9 things I wish I knew before publishing my first novel

[@ContraPoints]

Thanks for the advice I’m sure it will be very helpful in publishing my upcoming memoir “I’m Losing to a Bird: the Natalie Wynn Story”

[@jorgeluz9560]

I'd read that.

[@MayTTruck]

with chapter "See How I Glitter" somewhere there

[@Nixon665]

Loved the Envy plug here! woo

[@mhawang8204]

Oh no. Now you've done it, Natalie. I see a lawsuit coming.

[@L0U_ZER]

Audiobook when?

[@colleenlongua9752]

The biggest takeaway I get from this is that if you're going to write a book, do it because you really, really want to. Not for money or fame or anything else because it probably isn't going to happen, at least not in the short term.

[@ex.O]

That probably apply to anything related to an audience.

[@superbloodwolfmoon6842]

Yeah. I'm a big fan of Lindsey's YT and also a fan of the genre she wrote in. It's kinda hard to read a film critic's book because you expect it to be almost flawless and when it comes short a bit you sort of wonder how she could have made those choices when she's so uncannily good at noticing the mistakes that other filmmakers make. Whereas , if i didn't have too much of a connection to the author I might not even read it with the same critical lens. I wish her well. Maybe my Dunbar brain can't comprehend a person doing both? I don't know.

[@DoveJS]

@@superbloodwolfmoon6842 Film is a different medium from literature and criticism doesn't give quite the same experience as making your own work. Yes, it should in theory give a leg-up, it's still knowledge, but while we're our own worst enemies when it comes to self-criticism, we all sometimes have tunnel vision and blind spots regarding our own creative output (as well as guilty pleasures.) I do understand where you're coming from though. :)

[@Tim85-y2q]

Sure, but that's true of most any creative/artistic endeavor.

[@rmoffettutube]

I would almost rewrite that to say, "because you really, really HAVE to." Art is like that sometimes.

[@lrhill84]

Honestly, this type of video is way more helpful and comforting than the "The only thing standing between you and the next great novel is YOU! Follow your dreams! Don't worry about rules, just write!" positivity hype train. Like sure, believing in yourself is important. But so is a realistic understanding of the challenges facing authors. Also, your last book was one of the few pleasant surprises of 2020. I can't wait to read the new one.

[@geniehossain3738]

For real, Axiom’s End was both a soothing distraction from while somehow also emblematic of the dumpster fire that was 2020.

[@elephantshell3617]

It is kind of nice knowing that the industry is just brutally competitive and it's not just that I am a hack with no "spark". Numbers be numbers.

[@allegedlyfalse6779]

I'm pretty sure that's the first time anyone put the words "pleasant surprises of 2020" in that order.

[@The_Open_Book]

God yeah, like all the people that tell you to follow yours dreams but tentatively mention you should have some savings can be infuriating. Of course you can't say, how much you need to be prepared as every situation is different but then they come at it immediately with "oh well everything is going great cuz I guess I'm lucky"??!

[@archer1949]

“Your genre isn’t hot anymore.” As someone who has been writing traditional American Private Eye stories, a genre that had its last peak In the 1990’s , without even a nibble from publishers, I felt that . Knowing the market is critical and not talked about enough.

[@lateromantic]

Do you publish? My dad loves Ross McDonald and I'm always looking for gifts for him

[@archer1949]

@@lateromantic Unfortunately, I have not been published yet. I’m looking into self publishing, but that’s still in the early stages and need to do more research into it. It’s a field that fraught with risk that I just don’t know enough about. Thanks for your interest. Hopefully, I’ll have news in a few months.

[@canadianbacon5488]

@@archer1949 Good luck! I'd love to read a good P.I. detective series.

[@DewMan001]

As a self published musician/artist type on the internet, in particular Bandcamp and KZbin, looking in on the outside, I hate that you have to know the market to actually be a published author. It might be true, but it sucks and I hate it.

[@frozenweevil4022]

That moment when you only write dystopia, fantasy and sci-fi

[@michaelreynolds5773]

I've been telling newbies for years: don't write THE book, just write A book. That's hard enough.

[@ishaan863]

didnt expect to see you here Michael Grant

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

The most helpful advice I got was that if I just absolutely need to make the one book in my head exist, the best way to do that is to become a good writer and THEN write it. If the book really does deserve all that effort, then it deserves more efficient use of effort and making myself a better writer.

[@neontate413]

@@UnreasonableOpinions interesting take

[@fcv4616]

I learnt that the hard way. My first attempt to write a novel didn't even end up in a finished first draft because I was perfectionist and I lacked experience. Currently working on another novel, but I'm being much more practical. And though I'm still not a published author, in the last year I've done much more progress with my current book than in all the years I spent with my previous novel. Perfectionism really slows you down.

[@aradraugfea6755]

There's a quote Neil Gaiman likes to mention from Terry Prachett, and I apologize if I misattribute this or get the words wrong. After American Gods, Neil commented he now knew how to write a novel. Terry responded with "No, now you know how to write THAT novel."

[@AmandaTheJedi]

This undoubtedly will come in handy when I inevitably write a horrendous gay coming of age story

[@mahaamed6247]

Hi Amanda, best crossover of the decade

[@lukecwolf]

We believe you! There's a big market for that right now!

[@lukecwolf]

*we believe in you

[@wallylimwicks4534]

Are you losing to a bird too =(?

[@MaeYouRIP]

Take my money right now!

[@Elemtree]

It’s legally required now that when Natalie Wynn uploads, so must Lindsay Ellis in the next coming days as a part of some contract.

[@thatsbougie]

The feud never ends.

[@redsands1001]

i got both pins to fuel the feud.

[@MarcAquino1095]

FEUD FEUD FEUD FEUD

[@hig5018]

No war but the MILF war

[@CyricZ]

The DARKEST of contracts. Written on skin or at least really tacky pleather.

