Writers can Take Steps to Boost Their Chances of Success

Allison Maruska, author and humor blogger, shares her insights on the writing and publishing industry in a guest post that challenges the notion of luck playing a significant role in an author's success.

Maruska argues that the apparent luck enjoyed by writers such as Writers A and B, whose names are not disclosed, is often misleading. Behind the scenes, she suggests, lies a tale of hard work, rejections, and persistence that preceded their big breaks.

The author's perspective is that agents are not easily swayed by unproven talent. Instead, they are more likely to be drawn to writers who demonstrate tenacity and a willingness to put in the necessary effort. Success for Writers A and B, therefore, did not come solely from luck, but from sheer determination.

Maruska believes that luck is often overemphasised in the writing and publishing industry. She contends that writing and publishing a book require more than just a stroke of good fortune.

On last night's #storysocial Twitter chat, the topic of traditional versus indie publishing was discussed. During the chat, someone commented that there is a certain element of luck in publishing. However, Maruska disagreed, stating that success in writing and publishing is the result of hard work and strategic decision-making.

Anecdotal studies suggest that women are less likely to land an agent and get traditionally published than men. Maruska's post does not contain any advertisements and aims to shed light on the realities of the writing and publishing industry.

Writer A's path to success is illustrative of this point. After penning a masterpiece, she worked with a critique group and editor, sent out queries to agents, and spent time building her social media platform. Despite sixty rejections, she was eventually signed by a New York agent.

Similarly, Writer B self-published her masterpiece, hired an editor, worked with a critique group, arranged for advance review copies, and promoted the pre-order period across social media. After selling only twenty copies on launch day, she re-evaluated, learned where her audience hangs out, scheduled signings there, revised her blurb, possibly redid the cover, and eventually reached #1 in two categories on Amazon, making a decent income.

Maruska participates in the weekly #storysocial Twitter chat and encourages writers to stay persistent, make adjustments along the way, and not to let the illusion of luck deter them from their writing and publishing goals.