Your Competition to Get Published (Isn't What You Think It Is)

[@tessa3474]

I thought this was extremely positive. And you're not wrong. the fact is, if people want to pursue tradpub they need to write books. They need to finish them, learn to edit them, and have the where-with-all to understand they may need to try try again until they reach that level. It's encouraging to me, personally, to know that hard work and determination really can pay off here. Loved this!

[@AlexaDonne]

I really think it does! Sometimes, of course, things are still flat out unfair. A great book can go nowhere b/c of bad timing, or bad luck. It can take a talented writer 5 books to "make it" and someone frankly less talented but with some special shine 1 "just ok" book. The bestsellers are rarely fair. But at a certain point if you don't hyperfocus on "fairness" and keep eyes on your own paper--I've seen the hard workers finally succeed over and over again. I have a few friends who had LONG and fraught journeys to publication. I'm so proud of them.

[@ignatiusj.reilly2124]

Speaking of editing, it's "wherewithal", one word, one l.

[@theatheistpaladin]

Remember, Brandon Sanderson had to write 13 books before finally get accepted. Keep working at your craft and have fun doing it.

[@AlexaDonne]

Yes, exactly! And the thing is, every book you have to write makes you better prepared for publishing once you make it. It's so helpful to learn how to draft fast, well, to deadline, be good at editing, etc.

[@Deavertex]

Thank God that I'm not all that determined to be published. If I have to write 13 books before I finally get accepted (for representation/publishing) I'd probably be dead before that happened. (I'm a few months shy of 70.)

[@giverdend1416]

Technically, it was his sixth book that got the publication deal, it's just that the editor took so long to get around to reading it that Brandon went ahead and wrote 6 more books before he got the call. It doesn't diminish the message, but I think it can also be discouraging to some people to think they have to write that many before they can even hope to land a deal.

[@MKTraxel]

He also got picked up by giving the book directly to an editor he met at a con after being (as he says) horrible at querying. His YALLFest keynote this year on what defined success in his writing was solid.

[@Quietcloud]

@@Deavertex I'm in a similar boat and have been heavily researching indie publishing. Much quicker.

[@lunaschaoticcorner5188]

Alexa: We narrow it down to the pool of writers who actually start the novel. Me: Alright, I'm still in. Alexa: We narrow it down to the pool of writers who can finish the novel. Me: Surprisingly, I'm still in. Alexa: We narrow it down to the pool of writers who can write good, readable novels with potential. Me: .... Me: Well, shit.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

Keep at it man. You’ll get there. According to Stephen Kong, he didn’t write a good readable novel until Carrie. It took him nearly a decade to reach that point and then he broke through. You’ll break through if you stay persistent and keep working at it.

[@paulljucovic6518]

Luna Z That was funny and self deprecating. I’m sure you’re doing great stuff. Keep it up.

[@lunaschaoticcorner5188]

@@TheGeorgeD13 @Paul Ljucovic I only saw your responses now (11 months later, that’s insane), so hopefully this reaches you. I really appreciate the kind words.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

@@lunaschaoticcorner5188 No prob.

[@hardnewstakenharder]

Remember, getting published isn't the end all be all. Life has meaning outside of that.

[@DL-idk]

So basically, my real enemies are world building syndrome, laziness and anything that are stopping me from writing my book...

[@SinaSkates]

It's very generous to say that 50% of the people who start a novel actually finish it.... lol...

[@hardnewstakenharder]

I actually finished a novel, but I’m pretty sure it’s not “finished.”

[@hardnewstakenharder]

Rewatching this video, seeing this old comment, seeing my old comment, and updating to say I have an agent now :)

[@DoubleDomino]

@@hardnewstakenharder Congratulations!!!

[@trikebeatstrexnodiff]

@@hardnewstakenharder omg congratulations! did your book get published?

[@TheSweetAlyssum]

@@hardnewstakenharder YO AWESOME!!! Did you get an editor/ published?

