I’ve spent the last few months talking with various friends about career plans and aspirations. It’s an interesting conversation to have, because the expectations are really very similar but the paths to get there are very different.
Some have been published for a while and have little or no forward momentum. Of this group, some are willing to continue writing for their existing publisher, while others are setting their sights elsewhere, hoping a more enthusiastic editor will give them the push they need.
Some are taking a break from contracts and working on something totally outside of their usual box, others hope that writing the same thing will eventually build them a larger fan base.
Some are contemplating leaving their agents (seems to be a lot of agent hopping lately, a least among those I’ve spoken with), while others hope their existing agents will feel renewed excitement over a new project.
Then there are those who are happy as long as they’re selling, and others who think that simply buying more of the same isn’t a show of support from their publisher but merely maintenance of the status quo.
The market is shifting again, as we’re all seeing. This brings change filtering down to the authors who create the product. Being proactive is hugely important and having a willingness to embrace change is a must. If you manage to be a step ahead, even better.
I urge my friends to write for editors/houses who make them happy. I’ve contracted with 8 publishing houses and worked with over a dozen editors, and in my experience having an editor who loves your work and a publisher willing to promote that work can make a HUGE difference in author morale, the end quality of the product (the book), and the success of the author’s career.
And I think this applies to every career or aspiration. Enjoying what you do and where you do it can dramatically improve the quality of your life. Respect and appreciation should be your due no matter what you do or who you do it for.
So anyway… this little ramble was basically an admonishment to value YOU and be happy. If you have the steadfast belief that you deserve better, you won’t have any trouble asking for it. Over the last few months I’ve watched a few of my friends make some pretty big (and scary) changes and now I get to watch them bask in the joy of their successes. The cherry on top is their renewed confidence and pride. 
“Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true†- unknown
Excellent post, Syl. I am ready to embrace change!
Great Blog.
You know I go on this theory - that I do what makes me happy - even if the choices I make are not choices others/loved ones would make.
In the end you have to live with whatever choices you make and hopefully they are the right ones for you.
I agree. It doesn’t matter what you’ve chosen to do - it’s very important to be happy.
Beautiful quote at the end - and so very true.
A very nice post Sylvia, and a good reminder to us all, I think.