I once believed writing a novel was a difficult undertaking.

Then I read several samples of 'published' novels by emerging writers. Seems like anyone can write a novel . . . that no one would ever enjoy reading it never entered the equation.

I wrote my first story, and it reached me. The characters, the settings, and the situations kept me entertained to the point I completed three "books" and several character studies long before I thought about publishing.

When I decided to look into publishing, I went directly to self-publishing. I don't have the patience for "being discovered." I made a monumental mistake by believing the hype of a self-publishing publishing house. Since they were connected to a "real" publisher, I thought they would be legit.

But the one good thing I found was the desire to create, to craft a polished final work before presenting it to the public. The "we're here to help you" team proved to be a Ford-Assembly Line Up-Sale. They had no intention of helping -- they wanted me to Buy, Buy, Buy all the work needed before publishing. Instead, I did all the work myself. I wanted to learn.

I'm still learning. So don't make the mistake of paying for publishing services until you have EXHAUSTED checking them out. While you're looking, maybe you can learn to accomplish all the writing requirements necessary for a novel to be truly reader-ready.

You might discover, as I have, there is craftsmanship in the process -- the entire process -- and there is no better craftsman than the one who cares the most.