[@NixLaLoupe]

I don't find other writers to be competition. We're all writing different books. We're all trying to make the dream happen. We can be a community and not eyeball each other with jealousy or conspiracy to get ahead.

[@AlexaDonne]

It's why I said competition with scare quotes and called them peers. I see those writers as peers. But people ask all the time about competition...

[@justaname6011]

I saw a website that says helps you with your writing journey, mine not even started Edit:found the link www.writelyme.com/

[@NixLaLoupe]

@@AlexaDonne I listen to your videos while I work my day job so I didn't see the quotes. I didn't see this video as you pushing fear or agression. I was just sharing how I feel about competition in this field. Just adding an additional perspective for anyone to commiserate with if they wanted to. Sorry if I came across as rude. That wasn't my intent but I can see how it might look like I didn't understand your message from my comment. I like the break down and it was a great pep talk.

[@AlexaDonne]

@@NixLaLoupe Oh no, not rude at all! Just wanted to share that I totally agree with you! I do worry about people who approach it all as competition... the thing with perseverance is that those who don't give up who eventually make it through, you then join your peers on the "other side"--they weren't really competition since you all ended up in the same place! (it does get tighter, I will say, once you get into selling books, but even then the competition aspect is pretty "soft"!)

[@NixLaLoupe]

@@AlexaDonne That's great to hear!

[@orchardbackup]

30 seconds in Alexa: "What are your odds of being published..?" Me, on the path to self-publishing: "100%!"

[@carlajenkins1990]

To write well is "to burn with fire and sing to the heavens." Even if you NEVER get published, you need to do this because you need to do this. Nothing else will ever make you happy. So, go out there and reach for the Goddamn Stars! Do your level best.

[@LaytonKnightt]

This reminds me of a recent episode of Print Run Podcast, where Laura Zats stated that if you just follow the submission guidelines, you’re already in the 95th percentile of submissions. This video is a similar comfort.

[@kuroyuki6254]

Never in my life have I hoped I was a really pretty horse

[@AlexaDonne]

Haha right?!

[@erinhand6004]

(slides my giant BellaSara collection under the bed) No, I never wanted to be a really pretty horse...

[@annieshaw6253]

I’m not far enough into the video to understand the context here but already know that I like it 😁

[@marcusbell9631]

This feels like a "Drake Equation" to get published: we don't know how to plug in all the variables, we can only say what variables seem to be important and do the work there.

[@lorettaknoelk3475]

Yeah sometimes I think she finds fun in making it sound confusing

[@itsmila8330]

Bruh i'm close to finishing my first draft and i've never been more scared because i've never edited a manuscript in my life😰😱

[@AlexaDonne]

It's a skill you learn by doing! I know it's scary, but you'll get there. Most of us it takes a few books to get really good at it :)

[@daniellelinshannon3813]

Hi, just a stranger here, but I wish you the best for your book!!

[@starklingspars8956]

Just a heads up - I thought it would take me 3 months and I'm still doing it but almost finished the first book. But my writing quality has completely changed to being publishable. It's gone through various stages of bad, mediocre and good to being really good on a line by line level. Other stuff I still am open to changing like pace etc which is easier to fix but the actual craft of line by line writing is the hard part imho ;Show don't tell' 'have voice' 'use fresh and original verbs' 'cut needless words' 'cut filter words' ( I wondered, I felt, I thought, I saw , I heard ) and often skip to describing the sound itself etc 'I heard the bell l ring' becomes 'the bell rang' or ( with a verb to colour it 'the bell chimed' 'the bell dinged, the chime resounding through the long hallway' learn when and if you want adverbs ( ly words ) ' the bell dinged loudly, making my ears ache' or if they just clutter your sentences , so maybe 'the bell dinged' is enough ( it's subjective but you'll find your own style with trial and error and feedback and figuring out if you actually agree with feedback - you find your own style - because just because there are rules and conventions doesn't mean you neeed to take them all on or all the time. Oh, passive voice ( Pro writing Aid was helpful in pointing out a chapter infected with passive voice ) ...Anyway hope that helps. It's a loooong list! But what I did was I just edited in rounds of what I had learned and as I kept learning ( and rewriting troublesome chapters in my beginning ) I kept finding new skills and way s to tweak in further rounds , My tip is do swaps for feedback as just going on facebook writer groups and posting a sample - where there is nothing stippping random strangers from ripping your heart out and making you feel worthless - is good, but it's much more pleasant to swap a little sample with someone you think might have a book you'd enjoy and vice versa - then if you both agree to continue you help each other grow.

