Ever daydream of bidding wars, big publishing advance checks and royalties, or of even just receiving enthusiastic emails in your inbox from your editor in New York saying she’s riveted by the chapters you’ve sent and she couldn’t be happier to have signed you?
Ever feel weird about that? A little embarrassed? Wonder if you’re too full of yourself?
I’m here to let you off the hook on this soulful Sunday. Because here’s the truth: It’s okay–more than okay–to want what you want. It’s divine to want a publisher to want you. Period. End stop.
Danielle LaPorte and I got a comment on our Facebook page for “Your Big Beautiful Book Plan” from a writer who’s been wrestling with her publishing options (self publish vs.traditional). After confiding that she was talking “TOTAL ego” she admitted: “I want the publishing deal. I want that physical book to hold in my hand. I want that certain level of prestige, or whatever you want to call it (and I may be laboring under a delusion about that) that being published offers. Does anyone else feel this way or am I an egomaniac?”
I love this woman and her honesty, and couldn’t wait to put her out of her misery! Egomaniac? Here’s my take, my answer:
“Forgive me if I’m thinking crazy, but in my book this is an abundant universe. What’s egotistical about wanting an abundant, prestigious company with serious talent, clout, experience, and money to back you? Not only can they shortcut your process, but also make it far more fun as well… Hmmm. I’m with you, girlfriend!”
Meaning, I want that too, for my next book, and my next and my next. Just as I’ve had it (and LOVED it) for eight others before the one I’m working on now.
That said, I wouldn’t change a minute of self-publishing YBBBP with Danielle. Every step of our co-creation has been thrilling and felt connected and guided (hint: some of my core desired feelings). I didn’t expect anything different. Danielle’s a rocket ship. The planet Jupiter. A supernova that never burns out.
And, when I’m working solo, I prefer a big publisher holding me up on their angel wings. Because that feels blissful to me.
The bottom line? I trust my desires. Project by project. Trust yours. Whatever they are. (And, state, declare, intend, and breathe life into your publishing desires by sharing them with us here below in the comments… so your tribe of energetic co-creators and I can cheer you on. Fun!)
Want a book deal? I can help!
If it’s a traditional deal you want, or you’re just trying to figure out what the heck you “should” be writing, or you need some energized, yet peaceful, focused direction, I can help you! A few times this year I’m ALL yours. Including, in ELEVEN days, at a major discount!: Here’s the when & where:
January 16th in Lake Arrowhead (at my beautiful home). MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE THAN CARMEL. We’ve got 3 few spots open for a co-ed retreat (6 spots total). Check it out to see why it’s going to be so delish!
February 3-7 in Carmel
March 3-7 in Carmel
June 2-6 in Carmel
August 25-29 in Carmel
This may be it for the year. We’ll see. As you know, I LOVE these retreats. They make me happier than just about anything other than a mountain hike with the dogs and horses and my man (with a pocket full of melted chocolate–ha). And, they’re working! Lots of book babies are being birthed in 2014 (see some of them here).
But, as some of you also know, I’m launching a really fun project this spring that’s taking a lot of my focus: my own app! (it’s hush hush right now; details coming in March… can’t wait to reveal this baby).
So, in order to give my app my best, I’m cutting my retreat dates in half. This may be my only Arrowhead retreat of the year (again, we’ll see). If you’ve been wanting to join us in Carmel but the price has been out of reach, perhaps this will be the perfect answer for you. Otherwise, hoping to see you by the sea!
Wishing you & yours all the magic 2014 can bring. Remember your new mantra: It’s divine to want what I want. Amen.
Much love,
Linda xx
“Coming to Lake Arrowhead was my best decision, EVER!“ ~April Beyer, Matchmaker, Host of VH1’s Making Mr. Right.
