Wishing for Publication Part 2: 5 Ways to Embrace the Waiting

It seems as though every season in the publishing industry invites a new waiting game: Writing the book. Editing. Sending it out on submission. And then even the contract process and book release itself. So why should aspiring authors wait when they can easily choose the fast track instead? We discussed the answer to this question in the last post, so you can check that out here.

In today’s post, we will answer the question, how can aspiring authors make the most of these dreadful waiting season?

Here’s the easy answer: avoid focusing on the end result, and instead reframe your mindset and choose to actually embrace these in-between stages. This is a journey, after all, and one that isn’t entirely about the destination. Besides, the majority of our writing career will be spent in these seasons—so we might as well get used to them!

To offer a more practical answer, however, here are five ways aspiring authors can grow in the in-between stages of the publication journey:

1. Keep writing.

Unfortunately, many writers assume waiting equals twiddling their fingers, waiting for the agent/editor to respond to their submission. Sure, it’s healthy to take a break from writing. But when that break is over, why allow this lack of response to keep you from moving forward?

Aspiring authors will never know if the first book they send out will gain interest or not. That’s just the cold truth of the publishing industry. Those who truly want to see their dreams come to pass will get back to work, writing a new book, because they know that publication on that first one is never guaranteed.

2. Keep reading craft books.

Writing is an art form and is more instinctive than logical, so what good is it to read books on how to write? Even though that is true, there’s no denying that storytelling, as well as the act of putting words and sentences together to spark imagination, is a craft. Those who sharpen their craft are the ones who will excel in this skill—just like musicians and actors and dancers develop their craft as they learn from instructors. And since it can take a while to read these craft books, what better time to read them than during a waiting season?

3. Keep filling your creative tank.

Only you know what activities help you spark new story and character ideas. Maybe it’s taking a walk around an art museum, watching an old film, snapping photos, or reading books in the genre you write. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to partake in these creative outlets that are outside of writing, because doing so will likely replenish your creative tank (and trust me, this writing journey will demand this tank to be replenished frequently!).

4. Get involved in the writing community.

Writing can be a solitary journey, and it can be even more difficult to endure these waiting seasons and face rejections without other writers by our side. This is why we need to engage with other writers. They can offer us encouragement when we feel discouraged and remind us of why we chose to take this journey in the first place. So how can you find these friends? I advise taking writing classes, signing up for a writing/critique group, attending writing conferences, or even reaching out to likeminded writers within the online writing community.

5. Keep growing your platform.

I know—platform isn’t the most exciting word for an aspiring author to hear. I do advise focusing on your craft first before platform; however, there is no escaping the truth that establishing a platform is becoming more and more important in today’s publishing age. As an agent, I will occasionally receive rejections from publishers simply because a client needs to work on his/her platform. So while you wait, why not do what you can to grow this platform? Consider writing articles for publication, launching a newsletter list, and engaging on social media. Don’t worry: These platform-building efforts will not be wasted time (as long as you keep writing your first priority, of course).

As you can see, there are plenty of ways aspiring authors can be an active waiter rather than a passive waiter. Are there any other tips you can add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.