[@shell_bee]

Oooo that's so exciting! Just one little piece of advice: rewrite it. I finished my first draft and was like "oh! I'll just edit and be done!" No. False. Incorrect. Don't even procrastinate, just start rewriting immediately--it'll save you a lot of time! Best of luck with your manuscript!!!

[@HyperRealitySuperFun]

That's about the normal curve for creative arts, language learning or anything that requires prolonged effort. Mostly people (90% for learning a language) give up too soon

[@ccormore]

I recently attended a webinar about 20 mistakes you make in your querry. It was very informative. I had no idea how important it was to really know how to querry properly, follow the guidelines. Your chances will shoot up into the top 20% of those who even get a reply.

[@AlexaDonne]

Yep. Correct subject line alone make a HUGE difference. It's very easy for a query to get lost in a gmail inbox.

[@queendsheena1]

I really enjoyed this video. I knew the odds got smaller because it takes a lot of work just to finish and edit a novel. But hearing all these different parts of the process in this manner. Made me feel better about my odds. Publishing traditionally is still a longshot. Alexa breaking it down really shows that dedication to the craft can pay off. That's encouraging.

[@hardnewstakenharder]

Keep at it, queen 👑 just have fun with it. Even if you don't get published, your art will thank you for it.

[@theresathompson4182]

Chanting to self, "Think milestones, not millstones." I enjoy your videos. thank you for sharing them with us all. "Must get back to writing..."

[@campwriter9289]

Your content is so on point lately. I got my first rejection yesterday and it freakin sucks 😔 However my savage heart is moving on, I’ve already outlined a new book, you know just in case my novel isn’t as amazing as I thought it was..

[@myfisharmyisever-growing7393]

I just got a little kick of excitement when you mentioned people who've actually finished a novel. I finished my first draft of something just recently! The thrill of having done that after years of practice and unfinished trunk novels never gets old.

[@leaanngallardo2439]

Thank you, Alexa. I have been studying your videos for 5 years now as I continue to write, edit, revise, repeat, and have learned more from you than I could possibly mention in this comment. Blessings on you, your generous heart and most of all, your writing career! ❤

[@nocturnus009]

I wonder if "Comparison is the theif of joy": does this make competition the anvil of resiliently forged art!"

[@AlexaDonne]

Haha maybe! But man I should maybe do a whole video on the first affirmation. B/c as much as I'm talking about competition... realistically in publishing rarely is it fair, so you can't compare yourself to others or you will go mad!

[@nocturnus009]

@@AlexaDonne you can also have 10 people executive different interpretations of the same story: I think the unrealistic possibly of everyone finishing a publishable book is better because of the whole Vulcan Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations IDIC thing. Like the health of streaming storytelling currently but on a larger scale. There is a lot there to cogitate. Already looking forward to that video.

[@TheKolemisie]

This was very comforting to me! I have always thought about the pool of writers that want to write rather than the much smaller pool that are actually competition. I feel like you lifted a weight off my shoulders!

[@kaiqueaswani9885]

Honestly Alexia, your videos comfort us because you show up a confident and brave that each writer needs.

