Author In Progress: A No-Holds-Barred Guide to What It Really Takes to Get Published

by Therese Walsh, Writer Unboxed, James Scott Bell (Foreword)

Empower your writing through craft and community!

Writing can be a lonely profession plagued by blind stumbles, writer's block, and despair--but it doesn't have to be. Written by members of the popular Writer Unboxed website, Author in Progress is filled with practical, candid essays to help you reach the next rung on the publishing ladder. By tracking your creative journey from first draft to completion and beyond, you can improve your craft, find your community, and overcome the mental barriers that stand in the way of success.

Author in Progress is the perfect no-nonsense guide for excelling at every step of the novel-writing process, from setting goals, researching, and drafting to giving and receiving critiques, polishing prose, and seeking publication.

Featuring essays by best-selling authors, editors, and industry leaders:
 Porter Anderson
Julianna Baggott
Brunonia Barry
James Scott Bell
Tom Bentley
Sharon Bially
Dan Blank
Anne Greenwood Brown
Kim Bullock
Sarah Callender
David Corbett
Kathryn Craft
Lisa Cron
Keith Cronin
Margaret Dilloway
Jo Eberhardt
Anna Elliott
Bill Ferris
Jane Friedman
Tracy Hahn-Burkett
Gwen Hernandez
Kristan Hoffman
Steven James
Dave King
Jeanne Kisacky
Robin LaFevers
Allie Larkin
Erika Liodice
Donald Maass
Sophie Masson
Greer Macallister
Juliet Marillier
Julia Munroe Martin
Sarah McCoy
Kathleen McCleary
Jael McHenry
Catherine McKenzie
Liz Michalski
Annie Neugebauer
Jan O’Hara
Barbara O’Neal
Ray Rhamey
Erika Robuck
M.J. Rose
Vaughn Roycroft
Lancelot Schaubert
Susan Spann
Victoria Strauss
John Vorhaus
Therese Walsh
Heather Webb
Cathy Yardley

"Nourishment for the writer's soul and motivation for the writer's heart." --James Scott Bell, best-selling author and writing instructor

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Books About Books, Research, Crafts, Business

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Therese's second novel, The Moon Sisters, was published by Crown (Penguin Random House) in March 2014, received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, and was named one of the Best Books of 2014 by Library Journal.

Her debut novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, was published in 2009 by Shaye Areheart books (Random House), and became a Target Breakout Book.

Therese is the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, a blog for writers about the craft and business of fiction.

She is also the 'architectural' editor of Author in Progress, the first Writer Unboxed book, published by Writer's Digest in 2016.

Before turning to novels, Therese was a researcher and writer for Prevention magazine, and then a freelance writer. She’s had hundreds of articles on nutrition and fitness published in consumer magazines and online.

She has a master's degree in psychology.

Aside from writing, Therese’s favorite things include music, art, crab legs, Whose Line is it Anyway?, dark chocolate, photography, unique movies and novels, people watching, strong Irish tea, and spending time with her husband, two kids and their bouncy Jack Russell.

Reviews

[Therese Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to know what it takes to push through a manuscript and finish your novel?

I'm the co-founder and editorial director of Writer Unboxed, and the editor and a co-author of Author in Progress. When the idea for a WU book first emerged via Writer's Digest, I wasn't certain I'd want to commit to the effort. On the other side of it, I'm so glad that I did. The full WU team stepped up to become a part of this project -- 50 contributors, including best-selling authors and industry leaders, and a few special guests -- and they truly delivered.

What you'll find in AiP is a breakdown, and a deep drill-down, of what it really takes to get published -- from pre-writing considerations to the writing itself, critique, improvement, rewriting, perseverance, and more.

If you often wonder what it takes to finish a publishable work of fiction, if you've been struggling with a work you can't seem to complete, AiP could be the book for you. I know I couldn't be prouder of it or the WU team.

Write on!

[Tonia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Keep At Hand book after you read it from cover to cover book. I earmarked several essays with an eye on my journey ahead. It's inspiring, absolutely, and full of practical tips and various standpoints regarding writerly things such as MFAs and plotting vs. pantsing (or another road altogether). It's not only for the writer in medias res, but brilliant for those starting out and those who are ready to acknowledge they want to be writers. Aren't all writers works-in-progress, after all?

