a professional writing organization, it’s something to consider. I belong to Romance Writers of America, which is a fantastic resource for writers.
Take care, believe in yourself, and I wish you every success!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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DebraG wrote: Wonderful post! I am thinking about writing but not sure if I shall try it or not.
~Hi Debra thank you for stopping by. I’m a big believer in going after your dreams. If writing is something you’ve always wanted to do but time is an issue, you can try writing on weekends. Whatever you decide, take care and I wish you the very best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Terry Scarangella wrote: That was very informative for someone who writes. I am glad you didn’t give up.
~Hi Terry, I appreciate your stopping by and thank you for your kind words. Until I began writing, I didn’t realize how complex the publishing industry was. I’m thankful if my post helps those interested in pursuing a career in writing. Take care and I wish you the very best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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I write for my own pleasure, never with the intent to share. The few things I have shared, were for class assignments in primary school and college. Those were all met with great delight by my teachers with comments that I should write professionally. I guess, I’ve just never had the ambition to make a career out of writing. I believe a person must have passion to succeed in writing; such as you have. I enjoy your writing very much, and am glad you never gave up on your dreams of being a success. 🙂
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Thank you, Diana! I needed the reminders on how to make things better! I need to update (and change some of) my websites as well as work on the next novel…which is coming right along, after a time of dreadful indecision, where I was stuck in the middle. (I finally realized that I didn’t have a sufficient reason to keep the Hero & heroine apart, and now I do! 😀 )
Getting published took a long time for me, too. Getting published again isn’t taking quite as long, but it certainly feels like it! However, I’m trying to write every day now, and the words are showing up again, with more emotion this time.
No Place to Run
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Lots of stories in my head but not ready to share them yet
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I love the tote bag and cup. Congratulations on the release of your new book!
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Jinny Kirby Baxter wrote: Your advice is so well stated, I’m ready to jump in and find a publisher, well, when I finish the book.
~Jinny, I appreciate your stopping by. If you found anything helpful in my post, that’s terrific.
For those who have those defeating rejections, I have rejections, and decided I really was a writer. After all, in this industry, nobody but writers get them! Therefore, I am a writer!
~^5 Jinny, persistence is key. Also, rejections from publishers are ‘proof’ that you’re pursuing writing for tax purposes for that respective year. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Nell Norwood wrote: I really enjoyed the post and truly enjoy your books they always make me fell as though I’m right there keep on writing .
~Nell, my sincere thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. I love writing, and I’m humbled that you enjoy my stories as well. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Cherie Gravette wrote: Loved your post….. just loved it! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
~Hi Cherie, I appreciate your stopping by and your kind words. If anything helped you, that’s wonderful. Enjoy your day, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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liz evans wrote: Wonderful post…I’m not a writer but certainly appreciate all the hard work & time that you put into your writing…I’m an avid reader of all your books.Thank you 💋
Hi Liz, thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words. Writing is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that I truly enjoy. I’m humbled that you enjoy my stories. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Patricia Denke wrote: I wondered…and you find time to do so much.
~Hi Patricia, I appreciate your stopping by. I tend to do only what I love, which includes writing, photography, working with Habitat For Humanity, and more, which motivates me daily. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Charlene Whitehouse wrote: So happy you didn’t cave in and continued your journey. Hugs
~*Hugs* Charlene. I appreciate your stopping by and support. Writing can be mega challenging, but incredibly rewarding as well. What is best is sharing the journey with readers like you. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Anna Katharine Koehler wrote: Wow!! I din’t know how hard it is to write let alone market the books.
~Hi Anna, I appreciate your stopping by. After I retired from the Navy and decided to write, I didn’t realize that not only would writing offer unique challenges, but the marketing side as well. Each year I continue to learn more about each aspect.
I’m such a fan of your books this blog is so interesting and you give such great information. Thanks for writing such great books that help take us away to another time and place and to fall on love with such wonderful characters.