[@gamsougher3574]

the best thing goodreads did for me a writer & reader is demonstrating that i could LOVE a book and then read the reviews and see how much other people disliked it. taste is so subjective and not everyone is going to like one book or story. it's kind of freeing, honestly

[@gamsougher3574]

also a fun game to play w books that have female protagonists: does the negative reviewer actually have valid criticisms, or is he just a misogynist

[@rosesonarainyday6556]

I think sometimes this is true about taste, but sometimes there are useful reviews. I actually kind of enjoy reading the middle-of-the road reviews (2-4 star) but also any of the reviews if (and only if) they are thought out. That could mean there is one specific criticism, which could be "real women don't act like this" from either perspective (because "hips ripe for childbearing" is gross, but in my opinion creating a non-biomodifieid regular female human character who has physical capabilities that are outside even the physically strongest or most martial-art-accomplished female's ability to do is maybe not gross but demeans females again by establishing unrealistic standards). It could also mean that there are several criticisms which are more expanded upon, including everything from "this issue was handled poorly" to "the author's writing tone and style changed every third paragraph." Goodreads can be (and often is) an absolute cesspool of name-calling and hate, but the thoughtful reviews that provide real analysis (which do sometimes exist) are kinda nice to read. (That being said, as Lindsey points out, there are the supremely hyperbolic reviews that can be damaging to author's mental health and also are not terribly helpful for other readers. I also think that the reviews that have real criticisms in them are definitely more for other readers than they are for authors.)

[@Vickynger]

yes. also true the other way around: read reviews for books i hate written by people who absolutely loved it lol

[@lauracooper897]

I gave a 3 star review (really 3.5) to a novel I appreciated reading (it was about sex work by a sex worker which is a really interesting perspective) because I didn't like the writing and plot/ pacing and basically agreed on almost everything in a 5 star review my friend gave it. Unless someone is being an absolute troll they can really appreciate in parts a book they give 3-4 stars to, it doesn't mean your a failure.

[@dontpanic1812]

@@Vickynger I like reading reviews for books I hated written by people who I absolutely love (which is what I thought you'd written when I first read your comment). As enjoyable as what you mentioned are reviews on stuff we really dig by people we can't stand, tapping into that cringe factor we seem to enjoy so much. Then there're reviews on books we hate by people we hate, reviews on books we love by people we like, reviews on books we've not read by the absolutely dim, the brilliant, the angry, the gruff, the nerd, the meek, the scholar, the tough, the nutter, the hip, the hopeful, the blue, the insider, the shill, the jaded, the new-- only one or two of which is the actual audience, if the author isn't writing just for themselves. Do you write, Victoria?

[@jessip8654]

I'm not published but being in a writing group introduced me to some of the most spiteful, weird, creepy, and backstabby people I've ever met. The most frustrating thing was that the worst of them were also the best writers. So if I do manage to get published I'm expecting to meet even more awful people. Hurray!

[@evennot]

It might be dependant on the particular group (i.e. I hope it's not universal), but I can think of one reason why it happens. I see vast variance in quality of the published books in every possible aspect. It means that there's no certain fair threshold or metric that ensures publishing. KZbin has its likes, comments, etc, which roughly translates into the success. Books are subjected to the same public trial as videos + there's also a set of arbitrary rules of the publishing industry. These rules aren't fair (again, judging by variance of the quality of published books), so it's impossible to implement a certain strategy to get published, other than using outside influence in form of money or existing fame. If a person stands among other contestants waiting for the prize, and knows no certain way to get the prize, then dragging others down could happen instinctively I saw such things happening on russian literary sites. However, from my experience, biggest offenders were people obsessed with getting into the industry. I didn't see any correlation with the talent

[@dontpanic1812]

Hm, that's too bad. They're not all that way. Many include readers who don't aspire to be writers. Dangerous to be in a writing group anyway, unless it's to produce the group's projects, what with every idea influencing each other's material, then never knowing whether something's been stolen or not. Best to have friends lend a hand or pay them for their time. Think there are a few professionals out there who'll do it for an okay fee. Having two or three of them running through the material would be of benefit to everyone. I wonder if it's even necessary, though. Seems writing's mostly a solitary pursuit, that with every interjection a writer's voice is in danger of disappearing or of being watered down, of being altered 'til it's no longer theirs. Best judge of what you're trying to say and trying to accomplish is you. Would Jack Kerouac have been what he was had he followed what others were doing? Would Salinger have or Carlos Castaneda? Carol King or John Denver? Mark Twain or Maya Angelou? Rhythm, tone, intent. Everything follows from that. If people like what you're doing, great. But their job isn't to lead. That's yours, contributing as you can. I love writing, love the hits as well as the misses, could talk about it for hours. What I love best about it is how each has a different purpose, a different voice, a different experience to understand and enjoy. The audience's job isn't to change you or your material, it's to make it better. Your job is to listen to what didn't work or enjoy the deafening clamor of their respect if everything did, soldiering on. Think we may be best when we're writing for ourselves, responding to what we've experienced and the world around us or in the happy pursuit of escaping from either. Your next book might be about that writing group that was so ridiculous, sharing how monstrous it was or making it into something better, like a dark satire or hilarious comedy. Need to go, but you keep at it. You've got a natural skill.

[@N0noy1989]

I've been in a lot of writing groups (discord servers) and most of them are very toxic, or end up becoming toxic eventually. I believe that it's because people lose sight of "writing is fun" and becomes "writing is a business". It is a business to many, but a group of (possibly) competing business people are in a group together, then it'll be toxic. If it remains a group of people with the same hobby, then it remains relaxed. Only one discord server I'm a member so far has remained sane (although it had bouts of toxicity).

[@vassilyvodka2638]

@@N0noy1989 honestly I stayed out of writing groups now. I was just in one to improve and learn some theory to get a little start, but since then I keep the writing a solitary pursuit to develop my own style.

