By myself.
Alone.
Yes, I work better alone. That’s why I write. All by my
lonesome. Me, myself, and I.
Or so I thought.
With my debut novel just released, I can’t help but
acknowledge the simple fact that although I spent hours alone at my computer to
get to this point, there is no way I would have reached the height of my
dreams—having my debut novel release with my dream publishing house—without
other people investing in my career.
Writing, it turns out, is not a solitary endeavor after all.
Far from it. It is absolutely a team effort.
Here are a few on my team:
Critique Partners and
Writing Friends: I have had several critique partners over the years and
have appreciated them all as we’ve gone through different stages of career and
life. I cannot recommend anything as much as I can recommend a good critique
partner. Not only does my CP improve my writing with honest feedback, she
encourages me on those days when I am tempted to give it all up.
Another dear friend, when she noticed something of potential
in my writing, was kind enough to offer recommendation to her agent.
Writing is a lonely endeavor. Without others, we may be
tempted to quit, to feel lonely with just that screen and those uncooperative
words before us. I would suggest joining a writing group if you don’t have a
critique partner. I highly recommend ACFW (www.acfw.com).
I found most of my valuable friends—friends who share a passion for both
writing and Jesus—there.
A Good Agent: There
are so many opportunities and paths to publication today, and many of them
don’t require an agent. But I cannot imagine navigating this career without my
agent as my advocate. She is not only an encourager and friend, she possesses
wisdom I will never have. She opens worlds of opportunity and helps me avoid
pitfalls I never would have seen coming. But beware—there are a lot of
not-so-credible agents out there. Do your research and talk to other authors
before signing with any agent.
Editors: Like my
agent, my editors have wisdom to know what will work and what won’t. I cannot
believe how they have helped me to improve my story. Quite simply, I don’t have
all the good ideas. Their insight, their brainstorming sessions, make a book
all it can be.
Marketing/Graphic
Design Team: Alone, I simply don’t have the means to make a beautiful
cover. I don’t have reach that extends beyond my small fan base. But my
marketing team has increased that exponentially. They have the know-how and the
resources to promote my book in a way I cannot do—you guessed it—alone. J
Book Buyers: Yes,
these are part of my team, too. An important part! From the individual who orders
online to the amazing team of buyers at Christian Book Distributors (I met them
and I can absolutely confirm how amazing they are!), every buyer is a part of
my team. Buyers help you get the word out, they can leave reviews, and be part
of the all-important launch team.
And the list doesn’t end here. Those who have helped me with
research, my family, my friends, my church. This is one big team I am so, so
proud to be part of.
As I held my book for the first time in my hands—the cover
more beautiful than anything I could have come up with, the pages freshly
printed, the thoughtful endorsements on the first page, the story so much
stronger than when I first turned it in—I was hit with this overwhelming
gratitude that I am not alone.
And I am blessed for it.
Who makes up your team?
~~~~~~
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston's Freedom Trail. She writes Women's Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle. Visit her online atheidichiavaroli.com.