Tricky Truths for First-Time Authors

Writing a book is one of those feats many people dream of accomplishing. It is an intoxicating dream: getting a message out to the world, impacting others with your storytelling, dazzling the masses with your expertise, maybe even becoming a bestselling author!

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t always work out that way. Becoming an author is a master class in releasing expectations and embracing the creative process with grace. What follow are some reflections from Inspira editors on the difficult realities of becoming an author—and the encouragement we can find along the way.

“When you write a book, your first draft probably won't be very good. Your second one as well, more than likely,” says Tim, Inspira editor. “Writing a book is a struggle, and once you send it to an editor, you are more than likely going to be rewarded with what feels like scathing feedback. But know that nearly every author who has preceded you has gone through the same tribulations. The first drafts of your favorite books were probably unpublishable. It is a process—an uncomfortable one, but a necessary and uniquely rewarding one. Don't shy away from the harsh feedback: you and your book will turn out better for it.”

Before I, Chelsea, was an editor with Inspira, I was a first-time author with Inspira. While I wasn’t planning to be the next Elizabeth Gilbert, I was expecting to do some dazzling with my very own travel memoir, Leave It All: The Journal of a Maybe Missionary. After all, I’d obsessed over it for three years, arranged my life to accommodate the project, and invested thousands of hours and dollars into making it as perfect as possible!

What I did not expect, however, was the mix of vulnerability and disappointment when my release date rolled around. Instead of pride and elation, I doubted if I had made anything worthwhile. I thought of all the parts of my book I felt I hadn’t made “just right,” and I thought of all the people I knew who might not love it. I sold some copies, but not many. The book wasn’t displayed in shops; it didn’t top any lists. What I had expected to be a triumph—becoming a published author—felt in many ways like a letdown.

Inspira editor Kerry speaks beautifully to this struggle so many of us authors have shared: “Your book might not go ‘viral.’ Your book might get no traction and not make a lot of money. If this happens, it can be discouraging, which is why we encourage you to remember your ‘Why?’ Why are you writing the book? What if your book gets into the hands of the one person who needs to read it? You were passionate enough about something to want to write a book: remember that!”

Kerry is right. As the years have passed, I find myself far less interested in extracting riches or fame from my book. What I am far more interested in is connecting with the few people who relate to my story, to the rare readers who have told me, “I thought I was the only one who experienced life like this!”

I’ll let the prolific Anne Lamott take it home by quoting from Bird by Bird (one of the books we suggest all writers read): “I just try to warn people who hope to get published that publication is not all it is cracked up to be. But writing is. Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do—the actual act of writing—turns out to be the best part.”

So, whether you’re a successful author, a not-so-successful author, or a maybe-someday author, keep writing. Remember why you write and keep writing: it is worth it.