[@Man-ej6uv]

critique partners can also turn out to be awful. one randomly turned on me and instead of giving professional critique to the work, started attacking me personally. that was actually traumatic. if you get a bad vibe from someone, RUN.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

It’s really nice to hear someone share a similar experience. Thank you! Needed to hear a lot of this.

[@OneTooManyBears]

I was confused for a moment when Lindsay called Carl's fans goblins without naming the creator they were following. Had to do a metaphorical doubletake before I realized it was unrelated to the true goblin king.

[@neetfreek9921]

@@OneTooManyBears Same here lmao

[@idunnoalaska]

@@OneTooManyBears same.

[@Horus070]

Daniel & Lindsay should made a video together ❤️

[@ELPages]

@@OneTooManyBears Same! Still don't know who that Carl person is and not sure I want to know anyway XD

[@Arachnes_Corner]

"There is absolutely no harm in being happy for other people."

[@SkiesProjects]

~envy~

[@rodrolliv]

@@SkiesProjects **remix of Lacrimosa in my head**

[@SkiesProjects]

@@rodrolliv brings back memories of a couple days ago

[@brainflash1]

But it is apparently unpatriotic in America.

[@AlexaDonne]

LOVE THIS, and also a fan of the "telling it like it is" thing b/c the truth is: if someone is easily discouraged by the reality, they won't make it. Someone telling you it's hard is the LEAST BAD thing that can happen to you in publishing lol. This industry is BRUTAL. It will beat you down. But it can be worth it if your end game is best possible distribution of your work--and you have to decide if all the bad stuff worth it to you--and going in with eyes open is optimal, imo. The whole philosophy behind my channel but of course why a LOT of people love to call me a dream killer :) I love your publishing content and how real you're being about the whole thing.

[@mg7977]

Yeah, but what are you supposed to DO if you love writing, love storytelling, and even have a talent for it, but DON'T have a tolerance for all the industry b.s.? What if you have something valuable to say and a voice worth sharing, but struggle with a mental illness or trauma that causes you to have low resiliency? What if you don't have any kind of supportive social network that makes it possible to endure those challenges, let alone the professional network seemingly necessary to have any chance at all of making it in the industry? I know that neither you nor Lindsay Ellis make the rules, so I'm not trying to shoot the messenger. I just wish anyone ever saw our dreams as legitimate, rather than just saying "Screw you, life's not fair" and implicitly suggesting that it IS a meritocracy, and the people who can endure the abuse somehow deserve it more than those who can't.

[@MsNoMeGusta]

As an Alexa fan, I would like to request a video expanding on the 'this industry is full of jealous bitches' 😂

[@AlexaDonne]

@@MsNoMeGusta 👀🔪💀 lolll. I'm actually planning a video on competition in publishing haha. But some things I just can't say...

[@river_brook]

@@mg7977 while the "brutal" truth would probably be "you don't get to do anything if you can't find workarounds to the challenges", the more cheerful way I'd look at it would be "if you can make it past the current awful reality, and form connections with/provide support to other people struggling through the same thing, all of you will have more power to pave a path for other people to follow"

[@BiscuitGeoff]

@@mg7977 just write your stuff. Publishing isn’t for people who want to write; it’s for people who want to profit financially from writing. Write for you. Let your friends read it. It’s still legit writing. But almost all jobs require you to put up with unpleasant stuff. That’s the unfortunate reality of modern society. Sucks.

[@johnnytyler1]

I'm a professional screenwriter, and a former art director (HBO, AMC WB), and I experienced a similar arc when I got a manager, lawyer, and sold scripts to large studios this last year. At first, I was like WTF is happening -- it's very exciting and scary, and maybe everyone is going to figure out that I'm a fraud. Then a year passed and everything became more normal, and I stopped worrying . I think in large part this is because -- we get past the fantasy. There is no big parade when we succeed, there's a little bit of praise and money, then things turn back to normal. We discover that on the other end of this big dream/goal is just ourselves. Maybe slightly wiser, but basically the same. How can we feel like an imposter when everything is the same? That's my experience at least. Congrats on the book, cheers!

[@arytheloser]

Re: Asking lawyers about the legal implication of alien invasion-- There are definitely lawyers who will fully lean into speculative stuff like this. My partner took a "future law" class that was all about speculating on laws that might crop up around future technologies like robots, self-driving cars, AI, etc. He loves talking about this kind of stuff, and I suspect that there are people in other industries who would enjoy this kind of speculative thought as well (i.e. find experts who also happen to be sci-fi geeks)

[@sully9767]

Oh wow, that actually seems really cool. If it wasn't for the amount of writing and boring reading involved in law, I might go off on a learning tangent about this future law stuff.

[@scifikoala]

The law school at my (undergrad) alma mater has a program in space law, esp because a lot of aerospace manufacturing happens nearby. It is taking everything in me not to try and become a space lawyer

[@amandabaker4678]

@@scifikoala If you do give in and become one, you need to make sure that an 80s or 90s style jingle/theme song plays whenever you introduce yourself! I am imagining something like "Space Lawyer - they're a lawyer for Space!"

[@LaughingBat]

@@scifikoala Is there a particular reason why you shouldn't? Seems like a perfectly reasonable (albeit, not obvious) direction to go for a career.

[@dontpanic1812]

@@LaughingBat Aye, seems like we're going to be there soon and will need to know what we're doing when it comes to corporate ownership, claims, mining and international law, so things remain copacetic and don't devolve into corpocracy or outright anarchy. Can imagine a single person owning all the Solar System someday, the rest of us their workers or criminals or their dependents. Yikes! Been watching too much "For All Mankind" and "The Expanse," I guess.

[@PauLtus_B]

The disappearance of mid budget movies is something I had been aware of and has been bothering me a lot (most of my favourite movies are within mid budget). As the budget of writing a book probably wouldn't have that much versatility I hadn't considered something similar could be happening there but I find it sad to hear as the consequences will be very similar.

