Now that I have published my first YA novel, my friends (and my brother!) ask me this question. Of course, it’s very subjective. Every writer’s definition will vary. Some might think it’s numbers of books sold, or the amount of money earned. Others might say it’s getting an agent or publishing with one of the big five publishers.
I like what this Writer Unboxed article said.
If we strip away the external noise, we make room for other measures of accomplishment and intrinsic rewards. Maybe it’s the moment you finish a draft and realize, Hey, I created something from nothing.Or the email from a reader who says your book helped them through a difficult time. Or the feeling of hitting your stride, writing something that feels undeniably you. Or the review from a stranger who truly gets what you were trying to say.
Those moments don’t come with flashy announcements or a confetti explosion on social media, but they matter. In fact, when you consider why you write, they’re probably the most meaningful markers of success.
MILESTONES
I was thrilled when Jennifer Lowry, president of Monarch Educational Services read my query, within the hour wrote back, said it was stellar, and requested the full manuscript. I reached another milestone when I signed the contract. I was on my way to becoming a published kidlit author!
As Harper Ross, the author of that Writer Unboxed post wrote, “We’re conditioned to chase milestones. The catch? The goalpost keeps moving.”
She was right.
The day I received my much-anticipated first box of books, and signed one to my neighbor, was special. My hands trembled. I had tears in my eyes. Was that my moment of success?
In April I was on an author panel sponsored by the Levine Museum of the South. That was incredible!
A few days later, my voice quavered when I read the first chapter at my book launch at Park Road Books.
Since then, I’ve spoken at senior centers, participated in panel discussions, and saw my book on a shelf at Barnes & Noble. My calendar is full and I have my first school visit coming up in Texas.
These are all wonderful milestones. But are they success?
A SPECIAL BOOK SIGNING
In August, my mentor, Joyce Hostetter, and I signed books together at My Chapter House in Hickory, NC. That was a HUGE day. I met Joyce over 20 years ago and she has coached me through writing and revising Half-Truths. It was exciting to sit next to her and sign books together!
CONNECTING WITH READERS
To be honest though, the best experiences are what my author friend, Kathleen Burkinshaw told me. “When you hear from a reader that your story touched them in some way, that is the best!”
She is right!
It’s incredibly fulfilling when I meet readers at book clubs who connect deeply with the story and engage in thoughtful discussions. Occasionally, people ask me questions that I hadn’t even considered when writing the novel! Many want to know what happens after the story ends. That means they were engrossed in my book which makes the 18 years of writing and revising all worthwhile.
This picture was taken at Lee Ann Soowal’s house. She hosted my first book club event and had an amazing collection of Blue Willow china!
AWARDS
Two months ago I was surprised to receive a Bronze award from Reader’s Favorite in the Coming of Age category for Young Adult books. I shouted it out to my world!
Since then, I’ve received another award which I can’t announce for another few weeks. Stay tuned! Both of these awards are extremely gratifying and the recognition is extraordinary!
NCSLMA
Last week I presented at the North Carolina School Library Media Association. When I walked into the convention center, I was greeted by author John Claude Bemis. Over the years, he had autographed many books at SCBWI conferences. For the first time, I was an author sitting on the other side of the table, autographing books.
I had arrived.
With my long-time friend and fellow author, Jo Hackl.
So, What is Success?
Harper Ross in her article about defining success, points out that our dreams help determine what we feel is success. For 30+ years, I dreamt about being the author signing books at a conference. It makes sense that was a defining moment of success for me.
But as Ross points out, writers can set their own measure of success. She writes:
- Celebrate the small wins. Finished a challenging chapter? Nailed a revision? Received positive feedback from a critique partner? Those count. Break out the cupcakes!
- Reframe rejection. A ‘no’ isn’t a failure; it’s proof that you’re in the game and putting yourself out there. Every ‘no’ gets you closer to the right ‘yes.’
- Limit comparison. If social media is making you feel inadequate, step away for a while. Protect your creative energy.
- Reconnect with your ‘why.’ Keep a journal, a sticky note, a mantra—anything that reminds you why you started writing in the first place. Make a ritual of reading it every week.