[@liminalpages7196]

Honestly, I totally agree. After going to a selective university and seeing the admissions process from the inside, it's the same thing. Entries/queries/applications are buoyed by access, by publicity, and by delusions of grandeur (though the latter is very rare). The number of people who are your "real competition" is so much smaller than that acceptance percentage. Of course there are those unicorns who scored perfectly and competed in national math and science olympiads, but the majority of the students there are normal people who have put in the work to become better at academia (analogy: writing) and get in. I think this was a very interesting video and I hadn't thought about querying this way before.

[@angelina5798]

Like a marathon. It isn’t important how fast you are but how long you can push yourself!

[@arnrockwell]

Even as someone who plans to self-publish, I love watching videos like this. It's a great way to put the world of publishing into a realistic perspective.

[@rosieradcliffe5578]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. You're right, and I AM encouraged. I love writing and I'm gonna stick at it.

[@laurensliterarylibrary]

When a video is both bleak, yet hopeful! It's interesting to think how the pool of potential writers can be narrowed down so much. I think this was something that we all needed to hear.

[@kaylachelsey]

I loved this video. It made it sound so much less scary and impossible. Thank you!

[@AlexaDonne]

When I realized it years ago I felt so much better! And I realized my anxiety about rule following was a huge asset! I meticulously followed query guidelines haha.

[@hiplessboy]

Thank you for your tough love Alexa! When you were going through the math I was reminded of that novella The Long Walk by Stephen King, and about how slowly, the vast pool of aspirants was whittled down, for a million paltry reasons. And it is so strange how when we're starting out on a writing journey, no one ever tells us that tenacity is 70% of it. Inspiration, creativity, expression is supposed to carry us. But no. Just show the fuck up. Swing that axe. Write your thousand. Always appreciate these charming insights. Hope you are staying safe during this mad time.

[@Erika_NP]

Alexa is correct. Her AMM program generates so many great writers who get good agents and book deals.

[@erinhand6004]

Low key thought you were going to do a video on writing competitions. But this was also very useful and actually kind of encouraging.

[@lisawaters4077]

Ooooo, I'm inspired. Thanks.

[@dear_totheheart]

I loved and appreciated this - both realistic, inspiring, and practical! It takes a lot of the fear away thinking you're up against a million submissions and that a lot of it comes down to your level of professionalism, growth, and commitment

[@TelperionMt]

Thank you for this. I sometimes get a little overwhelmed with how much work there is ahead. Listening to you made me feel like there is a brighter light at the end of the tunnel, as long as I persevere and keep on improving my craft.

[@AozumiNatty]

Determination and the will to do things right always get you far in life!

[@taylorstotler8512]

Honestly I feel at first it felt overwhelming but then I realized that I've already checked off some of the boxes and am focused on the next ones. It was kind of a tough love meets encouragement. I definitely love my novel (in its future perfect form, not its oh my god what did I write form it's currently in as I begin revising) and I hope it has promise, but your content has helped me feel hope that even if this one doesn't work out there is still hope for future projects. It just reminded me to keep on dreaming, so thank you!

[@Kelly-ib1hf]

Love this video! I like to think my biggest competition is myself. As an avid YA fantasy reader, my goal is to write something I'd want to read! Publishing would be a cherry on top.

[@BoundByWords]

I like how you said people who are willing to edit.

[@ayannamoise2496]

Quarantine has given me the opportunity to write at home all day which I love tremendously. Your videos are helping me stay motivated to finish my book. Throughout the day, I write, and when it is time to eat or take a break, I watch your videos and IWriterly's videos for inspiration. You are both beautiful and talented people, and it is incredible the content you provide to people. I am 20, and I have used KZbin since it first came out, and I have been writing since I was 12. I had no idea there was a kind community of writers on here. I thought the industry would be more competitive, but it has shown the opposite. My goal is to traditionally publish my book, and I am confident I will achieve it in the near future. I will be sure to thank you and IWriterly when it happens. Lots of love from your new subscriber

[@AndromedaMoon888]

oh my gosh the cruel prince trilogy on your bookshelf is gorgeous (currently my favorite series and I love the black alternative cover)

[@ajmastel]

This is a great video. I love watching your content. You are such a comfort to someone who wants to know more about the industry but has no clue where to start! Thanks!!!