[@jbradleymusic]

"Getting published does not mean you've made it." Jesus, I wish more musicians had that mindset.

[@ianism3]

for people coming from extreme poverty it can

[@kennydreadfuls861]

Oooffff. This could be said about a lot of professions, but none need to hear this as much as musicians.

[@jbradleymusic]

@@ianism3 Oh, sure. That doesn't mean it's true, though. But it does mean that at least some things can be just a little easier moving forward for them, certainly.

[@jamesjohngarner]

@sorcerer96 Jesus is right there behind her listening to you.

[@MrOzzification]

​@@ianism3 Most unfortunately those coming from poorer backgrounds are most easily taken advantage of. especially since a lot of music artists tend to be young people, who have absolutely no ability to properly negotiate good terms for themselves with major music lables and navigate all the legalities.

[@jacksontran7139]

The Snoop with a pearl earring candle is amazing

[@rickc2102]

Yeah, first thing I noticed, lol.

[@laurenfox1899]

Hadn’t noticed this but THANK YOU

[@christineherrmann205]

I was waiting for the Envy clip and this did not disappoint.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I was expecting the clip where I learned it from; Homer Simpson.

[@Eidlones]

I've had an idea for a book in mind for years now. This'll come in handy in 25 years when I finish my first draft.

[@topherblair5073]

To the hitherto unsung hero whose job it is to sort through Lindsay's comments: thank you. You are doing God's work.

[@goth_fraggle]

pretty sure that's Jenny Nicholson, unless something changed

[@TiagoJoaoSilva]

Acshually, I thought it was Elisa...

[@Thatdumbgremlin]

That's Elisa Hansen.

[@katethemathnerd]

It’s Maven of ze Eventide, and she is VERY sung because she’s amazing!

[@francescomanzo3939]

blasphemous

[@AuthorDarrellCScottJr]

Needed to hear this. Published my debut last year and felt discouraged from my lack of perfection on my first attempt. It stalled me in writing book two for almost a year. But I have to say I’m a much better writer going into book two and it is exciting.

[@keah]

Huh, I didn’t know Lindsay was married. Congrats! … Probably happened awhile ago, but congrats all the same!

[@wblakekimber]

Yeah about a couple of years ago. Pre Covid. Her husband is a very private person so there wasnt really a lot of fanfare about it.

[@andrebrynkus2055]

Probably kept quiet because there are still those psychos that didn't get over when she and Todd ended it years and years ago.

[@10puppyluv]

She married a few years ago but she posted some photos of the wedding on her Instagram not long ago they were veeeeery cute

[@josephdanieljirehdimacali4418]

I did heard about her husband First when she mentioned in one of the video. And saw him when they surprise guest in one of Contra points videos.

[@Minam0]

@@josephdanieljirehdimacali4418 which one?

[@chillynight201]

I have no intention of writing a book but these days I just watch everything Lindsay Ellis uploads on youtube

[@paulportes6441]

"Every success someone else had was a reflection of their failures" Damn, that hits hard

[@seaofglass77]

Even as a middle schooler I could feel a huge difference between JK Rowling's first Harry Potter book and her second. So that is probably something that's pretty typical. If I had picked up Terry Pratchett first book instead of his 30th I never would have read another one. I can't wait to see your second book and feel the difference of you being more comfortable with your process and your voice and using more input from others.

[@baldcupcakke6189]

How can they blame you for clout chasing, when you've never used your sausage girl meme fame to promote your book? If it was me I would put "WRITTEN BY THE SAUSAGE GIRL" on every book cover.

[@faeriegraver]

Lmao

[@LindsayEllisVids]

the sausage makes me look cool tho

[@faeriegraver]

@@LindsayEllisVids yeah it does you milk it man. "WRITTEN BY THE SAUSAGE GIRL -LINDSAY ELLIS" that would look cool AF

[@DewMan001]

@@faeriegraver at the very least can we get a printable alternate dust jacket/cover thing that says that

[@ka1ock]

I discovered Ellis years ago when I saw a post explaining popular memes.

[@MorgyBlack]

the snoop dog decor is a whole message, and I'm here for it I'm also here for you darling, keep up the great work, be it books, videos, dinner, or just taking a walk

[@IstasPumaNevada]

At this point I'll be disappointed if the Snoop Dogg Quotient doesn't go up with every video.

[@mycattypedthis2827]

don't you just *love* Lindsay's and Natalie's mutual assured destruction doctrine?

[@keiththorpe9571]

Scorched Earth policy.

[@geniehossain3738]

@@keiththorpe9571 at least if the earth is destroyed by their feud, we’ll always have the sea #TakeMeMommy

[@maestro3947-b9g]

As the narrator always says: war... War never changes...

[@bepkororoti8019]

Feud is on!

[@michaelreppenhagen736]

Get MAD haters.

[@jan_franzke]

As a non english native speaker Axiom's End was the first book in a few years that really caught me and I read entirely. Thank you for that!

[@sweetpeabee4983]

Oh, one more thing, I'm not a writer, but a lot of this advice is great for my field too -- some stuff I really needed to hear right now here, like "you need more practice than you think you do." A good reminder that my first work isn't going to be perfect, no matter how much I want it to be or how much that is the expectation of others, and the only thing that will improve it is intense practice. 😊

[@MiloKuroshiro]

I think that's the jealously thing is because on KZbin, creators really know that you are up to the algorithm, while in publishing, publishers really pick favorites and out money behind then.

[@bepkororoti8019]

Dan definitely makes the impression that he spends a lot of time on his work, I wonder how he gets projects done at all, he seems almost obsessive in all the entertaining ways. Go, go, Foldable Human!

[@TheParappa]

Dan was the first one who came to my mind as well, when she mentioned that point.

