What I Learned

So, here's the straight facts about what I learned when I "went back to school". First of all, you should know I didn't actually go back to school. I signed up for one measly seminar at the local community college. The class was titled, Get Published.

On the first night of class the instructor -- I use this term loosely -- asked each of us why we were taking the class. I lied. I said that people sometimes tell me I should write a book and so I thought I would come and see what all the hubbub was about. The truth is that my mother had an idea for a children's book. She told me the idea. I thought it was a good idea. I have from time to time wondered what it would take to get it into print.

Here is where the truth about the class came out. It was a class about Self Publishing. I am so glad I took this class.

I learned that I likely do not ever want to publish a children's book. And no matter how good my mother's idea is, she will likely never have a book published in the traditional sense. Why? Because she is not already a celebrity and because something like 1000 books are published every day. Every. Day.

Truthfully, the very best book ideas probably never even see the light of day. I am in no way suggesting that I have one of the best ideas. Nor that my mother does. I'm just saying, there are some very talented writers in the world that will never -- not ever -- be published (in the traditional sense of the word). This is sad.

But I know it now and I can put that dream to rest without any regret. Honestly. I feel a huge wave a relief.

Self publishing, on the other hand, is a very real possibility for a lot of talented writers. But those talented writers must be talented marketers of themselves. Tricky.

What I learned is that I just MIGHT like to be a part of the process of publishing some one else's book. Like I might want to help someone edit their manuscript. Or better yet, I'd really just like to receive advance copies of other people's books and write reviews. That's all... free books and criticism. That's more my speed.