[@KrystinaLiberty]

Great video. I just finished writing my first book. I’m in final edits before it goes to beta readers and this gave me some hope because, if it’s good enough or, I get it good enough so that my betas actually like it, I fully intend to query agents to try to get published. Fingers crossed they think it’s good! Thanks for all your great content.

[@MonaLisa-yb9bq]

Hi! Thanks for your video. I'm in my sixties and have seen a lot of stuff. I have so many ideas that I'm bursting! I just finished my memoirs and now I'm on another book and I have a few more after that. I'm so excited. Thanks for the encouragement never to give up. Thankfully, my new husband is well educated and well read, so he is my editor. lol. I'm now working on a super duper blurb. Cheers!

[@ulasimonic5894]

Your videos are so crazily helpful. I've been binging your videos for the last two days. I find everything you have to say extremely fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's so fascinating about the number of quality entries not changing! Wow. I love this topic and video - I think what it comes down to is no one else can write your book, and if you do the work and commit to improvement (as you said!) and roll with the inevitable punches, then you have zero competition because you and your book are totally unique!

[@AlexaDonne]

Yeah my agent says b/c of the switch to email and availability of info/resources online that the queries have gone WAY up but mostly what's gone up is the quantity of bad. the good is relatively finite?

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

@@AlexaDonne Wowwww. I suppose that shouldn't be surprising? Just because it's easier to do something doesn't mean people are going to suddenly start doing that thing well...maybe even the opposite.

[@mattie1478]

the "just don't give up" part was the most comforting for me. i know for myself that i will never stop writing, because it's too strong of a drive for me, regardless of what will happen in the query trenches for any particular book. so am i putting all my hope into getting any specific book published? no. but i'm pretty sure that i have the stubbornness to keep going, and if it will be the 3rd or the 5th or the 10th book that will get me published, i'm ok with that cause i am writing at least a novel a year anyway. might as well go through all the steps to query with it lol

[@fluffyspunsugar]

I needed this pep talk! Thank you!

[@ShellyflowersReadsandWrites]

I 1000% agree with this and see it happening all the time. So much of success in writing is timing, ability to take and implement feedback, and perseverance. It varies from genre to genre, but I think everything you’re saying is true!

[@AlexaDonne]

Yes! And also sometimes the difference between "close but no agent" and getting that DREAM agent is one book! A new idea. A genre shift. We subconsciously ingest so much writing craft when we're actively working, and often a brand new book will enable you to execute the way you need to to get signed.

[@MxSangy]

Hey, Alexa! Loved your video, as always. 🖤 There's something I've been wanting to ask for a while, but it's kind of hard to. I've been writing for 10 years now, I'm not published yet, and I'm starting to wonder if I have what it takes. I "keep writing books", and I have a handful that could really become something amazing if I rewrote them... But I'm finding rewriting almost impossible. Not because I lack the skills, because I could do it. I'm *sure* I could. However, all my mind wants to do is focus on a new project-or several at a time. This has resulted in me finally writing/outlining many short stories, which I never thought possible, but it's still not what I want. I want to focus on ONE book-a NOVEL. Finish rewriting it. Be DONE. And finally query. (To start the process all over again, I know! Masochistic to the core.) Am I stuck as a hobbyist writer? Do I just need to discipline myself more? Is that what it is, or am I doing something wrong? Anyway, I hope you hear my desperate cries. Sorry for rambling. 😬 Take care. Crow out! ✌️🖤

[@moonpetrie]

There’s no guaranteed path to success, but giving up is a very direct path to failure!