[@deanna5280]

Yeah the work that must've gone into his qanon video is unreal

[@MariaRodriguez-dx6sm]

Who is Dan?

[@bepkororoti8019]

@@MariaRodriguez-dx6sm Dan Olson aka Foldable Human, aka Folding Ideas on KZbin

[@becauseimafan]

*hbomberguy* was the first that came to my mind, but I've been, like, obsessed with his recent Vaccines video since I watched it in July, it blew my mind. (I knew the anti-vax thing was total bull and for money I was sure, and the "doctor" leading it was like, fired and can no longer be a doctor, but how deep the rabbit hole goes is kinda _nuts!_ Anyway. Kinda obsessed like I said. And I'm Canadian, we get a lot of content from both the UK and US, so I really enjoyed seeing both aspects in his video.) But yeah, I totally agree! I watched all the Folding Ideas videos related to flat earth and him doing the drive out to the lake to see proof of the curvature of the earth was _so cool!_ Perfectly nerdy, and philosophical, and scientific, and also accessible to just... go see the evidence yourself. I loved that! And the "I don't know how I ended up in that stupid geocentrism documentary" video 😆 That was so great! Dan clearly does a lot of work for his videos 😁👍

[@LukeADouglas]

I'm a lawyer and lobbyist, and I would love to collaborate on the legal and political aspects of world building with any good fiction writers. That sounds like a lot of fun.

[@kyletowers9662]

Nice

[@LukeADouglas]

So no joke, this idea has been growing on me. How does one get started as an amateur subject matter consultant for fiction writers?

[@TheEliseRodgers]

I’m just here because I read “Axiom’s End” on advice from Goodreads, and I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my pre-ordered sequel. However, this ended up being way more interesting than the book spoilers I originally hoped I was coming for.

[@SturgeonPilot]

Been wanting to give it a read, but was wondering if it has any SA in the book (sexual assault) I'm a bit sensitive to that content so I need to know that kinda thing ahead of time.

[@OfficialROZWBRAZEL]

@@SturgeonPilot ......why are you under the impression such a thing would be in it without any content warning, if at all?

[@SturgeonPilot]

@@OfficialROZWBRAZEL Because Lindsey has talked about how her characters deal with trauma in the books before and I think even alluded to it being SA, but I need to know to what extent. If it's just passing mention then sure I can deal with that, but if its graphic then absolutely not. Also books, TV shows and movies don't come with trigger/sensitivity warnings about this stuff, it would be nice if they did but they dont and I've been blindsided before.

[@OfficialROZWBRAZEL]

@@SturgeonPilot no SA

[@Hannahacarmona]

I appreciate your honesty in this video! I've had 3 books traditionally published and still get asked why writing isn't my full time job. Of course I would love it to be, but that just isn't the way the industry is set up. Many of write, but also have to make a living with with day job

[@marsouinrirou]

I don't know if you'll read this, but I've loved your videos for ten years, you helped me learn english and critical though, and I loved Axiom's End as well. I hope you're well :)

[@user-ir8fx6uv1j]

I recognize that envy feeling being pervasive from academics. When someone in your field published a paper, ideally you'd be happy that they are adding to the general understanding of the field but practically you absolutely knew that you have to compete directly with them for the best jobs in the field and thus as their resume improves, your job prospects decrease. This was quite literal and could end up with fairly destructive consequences. I am happily not in academics anymore.

[@Nadia1989]

Look no further, some communities here are full of envious backstabbing people

[@user-ir8fx6uv1j]

@@Nadia1989 really got no desire to go back to that...

[@medealkemy]

Dark academia indeed

[@mitchh3092]

Yeah, seems like the majority of academic careers might as well come with mugs that say "You Don't Have To Be a Malignant Narcissist To Work Here, But It Helps"

[@user-ir8fx6uv1j]

@@mitchh3092 You're not wrong.

[@davidrainville7693]

Weirdly enough, I don't find this disheartening. Most of the really bad stuff seems to boil down to "The publishing industry is not your friend, it is a machine to generate profit from nerds with big dreams." And yeah, I kind of expected that. A lot of writing advice has the same tone and underlying themes as self-help literature and other stuff about how you need to work harder and satisfy the boss-man largely to prove you're not a terrible person (yes I've been reading Max Weber), which served as a bit of a warning on that front. The one bit that surprised me was the one about envy. Fantasy and sci-fi writers always seemed such a friendly and positive bunch!

[@MobyFitzwilliam]

The Lindsay / Natalie cinematic universe is my favorite.

[@becauseimafan]

Marvel could _never!_

[@OfficialROZWBRAZEL]

I'm going to miss it.

[@JennyTroutstanding]

The thing about how you haven't made it just because you got published is that piece of advice that pre-published authors hear and think, "Ah, yes, but that applies to other people, I'm going to be a success." And then it's like, oh. It does mean me. Better live in fear FOR THE REST OF MY CAREER.

[@TickTockTimeTraveler]

Coming from an illustrator's perspective and fan of Axiom's End, this was a really insightful video for me. Thank you! I'm so excited to receive my sequel.

[@miramorrigan5464]

"Good luck out there, all you aspiring novelists, you." Thanks Lindsay!

[@trissylegs]

The snoops. They're duplicating... or Snooplicating, if you will

[@SilentRuth10]

I love, love, LOVE that you brought up the jealousy part. One of my high school friend groups was composed of girls like me: loved books, loved nerdy shows like Doctor Who and Sherlock, loved British things, "not like other girls" but couldn't figure out why no one wanted to ask us out, all that fun cringy stuff. We were all writers to some degree and, because of that, we could never talk about writing. We would always say "I'll read and edit your stuff!" but then never follow through, or say "That idea is so cool!" while thinking about how much better *your* idea is than theirs. Super toxic stuff!! Looking back it was clear my personal failings with motivation and follow-through were the cause of these feelings, at least in myself, but nothing brings them out in full force like writing does. It led to me reducing my expectations of myself - maybe I'd do something smaller like short stories or screenplays, something that takes less time and therefore has fewer risks. Which, ya know, sucks when all this is the main reason why I didn't pursue screenwriting as a career. And it still haunts me! My boyfriend is starting to make his own game and I want to be supportive, but when he tells me his ideas I just start thinking about my own ideas and how cool they were/are and my failure to pursue these ideas like he's doing. It's a struggle I never saw coming and one I need to combat if I want to have any healthy relationships.

