Well, I have to admit I didn't work as hard as Allana Angel for my wings. I penned my first book, sent it off to about a dozen agents and publishers and got back the same amount of rejections.
At one of the Romance Writers of the MidWillamette Valley meetings, a young mother, and incredibly talented writer, was glowing from having received her first contract from an on-line publishing house. I was very impressed. She was going to see her work printed! The other members of the RWA group [many of whom no longer belong to the chapter] were very encouraging about her contract and opportunity. I asked her how she found her publisher and she directed this internet-challenged writer to a listing of internet publishing houses. I already had the latest Writer's Market but, at that time, epublishers were still considered a "fad".
From her list, I found the House who first took a chance on a very green writer--me. I was encouraged, coached and treasured and very proud of my writing accomplishment. So much so that when a call went out for someone to help do a "bit" of accounting for the mostly volunteer publisher, I said yes as a way to pay forward my gratitude.
Since that time, I've become a reader, editor, copy editor, managing editor and senior editor for them. I have also written and published 4 books as of this writing with the same publisher.
Oh, yes. I've helped another Angel who started her own publishing house by agreeing to become one of her Angels. She also asked me to submit some of my work and has been kind enough to print one mystery and in February will release two more publications. To pay forward her kindness, I edit and copy edit.
I enjoy reading the work of new writers and hope my editing helps to tighten up their novels. Someone was kind enough to encourage me, and it's my responsibility to encourage others to write the best novels they can.
Time to get off my soapbox. I hope my skills as an editor and struggling writer make me worthy of wearing my wings. Time will tell.
As always, keep your feathers dry.
Sable Angel
I loved hearing your story. It brought back some memories, good memories of critique sessions. Friends with friends and we are still together and still writing. I started back on the St. Patty's Day Anthology Friday night. I'm enjoying my fae folk, Moya and Oran. What mischief will they get into?:)
ReplyDeleteHey, Sable! I think you've definitely earned your wings! Being an editor, whether for new writers or those with a few books published, is invaluable!
ReplyDeleteAllana, so glad you're working on the St. Patrick's anthology again! I have one more outline of another book to finish, then I'll be working on my St. Patty's story too!
-Amber Angel