How to Traditionally Publish Multiple Times
For some writers, the problem may not be writer’s block, but what I like to call “submitter’s block.” Stephen Oliver, struggled with submissions and the fear of rejection–until he came to the Writing Gym.
When we first met, Stephen was frustrated because he couldn’t get published despite the copious amount of writing he accomplished—up to 1,000 words each day. He believed no one liked or wanted to read his work, particularly the anthology he was trying to publish. He had read books about organizing his novel, and had attended the classes on how to publish his book.
Yet he was still getting rejected.
Despite all of his research and resourcefulness, he was still stuck, having tried to revise his manuscript on his own with no knowledge of the publishing industry.
Stephen wasn’t sure what to do. Then he read Storytelling for Pantsers: How to Write and Revise Your Novel Without an Outline, and reached out to me about some of the issues with his manuscript.
We got on a call for about an hour and talked about where he was, where he wanted to go and how he could get there. It became clear to me that Stephen was the right fit for the Writing Gym. He accepted my invitation, and we began revising his work to publishing standards.
With each new session, Stephen recognized the difference the Writing Gym makes. He no longer had to flail among do-it-yourself solutions. Instead he had tailored feedback and a personal foot in the door of the publishing industry.
The Writing Gym is different because it’s like having a private coach, one that’s shared with a community of friends who all support and hold each other accountable.
When I made a call to an agent I know about one of Stephen’s manuscript submissions that received no responses, the agent read it right on the spot and loved it. They began to move forward with the publication of his novel Paranormal City, which is now published.
Within a week, Stephen’s second novel Shuttlers–one he was inspired to write during his time in the Writing Gym–also received a publishing contract.
Stephen no longer faces the issue of submitter’s block. To date he has sent out a total of 433 submissions, has had 12 short stories published and one forthcoming, and received two publishing contracts in the same week for his novels.
Along with his novel publications, Stephen’s short fiction has been published in anthologies What Lies Beyond by Red Penguin Books, Murder and Mayhem by Dragon Soul Press, From the Shadows by Printed Word, and Handmade Horror Stories by Frost Zone Press. His Star Trek spoof “Star Truck” appeared on the Tall Tale TV podcast–and that’s just a few of his many publishing accomplishments during his time in the Writing Gym.
Not only did Stephen overcome submitter’s block, he now identifies as a full-time writer, putting himself out there through short stories, novels, and anthologies. Stephen is experiencing a dream many writers covet: living the author lifestyle.
Anyone who’s been thinking about the Writing Gym, go for it because Annalisa can get you that little backdoor entry you won’t find anywhere.
If you want a tailored publication plan, and you’re ready to get over submitter’s block, to move from rejection to publication, you may be the right fit for the Writing Gym. I’ve opened some time over the next couple of weeks to talk with writers who are serious about publication and living the author lifestyle. Book yourself into my calendar here.