[@thegamethemovie9605]

I'm here for Lindsey, but the sainted Snoop kept trying to steal my eyes.

[@heatherellis3471]

Same! xD

[@fuki_slam]

Overall, the background in general is such a treat 🕵️‍♀️ Definitely playing ISpy between trying to listen

[@nefertiti1052]

Thank you for this video! I'm writing my first novel to self publish. I'm definitely not going for perfection, that is just not me and I'm unemployed and need some money so it's not like I have 10 years to sit on this story. I will churn out novels every year for the foreseeable future. For now, I have 3 novels and 1 short story planned.

[@MaggieOffutt]

Commenting for the algorithm and because Lindsay is throwing a party! Yes!

[@loqkLoqkson]

Reading both the first discworld novel and the first harry potter novel, I saw a strong influence of Roald Dahl. It wasn't until they got to the next couple of novels that the authors really got into their stride with their own styles.

[@liam560]

I can't being to describe the joy I feel when I see new content from Lindsay and Natalie.

[@RyanStorey1231]

Honestly, I'd be cool if you did more book-related videos. I really like hearing your insights on publishing trends and whatnot.

[@davidmorris6707]

Saw your novel as I was in a book shop in Glasgow, Scotland today. Picked it up immediately

[@InRealTime769]

I don't know why "Cause its... beer" broke me as much as it did, but I had to pause the video for 5 minutes to just crack up

[@tsumui]

Thanks for the unfiltered view, and it's always nice to see new Lindsay Ellis KZbin content!

[@violajames]

Miss your videos. Glad the algorithm randomly dropped one in my feed.

[@laartwork]

Go to Nebula for her new videos

[@cheshiregirl2322]

I've been a fan of yours since your Nchick days. I was so happy for you when I unboxed your book at work (I work in a book store.) I'm on my own publishing journey now (10 rejections and counting XD) but im keeping on. I'm so thankful you took the time to make this video and were honest about the process. I wish you every success. You deserve it. And don't let anyone (not even your own mind) tell you different.

[@tonyparker7349]

Wonderful life lessons. So happy for you. Hi, moderator, can’t wait for your next book too!

[@stevenanderson9587]

Intentional ignorance is sometimes a virtue. If I had known everything that I’d need to figure out when starting down the indie publishing path, I might never had started. I think that goes double for the brave souls that pursue traditional publishing. Great video, as usual. You make it look easy, even though we all know it’s not.

[@davidstorrs]

That definition of envy vs jealousy was new to me. I always heard it as envy means "I wish I had what you have" and jealousy means "I wish I had what you have *and you didn't have it*". More relevantly: Congrats on how well you've been doing!

[@edspace.]

To be honest, I started writing to help with my mental health issues. Then I got the idea that someone might like to read what I wrote, based on the idea that value comes from demand. So as long as someone likes it that's the main thing. You are all wonderful people. By the way, thank you Lindsay Ellis your videos helped me through depression. Here is a smiley face for anyone who needs or wants it, :)

[@Sarurah]

First Natalie (contrapoints) posts, now you bless us with content, too??? Is it Christmas already?!? 🥰

[@corneliahanimann2173]

It's not, and this means until christmas ther might still be another upload in between from both!

[@dragonetafireball]

I use goodreads 90% as a book tracking app and 10% to write notes so i remember my oppinions and don't forget if i liked/disliked something and I know for a fact if I was a published author I'd drive myself mad reading some of the garbage takes in reviews

[@lolamby1]

Ah, the irony of writing this as a KZbin comment...

[@Duiker36]

@@lolamby1 Some places on KZbin are actually pretty decent nowadays.

[@doleph1]

@@lolamby1 This comment section has janitorial services! We fancy!

[@lolamby1]

@@doleph1 yay!

[@Five0f5even]

what makes us better people is despite our envy of others, especially peers. We wish them the best and reflect on our faults and decide to take a proactive attitude and action to improve. Those that don't end up like those clout chasing haters on twitter.

[@elizabethtakeo]

Thank you for putting this together! I look forward to slyly referencing this with my students, who will be horrified that I watch YT since I am An Ancient Person

[@rickc2102]

Being by an awesome indie bookstore in a city of literature, and going to heaps of readings there, really helped me to see authors as the humans they are. The only time I was starstruck was by Ingrid Nunez, but that's because she's a queen.

[@MojoTheClown]

Re: Goodreads... I gave a book written by an associate of mine a three-star review. I actually hated it, but I didn't want to be mean. He saw the review, and in response, he immediately went out and gave my latest book zero stars. We went from associates to enemies in one second flat. So, yeah, I don't do Goodreads anymore.

[@cat3584]

Hate’s a strong word, why’d you hate it?

[@MojoTheClown]

@@cat3584 It was very badly written and didn't capitalize on its good ideas.

[@OfficialROZWBRAZEL]

Was he one of those online-only friends? that sounds like petty online-friend behavior.

[@MojoTheClown]

@@OfficialROZWBRAZEL I wish! I've known him real life for years.

[@OfficialROZWBRAZEL]

@@MojoTheClown oh that's even worse! My sympathies

[@rikititi1848]

I've reserved your book at my library, and I can't wait to read it 😊 stay strong Lindsay, love you hun 😘

[@wynnewhitten-holmes5090]

The one thing I'd love for you to do on The Story Graph (Goodreads' fresh-faced, non-Amazon owned competitor) is add content warnings to your book pages. They've had a bit of a problem with people adding incorrect warnings and now there's a feature that allows authors to submit their own, straight from the source. Additionally they are trying to prevent review bombing by only allowing and keeping reviews by readers who have the book in their 'read' shelves. It's not perfect, but it's more than Goodreads has ever done.

