Publishing

As I've spent this month writing my novel, I've found myself thinking more and more frequently about not only finishing it, but publishing it. It's a long ways off, and to be honest, it's a pretty scary thought. There are a lot of things to think about with publishing. How are you gonna get the word out there? What if publishers don't like it? Should I use a publisher at all? What if people don't like it? What if it gets torn to shreds, looked at as an example of how not to write a story?

But despite these things, it's still something that I want to pursue. I mean, why wouldn't I want to pursue it? Publishing is what I've always dreamed of. To have a book out there that is mine, and that I can tell people about, and that I can hopefully make some sort of living out of. To say that I am a writer, rather than a writer hopeful, and have something to point to as proof. That is my life dream.

And fortunately for me, National Novel Writing Month doesn't just want me to write a novel. They want me to edit one. They want me to publish one. And if I can win this month with writing, they'll be all the more helpful in doing that. Winners are given a discount code to receive a free physical proof copy of their book, and a discount on starting the publishing process. Published winners are invited to advertise their books on the website, to prove to the other hopefuls that it's possible.

If I could be one of those people... I think I'd die of happiness.

Of course, what I'm writing right now is by no means ready, appropriate, or worthy of being published. What I'm writing now is complete and utter shit. And I already know that when I get to editing, I'm going to be starting by removing the prologue to my story entirely. It's all background information that would be better used sparced throughout the story and...

Regardless. It's not good enough to be published. But if I were to think about it, it would never be good enough to be published. There is always something to be improved upon. When is enough enough? How many drafts do you go through before you hit final? And how long should it all take?

I guess these are just more things that I'll have to figure out when I get there. Just do what I have to do. Maybe get some test readers to see what they think, and if the story makes sense the way it is, and if there are things they want to know that would be appropriate to add in to the book (or, potentially, the sequel). But eventually I'll publish. I hope.