[@jasperappler8472]

Perfect boost as i sit down to write. thanks Alexa :)

[@ryanspaulding6057]

It’s always a pleasure to listen and learn from you.

[@nuny4592]

I came to find writing advice videos that would motivate me to write, and this really helped. GRAZI!

[@PhoebeWritesFiction]

Currently trying to improve my odds by getting some short story credits under my belt. Can't help but wonder how much competition I have among the short story markets. Neil Clarke who edits Clarkesworld received three plagiarised stories in one morning! Those three writers definitely *aren't* my competition.

[@zetaforever4953]

I don't think they're anyone's competition in life. Who plagiarizes writing in the age of Copyscape? 🙄

[@AmandaDuncil]

Competition is tough given how few stories each publication tends to publish per year and how coveted token and pro credits are. Toss in the fact that submission periods may be random (or affected by pandemics) and are exclusively catered toward that individual market, and that the typical advice to unpiblished writers is to seek publication credits in this fashion, and, well..it can feel disheartening. I think genre fic has a definite advantage over lit fic from anecdotal experience. But as with most things, if you keep plugging away, you'll eventually sell some stories. Good luck! This + submitting to contests is currently my life rn.

[@jasonrebegin]

I appreciate all your pep talks and tough love - ultimately it is hard work and should be joyous. It’s a journey! Excited to listen to all you provide. When I get published...gifts coming your way!

[@malsiecolouraddict2189]

Your advice is great, and very rich in detail. Many thanks ☺

[@russellcameronthomas2116]

From what I have seen of agent videos, only 1 in 5 or 10 authors have done enough research on agents to personalize the query letter to that agent. Less than half of query letters follow instructions on the agent’s web site. “Research agents” + “follow instructions” = top 5% of queries

[@jocelynsturgis7627]

I've been wanting to publish books since I was 5 but I never learned any of this stuff. Your videos are really helping me. I started writing my last novel then I realized it wasn't going anywhere because it didn't excite any emotions in me except when I was writing, so I started another novel now and I know what went wrong with the last book and I'm starting to make something that I would actually pick up and read if I saw it on a shelf.

[@ProjectMathesar]

This might be the most tough-love piece of advice I've ever heard. I'm someone who quantifies things a lot, so hearing this really puts things into deeper perspective. Thanks Alexa!

[@teatimewithnaomi]

This was so positive, thank you!! I thin the key is perseverance and passion. I think you have to want this a lot to cope with the rejection, or the fact that maybe you need to try again with a new book. Can't wait for more videos!! They are getting me through the querying trenches

[@readerturnedwriter]

I so agree with this! I think that luck plays more in when you get published rather than if, if you keep writing books (and improving with each one), use correct methods (to edit, query, etc), and don't give up. So many of my favorite authors took ten years and many unpublished books before getting published.

[@hilbertpjanic7986]

I like how you end this video. Clean and clear.

[@dani.dreaming]

Thank you! This was an awesome video.

[@maverickthenobody]

Thank you for this video! Very inspirational to me!

[@ThePetergate]

Always appreciate your honesty, Alexa.

[@AuthorGuy1]

I didn't choose to self publish, I was forced into it because the query process of traditional publishing is aimed at a specific style of book, and none of my books fall into that category.

[@samauthor342]

This was absolutely positive and encouraging. It’s true for everything else in life. We always think “I can’t be the only one who thought of doing this”. True, but there’s so much distance between thinking of an idea and actually executing it to the very end. It fires me up thinking of the journey and knowing that I’m still taking a step forward each day, even the small steps.

[@Nemo37K]

What I find interesting about this is that you are emphasizing the "work" aspect of writing. Basically, if you put in the work and are intrinsically motivated to take the necessary steps to succeed, the likelihood of success is over 60% or greater. Based on the imaginary numbers. That's genuinely reassuring. As an industry noted for its caprice and seemingly impossible odds, I love the idea of "Do the work and you'll (probably) get published. But you do have to do the work". Cheers,

[@sleonard0309]

Thank you Alexa, this video came at the right time, I really needed this. I often feel the pressure of unknown competition and it can suck the joy out of the process. It's important to remember that the landscape is more nuanced.