[@hameley12]

This is the most honest, raw, and concise description of what it takes to make it in the publishing industry. It is very competitive out there and you have to have thick skin and be focused on your own work only. I can say for certainty that I tried to publish my first work years ago (it was for a magazine in college), after all the neg reviews, I focused on reading some of the neg comments and making my work better over time. There is such a thing as 'I hate you so I'm gonna give you one star' and then there is the professional, honest, raw, constructive review that will give you points on how to improve. But everyone is different and we must respect everyone's perspectives. Today I write only for myself and my friends. Thank you Lindsay!

[@dntskdnttll]

Do you mean that you only share copies of unpublished work privately - or that you still publish, but only have yourself and your circle in your thoughts?

[@hameley12]

@@dntskdnttll It's more or less short stories that I know no one (outside my family) will care to put their hands in and plagiarize it. Lol! My nieces love it when I bring them to my Apt and I read to them. They dress up like the characters and have fun and learn important lessons from them (the message). We bake and spell out words over the pastries with the piping kit. About publishing: I have been thinking of self publishing a book of poetry in the future. It's in the works. Thank you! I hope you have a fantastic week! 🌅

[@aiwekano8593]

yeah if any polish publishers want to get on that theres an english-polish translations grad student that would be happy to prove their worth, js👀

[@bethesdafall]

I listened to the audiobook and, as someone who reads a lot of scifi that ends up being schlock, i really enjoyed Axiom's End. It surprised me how cohesive and smooth the story was as everything seemed to build on itself without feeling unneeded. Highly recommend

[@crime6838]

Would you recommend it to as a first book to a non sci-fi reader? I'm not interested in the genre, but being Lindsay's first book i'd like to try...

[@alyssac6215]

@@crime6838 I'm not a sci-fi fan, but I loved it. It's just a good story and a fun ride! And poses interesting questions about the world, which is what good sci-fi is supposed to do, not just be about aliens and spaceships.

[@woeffi7471]

I'm on the other side of the spectrum. I thought it was shockingly bad.

[@RyanStorey1231]

@@alyssac6215 Also, the dialogue was really good. I really enjoyed Aunt Luciana's dialogue especially.

[@jesstotten5571]

Same. I had some minor quibbles but I found it to be overall a very polished and well written SF novel. 10/10 will read the sequel

[@MikkiProductions204]

I love this! I agree with the envy thing, too. Even writing among peers, we can sense the envy and jealousy in the drafting process. I am also throwing perfectionism out the window. I know I am not perfect, but that will not stop me from writing. Thanks, Lindsay! :)

[@OpEditorial]

It's also important to remember that books are competing against TV, movies, video games, social media etc and are still easily holding their ground, so never get discouraged 😊 Side note: Carl could be written as an antagonist turned love interest in an upcoming story.

[@LDillon]

1 - 1:48 Getting published is harder now than it has ever been 2 - 3:52 Getting published does not mean you've "made it" 3 - 4:52 If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself (because your publisher won't do it for you) 4 - 6:32 It's really not a solo effort 5 - 8:38 This industry is full of jealous bitches 6 - 12:58 You need more practice than you think you do 7 - 14:00 Review bombing 8 - 19:03 Imposter syndrome 9 - 21:38 Goodreads is garbage (it's not for authors - it's for readers)

[@Zephyrbal]

Big fan of the growing collection of Snoop Jesus iconography.

[@ChuckSmallvilleLOTR]

Perfect timing for my lunch break! Love you, Lindsay!

[@MarcAquino1095]

THE QUEEN HATH GIFTED US WITH CONTENT (sorry Kaveh) But seriously, we all love Lindsay, we wish her nothing but positive things, and I’m patiently waiting for Truth of the Divine 😊

[@brittanykidwell9044]

Yes yes yes! I agree totally ❤️❤️❤️

[@emmahay5341]

I'm not a writer, but work in the illustration/design area of the book world. I feel lucky I sort of fell into the industry, and really love the work I get to do, but often feel that pesky imposter syndrome. I agree with the great points Lindsay mentioned. Thank you sharing! :D This is a great video for creatives at the beginning of their journey.

[@CCRider2400]

I am about halfway thru Axiom's End on Audible I bought it solely because I watch some of your videos on You Tube. Had no clue what it was about. Put off listening to it for several other books i had in queue. No that I am listening to it I like it a lot. Now that I see you have a 2nd book I will most get it. Keep up the good work. And I wish you well on your writing career.

[@highcontrasthughes1923]

Just wanted to say that I loved "Axiom's End" and I cannot wait for the next one ❤

[@brittanykidwell9044]

Me too!! So excited 🎉🎉🎉❤️❤️📖

[@luciapalacios3100]

Hi Lindsay, hope you're doing great ❤️

[@areej7663]

Got some B’s in my GCSE results and so much family have made me feel like shit, thanks for uploading u cheered me up :)

[@95north90]

It's so weird how not taking shoes off is so specific to USA. I don't know of a single country In Europe that wears shoes indoors, the biggest difference is most places you take your shoes off inside the house but some places find that rude and you actually have to take the shoes off before you get into the house. If you wandered round the house in shoes in UK or Germany you'd be seen as rude, especially If you're getting the carpets dirty, like do you guys not have mud? What about when it rains? You walk around in wet shoes? Do you just chill in your shoes while sitting on the couch watching TV?! All evening until you go to bed?! So weird. What next, bed shoes?

