the craft. what to keep and what to throw away.

You may know by now that I’m a big fan of revision. Worlds open up in your writing process when you stop getting analysis paralysis before you even put a word on the page and learn how to let the first draft of something be shitty. Excuse my French. But if you can convince yourself to start writing, whatever way it comes out, you’re already 50% of the way to actually completing something. I can’t tell you how many times I completely rearrange these newsletters and if I had more time, I would probably revise them three or four more times before sending them because I know they could still be better. But you have got to get going at some point.

the craftAshley M. ColemanJanuary 13, 2024editing, revision, books, publishingComment

the craft. is there a literary in-crowd?

Breaking into any new industry can be a scary thing. Listen, I have worked my whole professional career at a music organization, so deciding I was going to be a published author one day was a huge undertaking. Even after self-publishing two of my own books, becoming a debut novelist was a jolt to my system. I was learning in real time how the traditional publishing industry worked. Funny enough, there is no onboarding document that you’re handed once a publisher decides to acquire your book. Just phone calls, deadlines, and a ton of industry jargon you may or may not understand.

publishingAshley M. ColemanJanuary 7, 2024writing, literary community, publishingComment

the craft. what is making a living as a writer?

Many of us dream of being able to write for a living. But I think it’s important to define exactly what that means. When you think of a life as a writer, what does that entail? How do you make your money? While we romanticize the idea, I know I have, it may involve some creativity and ingenuity to make it make sense.

publishingAshley M. ColemanSeptember 16, 2023writing career, publishing, financesComment

the craft. publishing is a wild space.

I’ve come to the conclusion there’s not a lot of rhyme or reason in the who and what of publishing. Like in anything I’ve tried to do in life, I’m always studying. Trying to learn the ins and outs and nuances of what it takes to be successful in any given industry. Whether it’s music or literature, if I’m going to do something, I want to be the best at it. And the way you do that is studying those that are in the position you want to be in and trying to reverse engineer. Except, every time I have a conversation with someone who I think is a successful writer, I think I’m left more confused than when I started.

publishingAshley M. ColemanAugust 26, 2023writing, publishing, black writersComment

the craft. tips, tools, and tricks.

I won’t say that I am the most technical girl when it comes to organization. I honestly still love pen and paper a lot! However, being productive takes some type of tools or systems whether it’s rudimentary or advanced. So, this week, I just want to share a few of the things I use to try to keep this crazy life of work, writing, and life on track.

processAshley M. ColemanJune 24, 2023writing, books, publishingComment

the craft. the call.

Now, the agent has sent an email and they absolutely adore your story. They’re going to want to set up a call with you to get to know you, ask questions they may have about the story, and give some feedback. And yes, rejection is rough, but acceptance, well, doesn’t that come with its own anxiety?

publishingAshley M. ColemanMay 28, 2023books, publishing, finding an agentComment

the craft. balancing writing and surviving.

Being a full-time writer is something many beginning writers fantasize about. This dream life involves slow mornings, great travel, and stimulating conversation. Is it possible? Absolutely. We have seen top selling writers' lives completely change. Is it feasible for every writer? Not necessarily. Even less likely when starting out. I know, sometimes I’m coming in way too grounded. Lol. But stay with me.

publishingAshley M. ColemanApril 9, 2023writer, finances, money, publishing, publishing while blackComment

the craft. show me the money or not.

So, first and foremost, this is the first statement I’m receiving and the book was released in June 2022. It’s important to know that you won’t actually receive a statement until six months after your publishing date. It’s a bit nerve-wracking, because people want to always ask, “how is the book doing?” It’s almost as maddening as people asking what you’re working on next when you just spent years of your life working on this one thing. While your royalty statement is your most accurate gauge of how things are going, there are still things that could be missing.

publishingAshley M. ColemanMarch 11, 2023author royalties, author platform, publishing, contracts

the craft. zoom out.

I’m close to six months post publishing date and it feels like every day there’s a 2022 book roundup that I’m not on. Now, this could launch you into a myriad of feelings. “Maybe my book wasn’t good.” “Maybe I should hang it all up.” But I’m actually happy to report that I’m kind of past that point in my career. It’s not that I don’t have those moments, but they are fleeting. I know I write well. I’ve convinced myself of that at this point. However, I am human, so when moments of uncertainty creep in, I ask myself, “how do I zoom out?”

the craftAshley M. ColemanDecember 11, 2022mindset, writing, publishingComment