For those of you who are not aspiring authors, there are many reasons why people write. It's rarely for the fame or the money. It's for the love of storytelling and what it brings to the reader. It's for the joy of creating something that will be memorable, enlightening, changing, or bringing joy to someone.

The reality is that very few writers get published by mainstream/traditional publishers. It's a very low number. Approximately one to two percent of all authors will land a 'deal.'  That's why so many authors self-publish today. Also, most mainstream publishers won't even consider a book manuscript if the author is not represented by an 'agent'. The odds of getting an agent aren't much better, so you can see the dilemma.

Even the greats like Steven King, J.K. Rowling, Agatha Christie, and Dr. Seuss faced many rejections before someone was willing to take a chance on them. Unfortunately, the process of submitting manuscripts to agents and editors is tedious and often frustrating.  Often, authors who submit never receive a rejection notice; instead, they get silence, the excuse being that agents and editors are overloaded. That being said, the courtesy of an email might be a better way of handling it, right? Especially if you've waited the prescribed two or three months for a response. Okay, enough complaining.

So, when you pick up a book and see that a major publisher has published the author, close your eyes and congratulate them. They've earned it. 

Although I have entered the trenches to see if I can land an agent who is passionate about my work to help sell my manuscript to a publishing house, the odds are slim in today's market. I am currently exploring independent publishing, which allows me control over the creative process. I get to choose my editors, cover design, marketing, etc.

By visiting my 'In The Works' section, you can see which projects are currently moving forward, and I invite you to follow along with me on that journey!

I have decided that 'Terror on Island Park' will be my first release, which is sure to excite fans of human-versus-nature novels and movies, like JAWS, which, on its 50th anniversary, is finding a whole new audience. 

Only time will tell how my writing career unfolds. I would greatly appreciate any support, such as joining my email list. I won't be sending you junk emails and spam. In terms of the story, I think it will speak for itself, and I am excited to share it with the world.

I will update my blog and events pages as things progress, but I will notify my email subscribers first. To join my community, visit the contact section of the website. Thanks in advance.-B.L.Stevens

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