[@jamiedamato8220]

Alexa this was so motivational I feel like if I really just work hard I can make it 😊🤔 I'm 21 and I have finished one absolutely terrible novel draft but have been working on "leveling up" - - reading craft books, reading purposefully in my genre, learning story structure. I'm starting a new project with all this knowledge and inspiration and I'm feeling good about it. Your channel has been a huge part of my writing journey!

[@Sami-zr3hy]

I haven't written a story since I was 11 yet I still watch SO MUCH content on writing craft and the publishing industry what on earth is wrong with me haha

[@AlexaDonne]

Hey a lot of it is just absorbing until you're ready! I didn't write a book until I was 29 :)

[@siuzannavyshneva6312]

It's the elimination game that was keeping me going. Very suspenseful!

[@dorothyinman4632]

This was extremely encouraging!! And it is interesting out of the writing conferences I've been to a lot of the people there would like to write a book but no intention of trying to get published or never finish that book to begin with. It is A LOT of work to write the book and then edit it and edit it again and again. Your videos are always so helpful. Thank you.

[@elizabethprcha5565]

I found your channel a couple of days ago and subscribed. I've just watched this and found it so helpful. We can't control everything but we can work hard, study craft and not give up. Thank you. I want to binge watch all your videos now, but I have to get to bed or I'll be too tired for morning pages. 😉

[@alexiskeelan3158]

Very interesting, and I like how it focuses on creativity being the driver at the bottom (those who have an idea) versus those who go on to DO something, at SOME level, with that idea, which I would put in the category of "how much does the creator really want to SHARE the idea". What impresses and humbles and frankly, intimidates, me, is seeing all the books on the shelves of my quite small library that I frequent, lol. Many I often want to read myself, but I must admit I will never read them all, there just isn't time. Will my story end up like that? Maybe, but, as in the immortal words of C.S. Lewis, to paraphrase, if you don't try, you will never find out what might have happened if you DID try! So there I am, moving forward.

[@desmanostrikes5644]

Can you do a video about. “Should you try to write a book” or “Or is publishing/writing right for you”

[@haileyn2862]

Desmano Darkstrike yess this sounds awesome!

[@Ayaforshort]

So I have just started the process of writing my first novel and now I have got anxiety about if I have what it takes to actually finish it. I've just got the concept and a basic plot and I've been world building and working on my characters.

[@nathancallan9376]

I did the math by her calculations, out of 100,000 people who have the idea of writing a book only 1,875 will ever get an agent, so that means 1.875% of all people who want to write will get an agent. Wow, (and that's being generous my goodness)

[@AlexaDonne]

Yeah my calculations were bullshit--made up! If you take my point later that there's a finite number of talent regardless of number of queries, it actually means you can't use percentages at all. Out of 100,000 writers, it's likely at best 100-300 or so of them will get an agent, more like. Maybe. To give you an idea: my agent gets about 3,600 queries a year. She MAYBE signs 1 new client a year (she has a small list).

[@nathancallan9376]

@@AlexaDonne Wow, I know right??? It's really something, a little less than 2% is being really generous, if you're saying that maybe 300 get an agent, that's 0.3% of all queries, I mean just Wow! Those are some astonishing (and wildly made up) stats.

[@zarastumberger2553]

I am only 14, but I will work harder and harder, till I become published author. This is my dream and I will make it true. I don't care how much work I'll have to put in, but I know one thing- I will make it happen. Thanks for all your videos and advises, they always make my day better!

[@xxmusicjunkiexx5882]

Several of my friends had started a writing group a few years ago, and out of the 5 I'm the only one writing. This was very helpful and eye opening.

