13 Comments
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Theresa Greene's avatar

Thank you, Michelle!

Enjoyed this series. Kind of a horror tale for aspiring writers but soldiering on!

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Michelle Schusterman's avatar

Thanks, Theresa!

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David Jace's avatar

What a fascinating window! Thank you!

I wonder, not that any of us have the magic wands we would write for ourselves, but do you think it was better before the publishing houses became giant conglomerations that are ruled by investors instead of readers?

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Michelle Schusterman's avatar

Thanks, David! Generally speaking - yes, I think anytime a corporation force-feeds itself another company, it’s to the detriment of both freelancers and consumers.

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Ada Austen's avatar

Thank you for this very informative series.

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Michelle Schusterman's avatar

Thanks for reading!

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Jordan's avatar

Tough market. Thanks to Andrew for the insight. Guess we need to love what we write and enjoy the creative process, because there are no guarantees. Would love to know what writing projects you're currently working on, enjoying?!

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Michelle Schusterman's avatar

Thanks Jordan! I'm planning a sort of 'update' post...the short version is I've been flailing but now I'm drafting something lol

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Shelley Burbank's avatar

Great series of posts! It’s good that we are finally seeing behind the curtain a bit more. Also super depressing. Now I want to go eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Unfortunately it’s only 8:23 am, and I just can’t do that to myself. I guess I’ll get back to revising my current ms and try to ignore the realities of its future.

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Patrick Abbott's avatar

Dang, I would say “it’s better to love and lost than never to love before…” but losing a big deal would have to hurt.

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Sarah Allen's avatar

I'm with you in finding this oddly reassuring. It's rough out there and this is definitely harsh data, but it's nice to know that it isn't personal.

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Susannah Eanes's avatar

Super helpful and insightful. Thank you for taking the time to dive into this and share Andrew’s insights.

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Lowena House Stories's avatar

I’m a prospective middle grade writer who’s dabbled with self-publishing with little success because I was too impatient to get my story out there.

Having spent the last six months attending virtual writer’s conferences. I’ve learnt a great deal and decided to pursue a traditional publishing deal.

I really appreciate your discussion and for making it available for a wider audience. It’s so depressing, however I write, therefore I am. I frequently want to put it aside and transfer my energies into something more concrete.

Thanks for your insights into the writing business. I’m going to keep going and anything else that happens is a bonus. Happy writing.

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