When I learned Melanie Faith had written and published this book, I knew I wanted to read it. I had taken three workshop courses from her through Women on Writing, so I was aware of her writing talent and teaching skills. One of the courses was on Food Writing. At first I thought, what’s there to write about food? Now I love writing about food! Another class was on writing from photographs, which was a blast during the pandemic because it took me out into nature which got my creative juices flowing. The other was on Voice. Two of the essays I workshopped from that class were published by literary journals. So, Melanie knows her stuff, and she knows how to teach it.
As I scrambled around my house collecting notes, documents, parts and pieces of my own WIP (work in progress), I was feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. Melanie Faith to the rescue! She dedicates an entire chapter to keeping track of our “brainchildren!” She reviews four steps, three methods, and tracking systems that will work for most anyone. Through anecdotes, metaphor, and humor, this author keeps the reader engaged and laughing throughout the book. Yet the serious part of publishing comes through loud and clear, and a brief exercise is given at the end of each chapter to drive home the content.
This book, From Promising to Published, came to me at the perfect time, just before I typed “The End” on my manuscript. I’ve made notes and scribbles throughout the book, a good sign that I’ll be coming back to it again and again. I’m in the middle of preparing all those things Melanie talks about: Author Bio, Cover Letters (including elements and examples), building a web and social media presence, and managing, and even planning for, rejection (something every writer needs). One of my goals for 2023 is to take more risks with my writing life. The author uses swimming as a metaphor for risk. I’m not a swimmer and, in fact, I’m terrified of deep water. But in writing, I’ve gone beyond the “toe-tip in the pool” to mastering the “swan dive.” Next up, the “butterfly stroke.” I many never learn the “freestyle.” To learn what each of those strokes represents in writing, take a deeper dive into this book, and enjoy the ripple effect of taking some risk.
From Promising to Published contains helpful information about identifying a target audience and submitting to literary journals. But beyond that are tips and tricks I haven’t found in other books on publishing; for example, courtesies and networking among authors, protecting my personal space, avoiding burnout through self-care, and my favorite…celebration! A few months ago, I bought a beautiful peace sign paper weight for myself and had it wrapped up as a gift at the store. After typing “The End” following the last chapter (about freedom and peace), I celebrated by opening my gift. It sits on my bookcase as a daily reminder that I was able to achieve a significant milestone in my writing life!
From Promising to Published is a necessary guide to the many options a writer has when publishing, or not publishing, those words that have swirled inside our heads for years and are ready to go out into the world. The final chapter I will carry with me, in my head, as a reminder to give myself permission to write without seeking external validation. Melanie says, “Some people won’t like what you’re writing and will be harsh about it… (none of these are your people, by the way). Don’t let that stop you. You have an inward fire simmering to keep you going.” And I will keep going. Thank you, Melanie, for the inspiration.
You can learn more about the author’s writing process, writing classes, and latest projects at: http://www.melaniedfaith.com.
Writer Leslie Cox 