What I Didn't Say released on Tuesday, a few days early. And seriously, it was a fantastic day. I felt so loved and received so much support that I felt like I was going to burst with happiness. The book is off to a great start and thanks to NetGalley, I've been getting in a lot of great reviews.
And as I sat there and celebrated, I got to thinking about where I was just 2 years ago. 2 years ago I was feeling like a reject, a wanna be author that no one wanted. I'd tried going the traditional publishing route. In all, I'd recieved over 140 rejection letters, all saying that I just wasn't quite good enough. I felt beat down and often wondered if I should just give up on trying to be a writer. Getting rejected over and over was killing me.
But there was something inside of me that still believed. I KNEW I could do this. I KNEW I could make this happen. Even if no one in the industry was going to believe in me, I believed in me. (proof) (proof) (proof)
And so I self-published. I worked my @$$ off and made things happen. Things didn't happen fast, but I made them happen.
And then things started paying off.
To date-
And I'm still standing.
And as I sat there and celebrated, I got to thinking about where I was just 2 years ago. 2 years ago I was feeling like a reject, a wanna be author that no one wanted. I'd tried going the traditional publishing route. In all, I'd recieved over 140 rejection letters, all saying that I just wasn't quite good enough. I felt beat down and often wondered if I should just give up on trying to be a writer. Getting rejected over and over was killing me.
But there was something inside of me that still believed. I KNEW I could do this. I KNEW I could make this happen. Even if no one in the industry was going to believe in me, I believed in me. (proof) (proof) (proof)
And so I self-published. I worked my @$$ off and made things happen. Things didn't happen fast, but I made them happen.
And then things started paying off.
To date-
- I've gotten a movie deal with the producer of the Twilight Saga and Percy Jackson
- I have 6 titles to my name
- I was listed in the Wall Street Journal
- I've sold over 100,000 books
- I'll be making six figures this year
And I'm still standing.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
And today, this is how I feel about me and the traditional publishing world.
5 comments:
I have to say that your story is very inspirational. I'm an aspiring writer and I'm working on my first book now. I have definitely considered self-publishing as an option when it comes to the time to publish. I've had a lot of self-doubt about making this into a career because it so difficult. But I love it. So, anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate your inspirational posts that let me know that I'm not the only one that has had doubt about my career choice.
Your story is one I'm working toward Keary :) And it's SO damn exciting to see you do it!!! Well done and onwards and upwards!
Hello and thanks for sharing your success story! It's so nice to hear the highs and the lows! Good luck with the rest of your endeavors!
Nothing wrong with kicking butt and taking names.... Congrats... Everything is well deserved! Aren't you glad you didn't give up? I know I am, because I love your books!
Keary, that is so amazing! Be proud, be very proud!!!! I have a copy of Eden on my Kindle Fire and your new novel will soon be on there too. Catherine
Catherine Stine’s Idea City
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