So, please, dream big. Set goals. Work hard. But don’t let anyone else’s definition of success dictate your own. Because the truth is, success is the sum of all the moments you show up, do the work, and share your stories with the world.
At the end of the day, that’s something worth celebrating.
How About You?
I’d love to hear how you define success. Please leave a comment and let’s encourage each other in the process.
Just so happy for you, Carol! –Kim
Thank you, Kim!
Thank you for sharing about your successes! I’ve battled to frame my definition for years, but I’ve found it’s the small wins and the feedback from readers that gives me the most joy.
YES!!!!!!
Hi Carol,
I read your book and it was very good. So glad you are getting the word out there! You spoke at my online bookclub meeting last summer locally, when you were sick.
After reading this post, I immediately thought of my good friend in NYC who just published her first books for violin students and teachers this past summer, and she is getting started making it known. Such a great way to think about success! I forwarded it to her! I’ve been with her through the process as moral support the past 5 years. Thank you for sharing it!
Creating something that wasn’t there before is a great thought! Be encouraged!
Thank you for taking the time to read my book and to comment on this blog today. I’m so glad you passed it along to a friend–another measure of success! I’m definitely a one on one person and love knowing that my words have found a home in people’s hearts. And by the way, if you haven’t already left a review, please do so on Amazon or Goodreads!! Thank you. Carol
You’re on a roll, Carol! Congratulations of your success!
Thank you Cathy!
Carol–I loved this column and think you are spot-on about the moving goal posts, and how that can steal away joy. We have to remember to celebrate those smaller moments–comments from readers, etc.–because those connections are what it’s really about! You’ve been doing some great publicity work and getting some great results; congratulations on the awards and recognition for Half-Truths!
Thank you, Linda. I’m glad this resonated with you too. The goal posts were Harper’s idea! But very true.
Dear Carol,
I am so excited that you and your writing g have reached the hearts of so many prople, You deserve all this and more.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Thank you, Joan!! I appreciate your encouragement.
You are welcome,
Success is what you say it is and all of this sure looks like success to me! Congratulations!
For me, success as an author means maintaining creative freedom and control, which is why I decided to indie publish my books. Like you, publishing my first book was a real milestone, but now it’s more about getting to do this forever (AKA as long as I can). I applaud you on achieving your dream to be a published author, and I’m taking notes! Congrats, Carol!
Thank you, LInda. I’m happy to hear that you know what success means to you. That’s so important! Indie publishing is A LOT of work and I wish you well.
Thank you so much, Laura. That is very sweet of you!
Great writeup of your different goalposts (and love the photos with the vintage hat–great branding, I suspect, as well as just fun).
I agree that most of us will be thinking in terms of different goals at different times in our careers. For me, some past measures of in-progress success included my first acceptance by a literary journal and being signed by my first agent (although for a book that ultimately did not gain a contract). Much later, when I signed contracts for my first two books, it had been so long since I’d written them that it was hard to be very excited about the contracts or the launches–more just relief that these events had finally occurred.
Now that I have several books out, I enjoy knowing that readers have connected with each one (not all readers, of course, but each book has its champions). The next goalpost, I suppose, will be for each of them to hit a significantly higher number of sales, or for a new book to bring me much better visibility as an author. But no matter what, it is important to me to know that each title has found some of its “ideal readers,” so the quest is to locate more or each book’s “ideal readers.”
Thank you for responding to my post, Karla. I appreciate how your goalposts have moved forward, but you still hold on to what is most important– finding your ideal reader who resonates with your books. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for this Carol. It’s a good reminder to recognize whatever we as writers accomplish in any given moment that is dedicated to our craft is a success. Congratulations on yours! Brava!
Thank you, Donna. I’m glad the blog was a helpful reminder.
I’m so excited about all your successes, Carol!!! You are an inspiration to the younger generation! And you make some excellent points about success. Hope there are many more wins in your future!
Thank you, Journey. Your comment means a lot to me since I hope to encourage young writers!
Great article, Carol, and I am so thrilled to hear of all your achievements!!! Wishing you lots of success (however you define it!!)!! :)
Thank you, Valinora. That is sweet of you!