Last Friday someone posted a thread on Twitter that went crazy for close to an hour. This person was complaining about jobs and who was getting hired and who wasn't getting hired. By the time the thread was dying out, the entire hiring problem was entirely on the shoulders of "the system." This really got me thinking over the weekend and I started thinking about the publishing industry.
Now, before I go too far, let me just say that yes, I do think there are situations out there where "the system" is discriminating for various reason. But, I do think it is important to always look at every side of the equation as well.
How many times do you hear your fellow authors complaining about how the established publishers are holding back really great authors. We also hear people go on and on about how major book sellers (yes this is the Amazon excuse) keeps great authors hidden behind these big name "hacks." But it is also important to look to the inside.
Could your book not be selling because it is not well written?
Could your career not be taking off and pitch sessions fail because you don't come across as professional enough?
Could you not be getting that job because you are lacking the skills they need.
Could you be receiving a ton of rejections because you are sending things to the wrong person.
Could your lack of response be coming from the fact that you have a poorly written cover letter or query letter?
These are all things that cannot be ignored.
So please, before you start on a Twitter Rant and hyping up some conspiracy theory about why your are not finding success, look inside first. Think Michael Jackson here and start "with the man in the mirror."
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