Things No One Tells You About Becoming an Author
Most people who dream about becoming an author imagine the moment their book is finally published. They picture seeing their name on the cover, holding the finished copy in their hands, and sharing their work with the world.
What very few people talk about is the long road that often comes before that moment, because one of the first realities many writers encounter when becoming an author is something far less glamorous: rejection.
And not just one rejection.
Sometimes dozens.
Sometimes hundreds.
Before a manuscript ever reaches readers, it often travels through a quiet and frustrating process of submissions, waiting, and responses that can feel surprisingly vague.
It is a part of the publishing world that almost no one prepares you for.
The Reality of Submitting Manuscripts
When writers begin pursuing traditional publishing, the process usually starts with submissions. Authors send their manuscripts—or proposals—to literary agents or publishing houses in hopes of being accepted.
Then they wait.
And wait.
Publishing moves slowly. Response times can stretch from weeks into months. Sometimes there is no response at all.
When a reply finally arrives, it is, more often than not, a rejection.
This experience is incredibly common for writers who are serious about becoming an author, yet it is rarely discussed openly outside writing circles.
Most people assume that if a book is good enough, it will naturally find a publisher.
The reality is far more complicated.
A manuscript can be well written, thoughtful, and unique—and still be rejected repeatedly.
The Rejection Letters That Say Almost Nothing
Another surprising part of becoming an author is the type of feedback many writers receive when their work is declined.
You might expect detailed critiques or thoughtful explanations.
Instead, most responses are brief form letters.
Writers often receive phrases like:
- “This project is not the right fit for our current list.”
- “We enjoyed reviewing your work but will not be moving forward.”
- “The market is very competitive at this time.”
- “We did not feel strongly enough to pursue publication.”
While these statements are polite, they rarely provide meaningful insight.
They do not explain whether the writing was the issue, whether the topic was too niche, whether the market was already saturated, or whether the publisher simply did not see commercial potential.
For authors working toward becoming an author, this can feel incredibly confusing.
You are told your work is not right for them, but you are rarely told why.
The Role of Timing and Market Trends
One of the hidden truths about becoming an author is that publishing decisions are not based solely on writing quality.
Timing and market trends play a huge role.
Publishers are constantly evaluating what types of books they believe will sell in the current market. If a similar book has recently been released—or if a category is considered saturated—publishers may decline manuscripts regardless of their quality.
This means that a strong manuscript might be rejected simply because it does not align with what a publisher believes will sell right now.
The decision is often less about the writing itself and more about perceived market viability.
That can be discouraging for writers who have poured months or years into their work.
Why Well-Known Names Have an Advantage
Another rarely discussed reality about becoming an author is that fame and recognition often play a significant role in publishing opportunities.
Traditional publishing is, at its core, a business.
Publishers invest significant money into producing and distributing books. Because of this, they are often drawn to authors who already have built-in audiences.
This is why celebrities, influencers, and public figures frequently receive publishing deals.
Their existing platforms provide a level of marketing advantage that publishers consider valuable.
Even if the writing itself is not groundbreaking, a recognizable name can make a book easier to sell.
Meanwhile, unknown writers, no matter how talented, face a much steeper path to becoming authors through traditional channels.
This does not mean their work lacks value.
It simply means the industry often prioritizes visibility and market reach.
The Gatekeeping of Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing has long functioned as a gatekeeping system.
Agents and publishers decide which manuscripts move forward and which ones do not. While many editors genuinely care about literature and storytelling, their decisions are still influenced by commercial considerations.
For writers pursuing becoming an author, this gatekeeping can feel both mysterious and discouraging.
A manuscript might pass through dozens of hands without ever reaching publication. Each decision point introduces another opportunity for rejection.
Many successful authors have stories of receiving rejection after rejection before finally finding a publisher willing to take a chance on their work.
Some manuscripts that eventually became bestselling books were originally rejected many times.
Persistence has always been part of the writing journey.
But today, the landscape is changing.
The Opportunities Created by Self-Publishing
One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the rise of self-publishing.
For writers pursuing becoming an author, this path has opened doors that did not exist for previous generations.
Instead of waiting for approval from agents or publishers, authors can now publish their work independently. Digital platforms and print-on-demand technology allow writers to produce professional-quality books and distribute them worldwide.
This shift has fundamentally changed the publishing landscape.
Stories that might have been rejected by traditional publishers can now reach readers directly.
Authors retain creative control over their work, from the title and cover design to the content and messaging inside the book.
For many writers, this freedom is incredibly empowering.
The Trade-Offs of Independence
Of course, self-publishing also comes with its own challenges.
While it removes the gatekeepers, it also places more responsibility on the author.
Writers pursuing becoming an author through self-publishing often take on roles that traditional publishers would normally handle.
This can include editing, cover design, formatting, marketing, distribution decisions, and reader outreach.
It requires both creativity and entrepreneurship.
But for many authors, the ability to share their work without waiting for industry approval makes the effort worthwhile.
Instead of hoping for acceptance from a publishing house, authors can focus on building connections with readers directly.
A Changing Publishing Landscape
The world of becoming an author today looks very different than it did even twenty years ago.
Traditional publishing still exists, and for some writers it remains the right path. But it is no longer the only option.
Independent publishing has created a new kind of literary ecosystem—one where authors can experiment, explore new ideas, and share stories that might never have made it through traditional gatekeeping.
Readers benefit from this diversity as well.
They have access to voices, perspectives, and ideas that might otherwise have remained unseen.
The barriers to entry have shifted.
And while rejection still exists, it no longer has to be the end of the story.
The Persistence Behind Every Author
Perhaps the biggest truth about becoming an author is that persistence matters more than almost anything else.
Every writer faces obstacles.
Some encounter rejection from publishers. Others struggle with doubt, perfectionism, or the challenge of finishing a manuscript in the first place.
But the writers who eventually succeed are often the ones who simply keep going.
They keep writing.
They keep refining their work.
And they keep looking for ways to bring their stories into the world.
Because at its heart, becoming an author is not defined by how a book is published.
It is defined by the act of creating something meaningful and sharing it with others.
And sometimes the path to that moment looks very different than anyone expected.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
This article is part of the In the Author’s Life series — an open door into the real, unglamorous, deeply rewarding work that happens behind every finished book. If you are a writer, an aspiring author, or simply someone who has ever wondered what this road actually looks like, you are in the right place.
What Is Coming Next
My debut fiction novel, Hold the Line, releases July 2026. It is the first book I have written that lives entirely in the world of story — and the path to getting it into readers’ hands has taught me everything this article is talking about. You will be hearing much more about it here as the release approaches.
Browse Fiction / Justice & Courage
From the Healthy in Heart Store
Every book in the Healthy in Heart store took its own unexpected path into the world. If you are a reader who wants to explore the work, or a writer looking for resources to sustain the long journey, these are good places to begin.
The Way: Restoring Righteousness
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Further Reading
- The Lost Art of Asking Better Questions in Life
- Reclaiming Awe in a Distracted World
- What Is the Eden Way? A Complete Guide to Healing Mind, Body, and Soul
- Ways to Improve Sleep Naturally and Effectively
Helpful Resources
For writers and readers looking for books on the craft, the publishing journey, and the inner life of the creative — I have curated a collection at my Amazon storefront that aligns with the Healthy in Heart framework.
Browse the Healthy in Heart Amazon Storefront
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