In case people still exist who haven’t heard about my recent accomplishment, please allow me to bray it again.
I’m now a New York Times
Best Selling Author!!!!!
We authors must enjoy these titles however they come. For most of us, they lack piles and piles and piles of money and unending fame. It’s a rung on a still-staggering climb. A step toward the crest of Mount Everest, though we haven’t crossed the ice field crevasses on flimsy metal ladders during an avalanche or walked past all the dead bodies entombed in full view.
Or maybe it’s a Grand Canyon-style cliff from which to fall. North Rim. Because HIGHER and STEEPER.
I’m ecstatic. And grateful. And very, very realistic. Please enjoy my 10 Myths of Most New York Times Best Selling Authors.
- Every outlet on earth will now carry every book we write. Wrong. I still can’t get many outlets to respond to my requests. When I told one bookstore they could promote my remaining books with my new moniker, they ignored my suggestion and asked me when I could pick up my books. Silver Lining: I get more ‘yes’ than I did. Focus, people.
- We don’t need additional endorsements to convince strangers to pick our books. Wrong. We human beings now see more information than we can possibly remember. We probably forget 99/100’s of what we see. Or it never registers. Or it’s never viewed in the first place. Silver Lining: I’m still working on that one.
- We’re invited to every high-profile book event. Nope. Those are driven by the authors people actually clamor to see. Silver Lining: One day, that author will be me.
- Our voicemails/inboxes are now overflowing with requests. I wish. I still kick multiple doors every day. And I thought I destroyed my feet walking 444-miles. Silver Lining: Requests surprise me when they come from unexpected places. It was a delight to see my name coupled with Ron Rash yesterday.
- We can sit back and rest on our fame. Negative. I must redouble my efforts to maintain the momentum, because if it dies, it’s even harder to restart. And I still must finish word projects. Silver Lining: I’ve made a bazillion mistakes. I’m really efficient with my time.
- We now get ALL the major literary reviews. You actually think my next book will be featured in the NY Times Book Review? Publishers Weekly? Kirkus? Silver Lining: I’ll keep karate-chopping doors for the right connections. It might not happen with the next book, but it WILL happen.
- Our partners can quit their jobs. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, I forgot…….HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Silver Lining: I still feel so much guilt about how my partner supports my writing career. If I’m ever able to make enough money to allow him to quit his day job, I’ll be the happiest person alive, because I’ll get to spend more time with my favorite person.
- We’re *this close* to a major book deal with a ginormous advance. Do those still happen? Silver Lining: I didn’t need a major book deal to make the NY Times. Take THAT, Trads.
- We pack arenas at every event, because we’re the rock stars of writing. Geez. While my empty chair ratio is dropping, I still show up for every appearance wondering whether I’ll stare at one pair of eyeballs in a sea of vacant seats. This Onion article is satire, but it gets everything right. Silver Lining: Full Chairs > Empty Chairs.
- We sit on obscene hordes of money. Even after my NY Times hit, I’m still losing money. I know one multiple NY Times Best Selling Author who took a job with a major corporation, because she couldn’t make a living from her book sales. Think about that next time you find a writer whose work you admire, and tell everyone you know to BUY their books. Otherwise, that writer may be unable to continue to weave stories readers love. Silver Lining: So far, I’ve lost less money this year than last.
36 Comments
You go girl!!! Nothing that’s really worth it has ever been an easy journey. And you’re talented!! It’s nice to hear you staying positive as you turn those rocks over. Kudos!
This is more like an impossible climb. Everyone, even those who’ve made it to the summit, says so. I don’t know whether talent, or passion, or work ethic, or money, or appearance, or shaking enough hands, or kissing enough asses, or writing enough good books, or the whimsy of luck will get me there. I’m trying to combine those things and hoping for that supreme stroke of luck.
I’m glad that you continue to kick down doors and haven’t broken any toes….lately. It’s quite disheartening to read all that you must do to get someone to read your beautiful and inspiring books. As Kristin said, “…you’re talented!!” and it’s a blessing to be on the ground floor of your rise to fame. 😉 Notice I said fame and not infamy. 😀 The strength and stamina you have is amazing. Thank you for continuing to show True Grit!
I don’t share these things to dishearten anyone. This has FINALLY convinced many people who know me to actually read my books. Whatever it takes, right? 🙂
Andra, every time I attempt to share your blog on facebook from your blog, this is the message I’m getting: This content is no longer available
The content you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page.
If you have time, come back and explain where you’re clicking to share. Is it the boxes to the left? I just clicked the blue f share button and was able to share it to my personal profile. In order to troubleshoot, I need to be able to describe what you’re doing. Thank you for letting me know there’s a problem. Getting this site template to work with Facebook is an ongoing struggle I’ll probably write a novel or short story about someday. The solution is probably going to be to change the template.
Yes, it is the box to the left – the top one that currently has the number 13 under the thumb. I click on it, write something in the “say something” box and then when I hit post – I get that response. This has happened to me the last few times I’ve attempted to share on this page. Then I just go, pull up your name on my facebook account and share it that way, but I thought you may want to know there’s a little glitch in the system. 😉
I’m just disheartened (in my earlier post) to see how dang hard you have to work when your work is such a benefit and a joy.
