Asking me to write a letter about the things you’ll learn in the first five years of your writing journey is one tall order, but as I suspect you know, I relish a challenge. I’ve attempted to capture the most important lessons below. I hope you find it useful.

The first thing you’ll learn is that you approached everything backwards. Congratulations. 

You’ll write a book, and then you’ll decide to learn about how to write a book. Not the most efficient tack, to be sure, but ultimately a fine one because you will finish the manuscript! And you’ll learn that’s something to celebrate because many never get that far.

Then you’ll edit, and edit, and edit, and edit. You’ll learn that’s exactly what real writers do. In the future you’ll start with infinitely better raw material, which will be most helpful, but you’ll quickly understand that writing THE END is only the beginning.

Next, you’ll learn that, like in every other industry, connections are as precious as gold (or toilet paper during a pandemic). Thanks to the fabulous Carroll Brown, you will be fortunate to have the incomparable Kathe Koja review your manuscript. She will strike the perfect balance of direct feedback and encouraging words. “You’ve got a good narrative, but you need to clean up all this business…” Reading The Blue Mirror with her sage guidance in mind will instantly crystallize the point.

Stuck inside during covid, editing your heart out and putting miles on the treadmill, you’ll start listening to a podcast that interviews a wide array of YA authors – in reverse chronological order because you’re a rebel like that. You’ll learn about the publishing industry and writing processes. You’ll notice trends but discover everyone is different. You’ll find that, more than anything, perseverance is the key. Perhaps most valuable of all, you’ll finish with realistic expectations about what it means to be a writer. 

Also, your TBR will explode because every book on the podcast sounds interesting, so good luck with that. 

You’ll flounder writing your query letter. You’ll submit it and receive rejection after rejection. You’ll revise. You’ll appreciate having thick skin and learn not to check email right before bed – terribly counterproductive. You’ll hear nothing back from some agents and get encouragement from others. A few will offer tips to improve the query. You’ll attend classes with agents that give you feedback and find that money well spent. 

While you query, you’ll get involved in your local writing community. You’ll join the Idaho Writer’s Guild and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). And when you join the local SCBWI critique group, the writing world will come to life. Through Zoom calls and in-person meet ups and book events you’ll meet wonderful people. They’ll give feedback and encouragement. You’ll learn from reading and critiquing their work. You’ll enter your first content, earn a first pages award, and write a picture book manuscript. You’ll attend courses and follow experts and read books.

Full of energy and enthusiasm, you’ll start drafting your second novel, armed with input on the story from your critique group. And then, when life takes a painfully unexpected turn, those same warm, generous people will be there to support you. They’ll check in with you, patiently waiting and then gently helping you find your way back as you heal, rediscovering the joy of imagination and storytelling.

You’ll finish that second novel and have ideas for a third (perhaps a series?) and a fourth (which to write first?). You’ll understand so much more about the business of selling books. The challenges facing publishers will feel awfully familiar – it’s a tough business, the market is changing rapidly, and technology is a disruptor. Everything is indeed connected, after all.

There’s more, of course, so much more, but those are the biggest takeaways.

Now, forgive me, I must get back to writing and get on with the business of experiencing what awaits us in these next five years!

—Rebekah