As writers, we must often protect our time so that we can get our most important writing done. On the other hand, being agreeable and saying “yes” more often can lead to meaningful opportunities—even publication.
Author Matthew Salesses (@salesses) discusses the pros can cons of being agreeable in the latest Glimmer Train bulletin:
Being open to opportunities, and saying yes to those requests, is part of participating in the literary community, I think. My novel would not have existed without that community. It is a book written-on-demand. I am lucky to have been asked, but I remind myself that it was up to me to say, “yes.”
Read Matthew’s entire essay “Being Open to Opportunities.”
Also, don’t miss these other essays on writing in the newest bulletin from Glimmer Train:
- Literary Fabric by Vi Khi Nao
- On Revision by William Luvaas
Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing.
I do like this! I think it’s true, we need to say yes to opportunities and try to be part of the writing community. If you don’t, you’ve got nothing.