Reality. Sigh. I remember the first time I heard a song I wrote on the radio. I thought I’d made it. Wrongo, dogbreath. But it was a great experience to taste that. I know your work ethic. It’s epic. The NYTBSL is a beautiful feather in your cap. Wear it proudly.
I wish I could make a medal to wear around my neck. Or a crown. Or wrap my Fiat in a blaring sign. (Wouldn’t MTM DIE???)
Awww, my little girl all growed up….
Seriously, I have been reading/following/knowing you for almost five years and you are an inspiration. No one can deny your talent or knock your hustle.
YOU DID IT
Bra and vo
Thanks, Lance. MTM should know about his next Atlanta trip today. I’ll let you know the schedule as soon as I know.
Darn. I guess a loan is out of the question right?
Unless you’re loaning ME money, John……………What’s your number?
Ha ha ha.
I don’t think I’ve sent you a great big “Congratulations” hooray for your new Best Seller status! I am so happy for you! Fyi… Costco Business prints those car wrap signs and magnetic banners for a great price. I can see the Fiat now. 🙂
And you’ve met MTM and can picture his face as I drive my tricked-out Fiat into view………. Oh. My. God. He would kill me. He still breaks out in hives over my personalized license plate.
Yep, I can see it now. 🙂 Ha!
You not only need the talent, and that you have; you also need a thick skin and a pair of sturdy boots to kick down doors.
I thought my skin was thick when I started this, but DANG, it’s thick now! 🙂
You may add a few layers before it’s all said and done, but you’ll be ready for the next book.
So proud of you, Andra! This is well deserved.
Thank you for that list of myths. I totally get why some people on the list wind up looking for work. I had an eighth grade class ask me if I made the same amount that J. K. Rowling made. I had a good laugh off that.
I really think many people multiply the retail price of a book by the number of books sold, and they think authors actually make the product as profit. My Korean literary agent makes more money per sale of the Korean version than I do. (I make 90 cents per copy; she makes $1.50. The book will sell for $15.) I’m grateful to have the foreign contract. I wish I could get 100 more foreign contracts for both books, because I’d cobble together enough advance dollars to actually call it a living for a year. I know you get it, but I put this comment here for people who think authors rake in the moolah.
glad you were the literary ‘mythbuster’ andra. i think people assume a lot of things –
Nothing worth having is easy.
I’m thinking positively for the days that you can spend more time with MTM, because you and your writing deserve it.
Thanks for debunking the myths, Andra. I had hoped that making the NY Times best seller list would open many doors, but I see that you still have to get out the hammer and pound away.
It will open more doors. Especially since I am now a black belt in kung-fu-ing them. 🙂
Take no prisoners, grasshopper.
🙂
One does wonder why all serious scribblers don’t give it up and take up knitting. I remember thinking that as soon as I actually finished my first book it would be snapped up and I’d be rolling in luxury. When I finally finally finally did get to ‘The End’, a beginning simply didn’t happen. I was shocked. Then, to further depress, you get people publishing a badly-written equivalent of the feelthy peectures seen sold in seedy alleys – and coining it.
As long as I enjoy this process, I’m determined to keep doing it. People who meet me remark upon my passion and ability to hold an audience. I will say I’m starting to get so many requests to speak that I’m concerned about finding time to write. Unfortunately, speaking is like writing: Few people make the big bucks.
*brightly* Unless one turns one’s talents to evangelism!
Anyway, your accomplishments so far through talent, dogged determination and hard work are already an inspiration to other writers.
Evangelism. Ha. I guess “Make a Memory” could be that. I certainly hope my mistakes pave the way for others and keep someone from giving up at a low moment.
So fame and fortune do not automatically go together, huh? Zut alors! However, it is cool that you’ve done what you’ve done– and can still walk. Good job, Andra.
What are you talking about, still walk?!? I can kick in freaking doors!! 🙂
I have a very hard time understanding why booksellers themselves aren’t more impressed with the NY Times “designation,” but you have thoroughly convinced me that all my prior impressions of the publishing industry were totally off-base. I admire your tenacity and can’t think of a time in my life where I have worked as hard at one goal as you demonstrate. Your silver linings to seem to mark some very strong steps forward. ox
Booksellers need authors who bring people into the store to spend money. Bigger, well known authors do that better than authors like me (though there are exceptions. I’ve made certain bookstores some good money.) When readers start going into their local bookstores and demanding my books, I’ll get more respect from bookstores………But that doesn’t happen like it used to. It’s too easy to buy a book online and have it the next day.
My journey has definitely changed the view of publishing for those closest to me and/or those who have spent significant time with me on the road. I don’t think that’s necessarily bad, but I don’t want my various trials to ruin reading for anyone. I fought that myself for a while, but these days I’m reading more than ever.
If I don’t focus on silver linings, I’ll quit. I can be very direct and answer any question you ask me in person, but I’ll never write a post containing those answers. 🙂 Even when I’m sharing the lowest of the low, I focus on silver linings. I’m putting too much good energy into the world for this not to go somewhere. I’m working too hard. It may not happen on my timetable, but it WILL happen.
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