By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I’m not saying the first-book success story doesn’t happen. There are definitely the To Kill a Mockingbirds out there to prove me wrong.
But I do think this particular myth is harmful for writers. It can make you place too many high expectations on a single book. And there are plenty of reasons not to do that.
One big reason is that you can get far too invested in the single book. There are plenty of ways to be overinvested. One is to put too much money into book design or promotion. Another is to follow reviews and sales too closely instead of starting to write the next book.
Writing the next book is critical, even if book one is a success. Maybe especially if it’s a success. You move forward, get better at your craft, explore different ideas. And you don’t focus everything on worrying about the first book.
Another problem can crop up if you’re too invested in your first book. Self-doubt. It’s easy, and maybe a helpful thing, to get very excited about your work, especially if you’re new to writing. If you publish something and it’s not an immediate critical or commercial success, it could feel like a major set-back. You could end up doubting your story or your talent.
If you go into publishing a first book with realistic expectations, it’s easier to avoid insecurity. Easier to move on to the next project. And you might find that your first book becomes a financial success years after it’s published, when you’ve found more of a readership.
What were your expectations before publishing your first book? What advice would you add to mine for new writers?
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I went in with little expectations. My first book did become a big hit, but not until a year later, and by then I'd written the second one and it was due to come out a few months later.
Which was perfect timing!!
You are so right, Elizabeth! People sometimes do dream of that first book that will skyrocket to success. Once in a blue moon, it does. But then there's the problem of second-novel pressure, which can be so hard to take. The reality is that for most people, I'd guess, the audience builds gradually, and success, if you're going to have it, takes time.
Very true, Margot! Thanks for coming by.
That's like the myth you'll get a huge contract with a first book, like the $1 million dollar deal Nicholas Sparks got for his. It just doesn't happen.
And when it doesn’t happen, so many writers get dejected and stop writing. So important to know that it’s usually a slow build.
I had pretty much zero expectations for my first book! I actually waited until I had 3 books ready to go before I published. And still had zero expectations :)
I'm a bit of a weird duck in that I actually don't want big fame or fortune – WAY too much pressure for me! I'll keep happily swimming in my little pond
Keeping expectations low is a great way of exceeding them!
If you're an indie, unless you have a massive presence on social and traditional media, it's unrealistic to think you'll hit big with your first title. (I did not have that expectation at all — I knew I was going to have to hustle to find reviewers, bloggers, etc.)
I'm thinking about traditionally published authors I follow, some of whom sold really well with their first books, and some who built over time. Maybe it's just me, but I think it's easy to spot something desperate in a number of those titles; sometimes it comes out in the pacing, sometimes it comes out in the characterizations. However, the one who have been publishing for a while tend to do better building something and then getting to a pay off. I don't think that necessarily reflects the skill of the writer as much as it does the pressures of the publishing houses.
I know what you mean; a hasty attempt to replicate what worked the first time. It’s nicer not to have to rush into high expectations.
SUCH important advice. Way too many authors come to me with unrealistic expectations, and it's really disheartening to have to be the one to break the news that in all likelihood, they just aren't going to publish that first book to immediate wild success. Publishing is a long game, and I really wish more authors knew that. Thanks for this real talk!
Thanks to you for coming by, Sarah!
SUCH a good point, Elizabeth. I was one of those writers who spent far too much time and worry and anxiety over book #1. It slowed me down a lot. A writer isn't one book. Thanks for the great post.
It’s tough to move on, but so important! Thanks for visiting, Colleen!
I've never met a writer who doesn't expect their first book or writing to be a success and open doors. That just isn't a reality. Even if writers are realists, there is a flicker of hope after that first sale that their career will take off. However, I have been (magazine) published before and it "feels" quite wonderful.
Self doubt is not my friend. :)
Teresa
Honestly, I think it’s confidence that fuels many writers. I know it fueled me through all the rejections I had at first. We just have to find that sweet spot between overconfidence and insecurity…a tough thing to locate, for sure!