[@johnpauldagondong2720]

Informative! What about those who live outside the US, but wants to be published in the US? I live in the Philippines, and I write gay romance. I wish to be traditionally published.

[@JennaStreety]

You already know I love this video, Alexa.

[@jillkeller6113]

Is that Rebel Rose from Emma Theriault behind you?? I can't wait to read that in November! On topic: this is exactly what I needed today. I've been querying three years with three books (my first was dystopian - obviously not a good start there) and I put my latest book through the wringer with great critique partners and rewriting. After 5 months of solid editing, I'm finally ready to get back to the query field at the end of this month!

[@tyronebunyon7254]

You are doing God's work. This channel helps me so much!

[@sherrithorne9771]

Thank you this was very informative. I learned lots here.

[@starklingspars8956]

I've kind of thought of similar odds myself to comfort myself and I really enjoyed indulging in a lengthy explanation of it ;)

[@thea4676]

This is something I have thought for a while actually, based off your other videos and it used to worry me a lot because I was not good enough, but I am getting there.

[@edweirdworld1249]

Thanks Alexa! I think this video made me feel better...?

[@MKTraxel]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Brandon Sanderson's keynote for YALLFest. It's on his KZbin page. It seems to mesh well with this as he talked about defining success/goals and WHY to write.

[@ARCtheCartoonMaster]

Thanks, this was very helpful to me, an an aspiring writer. :)

[@urorazbojnik5678]

Your videos are the best

[@xenriga]

Alexa: ... everyone who actually starts a novel. Me: Cool. Alexa: ... capable of finishing a novel. Me: *Trying not to look down at my pile of unfinished novels as sweat travels down my face.* This is accurate.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I'm trad published myself w/ Simon & Schuster. Brandon Sanderson said it best on a Comic Con panel I did with him. Your competition in trad publishing is George R R Martin, Stephen King, J K Rowling, & Brandon Sanderson

[@woodlandlady7011]

A great eye opener. 👍

[@jettqk1]

I did find this very encouraging, thanks! I participate in NaNoWriMo every year and since 2008 have noticed that a very small percentage of people finish their books in that month. It makes me wonder what small percentage ever finish their books. Furthermore, I've noticed just how many writers are opposed to editing their books before trying to publish. It seems like very few writers are committed enough to getting better as writers.

[@mical7582]

@Alexa, could you try to do an interview with : 1. 'Bookouture' publishing 2. Something with a movie/tv rights agent please❓

[@nerdmommy7114]

Thank you for this video, Alexa! It’s very encouraging. I will surely always listen to your videos for pep talks and real talks.

[@evam6961]

I honestly enjoy writing so much that i dont care if i dont publish i mean it would be great ofc but it's fun either way

[@madisonmaya94]

I beg to differ that your only competition are books that are finished and good. Because if read some crap that pretty much just exists, nothing super compelling or intriguing and I read thrillers so I hate that most of the ones I've picked were so so or just sucked.

[@belletoro3100]

Yeah it really blows my MIND sometimes at the books that get published. Most new thrillers are either written in a way that is boring and uninspiring or have plots that just completely crumble under their own weight by the end. So disappointing that publishers aren't willing to take chances on NEW, EXCITING authors and ideas and instead stick with the same old safe garbage piles they know will sell to the masses. Sorry.... I just went off on a tangent LOL

[@160p2GHz]

I ask people about if they write when I meet them (mostly because I love to have other writers to bounce ideas off and collab on feedback) and I'd say your numbers mimic what I've seen just asking that question. I'm hopeful because I fell out of your cuts pretty early for a long time and then started taking improving my skills way more seriously a couple years ago. I've gotten so much better. And I write a ton of nonfiction so I have some idea of editing and the process. In all honesty I think of all the people I've asked there are only two who are near the end of this line with me. One friend in very much the same place with similar seriousness and drive, and a woman I met who had some books already published :)