~My deepest thanks for your kind words about my stories. I love writing, and I’m humbled that you connect with my characters. I’m so glad you found the blog helpful. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Sara wrote: I thank you for the advice. Sometimes I feel I want to write and get discouraged. Reading this kind of cheers me.
~Sara, thank you for stopping by. If you found my blog post helpful, that’s fantastic. Writing is tough, and I often get discouraged as well, but I focus on my love of story and persevere. If you love writing, believe in yourself and continue. Remember, only YOU can write your story. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Sandy K wrote: Thank you for sharing this and thank you for your courage to persist in becoming published. As a reader, I am grateful. As a writer, I am encouraged.
~Hi Sandy, I appreciate your stopping by and your kind words. Throughout my writing journey, I’m humbled by the support from both readers and writers. My advice, believe in yourself and persevere. Only YOU can tell YOUR story. Please know that I’m cheering for you. Take care, and I wish you the very best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Carole Burant wrote: As a reader of your books, I for one am VERY glad that you never gave up on your writing!!! Getting all those rejection letters had to be hard but no doubt it strengthened your desire to become a published author.
~Hi Carole, I appreciate your stopping by, and thank you so much for reading my stories. I love writing, and I’m humbled that you enjoy them as well. Yes, receiving rejection letters was hard, but it did make me more determined, plus they made me dig in and hone my writing skills, which I continue to with each book. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Peggy Hayes wrote: I write for my own pleasure, never with the intent to share. The few things I have shared, were for class assignments in primary school and college. Those were all met with great delight by my teachers with comments that I should write professionally. I guess, I’ve just never had the ambition to make a career out of writing. I believe a person must have passion to succeed in writing; such as you have. I enjoy your writing very much, and am glad you never gave up on your dreams of being a success. 🙂
~Hi Peggy, thank you so much for stopping by, sharing your story, and your kind words. Writing is a very personal journey, and it’s up to each author to decide their path. That’s wonderful that your writing receives such wonderful lauds. If in the future you decide to pursue a writing career, it’s an option, if you wish, you can choose. Take care, and whatever you decide, I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Marion Faith Laird wrote: Thank you, Diana! I needed the reminders on how to make things better! I need to update (and change some of) my websites as well as work on the next novel…which is coming right along, after a time of dreadful indecision, where I was stuck in the middle. (I finally realized that I didn’t have a sufficient reason to keep the Hero & heroine apart, and now I do! 😀 )
~Hi Marion, I appreciate your stopping by, and that you found my blog post helpful is terrific! Excellent that you figured out the reason to keep your hero and heroine apart in the middle of your book! ^5
Getting published took a long time for me, too. Getting published again isn’t taking quite as long, but it certainly feels like it! However, I’m trying to write every day now, and the words are showing up again, with more emotion this time.
~I’m so proud of you for pursuing your dream, and major congratulations on selling your novel, “No Place To Run,” with another to be released!!! Each book you write will teach you so much about writing and marketing. With your determination and love for crafting stories, it sounds as if you’re going to keep achieving your goals in the years ahead. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Judy Johnsen wrote: Lots of stories in my head but not ready to share them yet.
~Hi Judy, thank you so much for stopping by. That you already have stories to choose from is key to being an author. One day if you decide to craft a novel, you’ll have the wonderful challenge of deciding which story to write. Take care, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Teresa A Ryan wrote: I love the tote bag and cup. Congratulations on the release of your new book!
~Hi Teresa, I appreciate your stopping by, and thank you so much for celebrating the release of Forbidden Vow. Thank you again, I love the tote as well. It’s really handy. Enjoy your day, and I wish you the best!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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My sincere thanks to Delilah Devlin for again having me as a guest on her wonderful blog. Another huge thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi, for your kind words, and encouragement. I love writing, and I feel blessed daily to do what I love, and I’m humbled to have such incredible readers. Y’all are the best! Dare to go after your dreams – I wish each of you every success.
***Congratulations to Marion Faith Laird, the winner of the Tote and Mug!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.