Making it in the Middle: The Mulish March of a Mid-Lister

When I began to seriously consider writing and getting books published, I asked myself a very career-minded question:  How will I know when I’ve succeeded as an author? It seemed to me there should be a definitive answer to that question.

At that time, I answered it from my perspective as a librarian. I liked when I could go to the shelves and retrieve a couple of books by a favorite writer. So, I thought if I can get ten books published I’ll feel like I’ve reached some measure of success. Ten books seemed like a hefty enough oeuvre to retain a following of readers, and continued consideration by editors and library selectors. Ten was my goal.

Now, some sixteen books and many wonderful relationships with other writers later, I see that my answer was incredibly naïve. There are many ways to measure success in an art form—whether it’s emotionally connecting with just one person, inspiring others, getting fan mail, creating from “thin air” something that has never existed before and that will continue to exist after the physical body of the creator is gone. There are about a gazillion ways an author can rest assured that he or she has succeeded. Making it in the middle is one.

What does it mean to make it in the middle?

No one starts out wanting to be middling. But making it in the middle is a happy place to be. So here are a few tips about succeeding as a mid-lister.

1. Be flexible. This means be willing to work with an editor on revisions, suggestions, etc. Try things he/she may suggest. If it doesn’t work, be honest about it. But most of all he/she wants to know: can I work with this person? So make it an enjoyable experience for the whole team.
2. Be experimental. You won’t become a continually published mid-lister if you’ve only got one basic story. Experiment.
3. Be trustworthy and upfront. This goes with #1—keeping your team happy. My editors know when a book with a different company is coming out, so there’s no conflict. Keep everyone informed.
4. Be trusting. This, too, goes with #1—keeping your team happy. Don’t nag your agent or editor. Sure … sometimes it seems like the Taj Mahal is being rebuilt during the lengthy gaps between communications. But the wheels are moving.
5. Be helpful. Once a book is out do all you can to promote it. Do public speaking, teaching, writing posts and articles for magazines. Have a social media stance. And promote other authors, as well. Let your editor see that you’re a hard-working member of the team, and the literary world in general.
6. Be a devourer of the work of others. Read—a lot! Study the award winners. Read reviews. Look to see what’s being pushed in the market place. Meet with like-minded folks who tear apart technique and who discuss all those down and dirty details: voice, POV, pacing, mood, plot, etc. Along with this, be a listener. Really try to understand how others are trying to help you when they critique your work. In short, don’t stint this education that you need in order to do your job well.
7. Be industrious. You have to trust that another book will be sold, so that means that you should have another book on its way. Editors move around to other publishers. Agents come and go. A relationship you may have one year, may be gone the next. Keep honing your craft and flattening your butt (by keeping it in your chair). Sure, life happens and sometimes gaps are unavoidable. But once you get in the saddle. Try to stay there!
8. Be brave. If this is the life you want, then stand up for it. Demand time from your family and loved ones to be able to make your art. Set boundaries and surround yourself with people who will support you.
9. Be mulish. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do this. With the right tools, the willingness to educate yourself, and the time to work—you can do it. A mule is a hard-working breed that is a cross between a female horse and a male donkey. It has a certain flair from the wild beauty of horses, and a deep intelligence from donkeys. Strut it!