The Gambler — Writing hints from Kenny Rogers?

After spending the past few years reading books about the craft of writing, devouring writers’ blogs and attending the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference, I’ve picked up some great tips about navigating the road to getting your novel published. Keep in mind that I haven’t published a novel (yet), so don’t consider ME the expert. I’m just reporting some of the fine things I’ve learned.

First off, remember that getting published is a gamble. There are many talented writers out there in the world competing for the honor of publication. Sure, trust in your talent, perfect your craft, write a great story — but don’t run out and quit your day job. And, like Kenny did in his famous song, learn to take advice from those who have gone before you. I highly recommend attending writing conferences. It’s fun to rub elbows with real professionals in the field and there’s no better way to learn than by listening to the experts. That’s where I learned many of these concepts. Though don’t expect industry professionals to sing any Kenny Rogers songs. Though, after hearing author James Scott Bell belt out “My brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am a smooth man,” I have to wonder a little.

Here’s some more gambling wisdom that will hopefully help you play the game a little better.

You got to know when to hold ’em. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to begin submitting your work. Study your craft, polish your manuscript, make professional contacts, do your research. Someone recently told me that it’s better to get it right than get it rejected.

Know when to fold ’em. Sometimes scenes, chapters and entire books need to be laid to rest. Don’t get so close to your writing that you think of it as “your baby.” It’s not. Know when it’s time to use the delete key. And I remember Randy Ingermanson (a.k.a. the “Snowflake Guy), my mentor at Mount Hermon ’09, teaching us that it’s important to know when it’s time to let a story go. Don’t keep returning year after year with the SAME book. If you’ve given it your best and it’s still not working, don’t be afraid to put it away and try something new. Kenny put it this way, “Now every gambler knows that the secret to surviving, is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep. ‘Cuz every hand’s a winner and every hand’s a loser and the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep.” Okay, I’m not sure what the last line has to do with it, but the rest of it applies!

Know when to walk away. I recently read a wonderful blog post by Christian author Patrica Hickman. She spoke about her early experiences in the publishing world. Many experts told her the type of story that she needed to write in order to get published and win readers. She finally learned that she needed to step away from the cookie-cutter advice and learn to write her “passion.” Sometimes you need to walk away from all the advice and the “rules” and make a concious choice to write your heart. It’s a bit of a gamble, sure… but that’s what we’re talking about here, right? Of course, I’m not suggesting to ignore every piece of advice — otherwise you wouldn’t be here reading this. Just don’t let it quench your passion.

Know when to run. Some new writers are “taken in” by schemes that are not really designed to get you published, but to make money for others. If an agent tells you that they will represent you for a fee — that’s a scam. Agents make money when YOU make money, not before. Also, beware of publishers who offer to print your book for a fee. There are legitimate self-publishing outfits out there and then there are scams designed to prey on desperate, frustrated writers. If you decide to self-publish, do your research. Contact other writers who have self-published and find out the real costs. If someone is trying to make money off of you, don’t walk — RUN.

You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table.  I think this goes along with the whole counting your chickens before they are hatched wisdom. Yes, writers sometimes make money, but they rarely make a fortune unless their name is J.K. Rowling. Make sure that you are pursuing this dream because you have a passion and a calling for writing. Don’t expect to become a household name or filthy rich.

There’ll be time enough for counting — when the dealing’s done. Also, do not assume that because an editor or agent expressed interest in your work that you are now set for life. There are an incredible number of hoops to jump through and it’s possible to trip at any point. Also, even if you do secure a lucrative advance (I can dream, right?) keep in mind that you will probably need to pour some of that money into self-marketing. Publishers are now expecting writers to carry much of the marketing load themselves.

Obviously, there’s a lot more to getting published than these simple hints, but these fit nicely into the framework of the song. I strongly encourage you to do your research, learn from the best and follow your passion. But most of all, I hope that by reading these lines, you found “an ace that you can keep.” 

Happy Writing!