[@wiseauserious8750]

I think part of it is if you had a long day and maybe your feet and socks are sweaty and stink

[@andrewlynch4126]

It’s pretty funny, I take my shoes off inside when I’m by myself and I feel wired if I take my shoes off around others especially at other people’s places. I think it might have to do with American backyard barbecue culture, if you’re going in and out of the house it would be inconvenient ti take your shoes on and off but I can’t imagine hanging outside is a uniquely American thing.

[@sakunaruful]

It’s also a common in most Asian countries as well. You take off your shoes in the house or wear slippers.

[@halfcelestialelf]

Depends on where in the UK you are, I'm UK based, and I know that for some of my friends houses its weird to take shoes off inside, I think it depends on if the place has carpets or not.

[@CarrotConsumer]

A lot of Americans take their shoes off. This sentiment confuses me.

[@user-jx6so8pq1y]

The amount I needed to hear that I don’t have to be perfect at everything from the get go has just taken a weight off my chest. I came to this video for your intellect and will exit the video compelled to not only be very introspective but, also with the realization that I need to change my way of avoiding failure.(many times I stop before I can fail) I have a decent amount of self work to do. Thank you for opening my eyes to it.

[@darkpalidin]

Just finished the first book after preordering the second. Can't wait for that to release!

[@SharkAlien66]

As a Canadian, I too think its weird to wear your shoes in the house.

[@KyleRDent]

I'm a Brit and my family always takes shoes off in the doorway. Most families I know do.

[@Sandra_F]

Personally, I know more American households who take their shoes off than Canadian ones. So as an American, I think it is weird to wear your outside shoes in the house.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

American here and I also think it's weird not to. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Like who wants to bring the whole street into your house? Even my dogs run a few circles on the (big!) doormat we have outside (that's a fun thing to teach them, it just takes a while). Edit: *not to take off shoes

[@SharkAlien66]

@@zxyatiywariii8 Exactly

[@euansmith3699]

The 1 thing I know before publishing my first novel, is that I will never get around to even writing it. I am really impressed by the skill, commitment, and endurance necessary to produce a work of fiction.

[@SujoyChakravarthi93]

As someone working on their PhD with some experience in trying to get published as well as an aspiring, non-practicing writer, this video hits home. Like really so many points that hold true in academics came up here - it is a tough old world out there and plenty trying to bring you down. Keep on keeping on, all you good folk - one day it will be worth it, hopefully. Much Love, Lindsay 🙌🏼

[@jeaugust]

I JUST got a notification about this video today, three days late. Love how KZbin is a fully functioning platform 🙄

[@AntsMovies]

Yo that “so no head” video caught me off guard and had me DYING

[@Krissi076]

I finally just finished Axiom’s End! It was my summer beach book. Can’t wait for the sequel! Also editing to comment on her vast collection of Jesus Snoop Dogg accoutrements that I just realized what they were 5 minutes into the video. Well done.

[@minaondrums]

“Carl of Swindon” that’s a pretty sharp burn, coming from an American. And surprisingly flattering, as in, “awww, she knows some of our really shitty towns! She really cares!”

[@missybarbour6885]

I forget which Lefttuber first landed that burn. I think it was Philosophytube, but it might have been HBomberGuy. Maybe Big Joel...

[@wjzav1971]

Who the hell is Carl of Swindon?

[@kaylinhendrich4673]

@@wjzav1971 no one of consequence lol

[@skilledwarman]

Im so lost on who the hell that is

[@kevindahlke6042]

@@wjzav1971 KZbinr and failed UKIP candidate Sargon of Akkad

[@ianwhippie2533]

Honestly the more you talk about how hard it is and all the gritty details, the more it makes me wanna try. I've mostly only ever heard like "go for it! It'll be fine!" which, not to call out people just trying to be nice and get me to follow my dream, always sounded a little empty without the data to back it up. Hearing about the nitty gritty details and the obstacles definitely inspired me more to get off my ass than any amount of encouragement did, so thank you!

[@TheyCallMeSharkface]

I'm really glad you're still makin stuff.

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

Good timing. My first novel is currently at the editing stage. It's a whimsical black comedy about Australian Outback Gorillas. Thanks for the advice.

[@Terrapin22]

You had me at whimsical.

[@SkiesProjects]

I need that book

[@mothmansuperfan7513]

I'm in the creative field and these are really good takeaways, especially envying others' work and hoping to luck into success. Thanks!

[@MrMcJazzhands]

This was a nice watch, honestly! I'm working on a book myself at the moment, though it's less novel and more technical (by which I mean it's basically a compilation of things I've learned and thought about while making video games that I think others could benefit from) and I'd imagine a good chunk of what you said can also apply to my situation. Thanks!

[@lulucool45]

that sounds awesome... do you have social medias?

[@pokebulba]

This arrived a couple of weeks late for me, but these kind of videos are really important. I love writing, not in a career way (I wish but it's a dream more than a goal), but despite that, I've been feeling really miserable and discouraged as of lately, so seeing and hearing good advice combined with the feeling of not being alone is really comforting actually. It's also always interesting to hear about the publishing industry, I self published mostly because as others have said, the industry can be brutal

[@Trueskorn]

Writing can be hard but publishing, now that's daunting. Thanks for the wish of good luck.

[@thebookofpsychedelics936]

This video came out at the perfect time, I'm so close to finishing my own book!

[@maggiep6387]

I watched one of Carl’s videos on you after this bc I was curious, and his tone is so all over the place that’s it’s just bizarre. He goes from blaming you for “choosing to engage with bullies” which is weird and victim blaming, to acting like you shouldn’t listen to the mob and you’re being too sensitive, to trying to appear sympathetic and validating your feelings of being upset, back to acting as if you were “victimizing yourself” It’s such an odd take. Probably because this is really just the Great Goblin gloating over the suffering of someone he doesn’t like while trying to preserve the illusion of being fair and nice. After all, he can hardly come out and say that you deserved it and it’s not a big deal when he whines about the tyranny of Twitter with his cronies all the time