An Interview with S.N.McKibben

In recent events, I was interviewed as an author and a publisher by Debbie McClure.

Debbie McClure was introduced to my by Carol McKibben, and right from the start Debbie and I felt like old time companions. She was warm, welcoming and a determined writer set on finding a editor that would tell her why her story was getting these rejections letters from agents and publishers. After reading her first chapter I got on the phone and told her the reasons behind the "form letters" and what a personal note from an agent really meant. She was grateful, and Debbie found me interesting enough to interview, in which you can find here:

https://fromtheauthors.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/a-chat-with-stephanie-mckibben/  

But what I love most is that I found another writer who openly shared her experience with rejection. I want to tell all writers--this day will come. Even if you never write one query to an agent or publisher, it will come. Rejections comes in many forms. It comes in the form of a one-star review, a library not buying your book, Barnes & Noble refusing to stock your title, a family member whose eyes glaze over as you try to explain your story.

These little confidence killers build up. Some writers stop because of them. And that's okay. Because everyone should ATTEMPT to write a book. But not everybody should be a writer. I say attempt--I can't stress it enough, because not everyone can FINISH writing a book. I've heard things from "I start to write, then I know the end and I stop before I finish the book" and "I can't express myself on paper", and even the "I'm not a writer".

But I'm going to give you a secret.

Writer's write.
AUTHOR'S Finish.

Are you a writer or an author? You might think they are the same thing, but as a publisher, I see a huge difference between the two.

Writer's put hands on the keyboard and go. But author's have a plan. They finish. They go on to the next. I'm an AUTHOR'S Advocate, not a writer's advocate.

So if you're looking for an agent or a publisher, finish the book first. It's the first step in becoming an author.

---