School News

Osborn: How hard is it being an author? Do you ever get discouraged?

Irace: The hardest part of being an author is found after the first draft is completed, in the editing process. I work with a professional book editor and she ripped my first novel into many pieces that I had to then put back together! But she loved the basic story as much as I did and is my greatest champion. I never get discouraged because I believe in my stories and know readers will enjoy them too. And I have a great support system: family, friends, and my writing group. I am also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, a network of authors who support and encourage me.

If you doubt yourself and your ability, it can stop a writer from trying to achieve their dreams. How can writers gain some confidence, and maybe even use all of this to improve their skills?

Writing, like any art form, is a wonderful vehicle of self-expression. The human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, can be channeled into powerful stories that most of us share. Many of my readers say that my novels have touched them and that they can relate to many of the themes in the books. An author needs to be able to feel in order to write. If you have stories to tell, write them down; have confidence that readers will want to hear what you have to say. No one but you can tell your story.

What is the difference between being self published and being published by a publisher?

Self or indie publishing means that the author has 100% control over all aspects of the publication of a book, including cover design, marketing, content, and timeline to release. With traditional publishing, an author must first seek out a literary agent who represents their particular genre, compose a query letter detailing the book’s story, and send it out to sometimes hundreds of agents. In a traditional publishing contract, the author sells/signs over the rights of the book to a publishing company who has final say in all aspects of the book. The rejection rate for first-time authors seeking a traditional book deal is extremely high with most authors never seeing their novel in print. The self-publishing boom in the last decade has provided authors the opportunity to get their books into the hands of eager readers. There are pros and cons to both routes. Each author examines their goals for the book and pursues the appropriate path.

Does one make it more worthwhile money-wise? Is it harder one way rather than the other?

Once again, there are pros and cons to both traditional and self-publishing, and every book is different in its monetary and critical success.

Is it a one person job usually? I know editors are an important part of the process, but what about other writers?

Writing the book itself is a solitary experience. But I work with a professional editor who also formats my manuscript and I publish my books through Amazon’s KDP publishing platform. My daughter is a talented, artistic wiz who creates my book covers using an online graphic-design website.

Thank you very much for the interview, Mrs. Irace! I really appreciate it!

Marie Osborn is an 8th grader at Wall Intermediate School and an aspiring light novel author. Marie enjoys writing fantasy, and has a large interest in anime and manga.