Iacta Alea Est
When Julius Caesar, and his army of Legionaries, crossed the Rubicon River into the northern border of Italy to challenge Pompey and Cicero to Civil War; they were met at that river by a sign that read “Beyond this river, no flags, weapons, or soldiers shall pass.” Rome was always on the alert for a coup. And at this point, Caesar had defied his orders and gone rogue, as they say. He knew that if he and his army crossed this river there would be no turning back… iacta alea est! he cried… (the dye is cast). Knowing full well, this may not turn out the way he planned, he crossed that river anyway and plunged headfirst into what would make him great. He also knew that he, alone, would not be successful in his attempt to capture Rome, he needed the help and loyalty from his army… and that he had. He didn’t initially set out for fame or glory, but merely to lead Rome into a direction he felt it should go. History told his fate gloriously, but his initial intention was brave and bold.
When I decided to attempt to get my works published, I also made the decision to publish the traditional way, as self-publishing was a lot to try to navigate and was expensive. I worried that my work would be stolen, and I’d heard horror stories from people who’d self-published e-books and on online platforms. They had issues such as losing control over their books, receiving minimal proceeds for their hard work, and more. So, I decided… “Traditional Publishing” would be my route. There is a great deal of research that goes into this process however, and well, a lot of rejections too. I understood the rejection process from the onset and expected many. I understand that, although I may think my work is above average or exceptional, those who need to market it, may not always see what I see.
As I began the process of publishing in 2020/21, I realized that I would need a Literary Agent. While it is not required to have one, it is strongly advised as these agents have the ear of the publishing companies, and it is rare that a publisher ever considers a manuscript without the push from an agent. Alrighty then, an agent it is. I set out to find an agent. Unfortunately finding an agent that will accept your work is like a needle in a haystack. I learned that agents accept about 1-3% of the inquiries they receive. Oye! After weeks of research, subscribing to publishing websites and BLOGS, and reading endless articles on how to approach an agent… I sent out two feelers. One never replied at all (which I am to understand… that is a rejection). The other replied, a day and a half later, with “a thank you but no thank you.” Wow, what a gut punch… all that work! Did they even have time to read the segment I submitted? Was this process even worth it? At 58, am I just too old for this s***?
Okay, so here is where the rebel in me reared her head. I refused to take any of this at face value and decided to cross the Rubicon. I dug my heels into the ground, took an even closer look at my research, and reworked my “query letters” (introduction letters to agents). While investigating many of the submission requirements for these agents, I realized that although it wasn’t required, many asked for the author’s website. Ugh! My heart sank. I do well to send out an email. Technology was not my friend. But… I tried to set up a website. Man was that a mess and a half. So, I enlisted the help of the husband of one of my cousins. He was busy but tried to help me limp through the process. And unfortunately, I still managed to create a huge mess. So frustrating! I started to feel the emotional push backwards from this set back.
As you all know, I am a flight attendant and I work on my books on my layovers or if I have a few minutes between services, etc. I was flying with Keith, a coworker that I had flown with several times. He asked how the publishing was going and I slumped my shoulders in near defeat. I said, I can’t get my website up and going and I defiantly can’t afford the web designers I see on the internet! He looked at me and said… “Is that what’s stopping you?” I replied “Yeah… and I have no idea what I’m doing when I try to do it myself” He laughed and said, “My sister does that, maybe she can help you out…” Thank you, Keith! After a few missed calls and back and forth messages, Keith’s sister and I finally spoke, and I was now heading full force into my dream of getting my books seen and hopefully becoming a published author. DeAnne has been a Godsend. She not only understood my financial restraints with this process, but she was patient and helped me learn. No… I am still no web designer, by any stretch of the imagination, but she has helped me learn to do what I need to on my end.
Well, now! Riding behind me were my Legionaries. Not only do I have the support my wonderful friends and family; assistance with copy editing from my badass daughter, Suzi; my dear friend, Susan who does my final proofreading; and the great kids who volunteer to be my BETA Readers… but now I had the help and support from co-workers, etc.
So, now as I head down the proverbial countryside of Italy towards Rome, armed with my Legionaries, I feel empowered to face this journey, and I’m ready to take on this dog-eat-dog business of publishing. I am so grateful to my friends and family for standing by and supporting me as I take this scary and uncertain plunge. Great things come with a great support system.
Donna Fera
AuthorDonna Fera‘s writing invites readers to explore unknown worlds alongside courageous heroes as they face thrilling challenges and uncover hidden secrets. With a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Donna is able to take her readers on amazing journeys that draw upon her background in research and learning practices. Combined with her experience in the airline industry and special projects, Donna creates stories that captivate readers with their combination of organizational detail and customer service resolution. Join Donna on this remarkable journey!