[Paula Cappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbox your thinking. Unbox your writing. If you are a reader of the award-winning blog Writer Unboxed, then you know about this book on the skills of writing and the skills of getting published. Author in Progress has over 50 essays by some of the best writers, novelists, editors, and agents from the Writer Unboxed community.

In Part 1, literary agent Donald Maass tells us that “writing well doesn’t guarantee success,” so you can expect realistic perspectives in the content. What should you do about literary trends? Maass makes a handy point about chasing trends. He also has some valuable thinking about (Part 4) “How much Craft Do you Need?” I have about 30 writing craft books listed and reviewed on my own blog site and more than that on my shelf. Have I read and explored enough of the craft? Maass says the “most important piece of craft is the one you don’t know.” “The best writers never stop learning.”

You will learn about diving into that first draft, harnessing revisions, creating authentic characters, how to handle critiques, beta readers, writing by ear, psychological struggles of a writing career, writing tribes, and the very helpful essay by Victoria Strauss of Writer Beware–“How Vulnerability Can Increase Over Time, and What You Can do About it.” If you are a writer, this book will make you a better one.

[Colin Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer Unboxed is a web-based community of writers, some traditionally published, some self-published while others write as a hobby, but everyone within the community wants to learn more about the craft and to share their experiences. I was sent an ARC of Author In Progress for an impartial review as I'm a member of that community. The thing is, though this is impartial, I knew I was going to love it even before it arrived.

One of the benefits of being in the WU community, is that every few days one of their essays arrives in my inbox. The topics of these essays vary hugely, ranging from where to find ideas on what to write, to how to deal with agents once those ideas are moulded into fully-formed novels. Some of the essays are from authors whose books I already own and whose views I value (Donald Maass and Dave King for example), others are from unpublished members of the community who despite their amateur label still have experiences that can benefit the group.

Author In Progress takes these essays (I'm not sure if they've been written fresh for the book or whether they're recycled or adapted from their website) and groups them into the various phases of writing - preparation, writing, editing, etc. All essays are short, 4-5 pages, so the book is easy to dip in and out of. With such a wide range of topics and voices, some essays resonate stronger than others, but just because some, for me, missed the mark today, it doesn't mean they won't have greater value when I'm further down the writer's path tomorrow.

My only criticism is that I would've liked to have seen a couple of essays on the nuts and bolts of writing, something akin to Dave King's co-written Self Editing for Fiction Writers, but that's only a minor point. With over 50 authors giving advice on all aspects of writing and the publishing industry, you're guaranteed to find something of interest.

[Vaughn Roycroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Upfront caveat: I'm one of 50+ contributors to this book.] I’ve said from the very beginning that there is nothing like this book available. Most writing and publishing books are fairly segmented and/or focused on a particular aspect of the writing journey, or on the business of publishing. The scope of Author In Progress (AIP) is uniquely unprecedented. It covers everything from one’s first ideas and tentative steps into writing fiction, all the way through being published, and beyond.

AIP’s breakdown is easy to understand and follow. The parts are: Prepare; Write; Invite: Improve; Rewrite; Persevere; and Release. The segments beautifully correspond with the steps of most writing journeys (including mine), which allows one to home in on their own special interests and needs. But I must say, reading the book from front to back provides the best overview of the entire journey from conception to publication that I’ve seen. It’s one of those craft books you’ll want to keep close-to-hand in your work space. I’ve already reread certain essays that motivate or inspire me in a specific way. It’s very handy that way.

I’ve read Writer Unboxed almost daily for about eight years now, and I’ve got to say—boy-oh-boy did the contributors step up for AIP. Every single essay is strong—among the strongest ever offered by each individual contributor. I have a few favorites, but I’m not going to single them out, because each reader will find their own favorites. And because they’re all so wonderful.

I wrote a blog post offering a few more observations from my perspective as a contributor, here: https://vaughnroycroftblog.com/2016/1...

[Tom Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, full disclosure first: I have an essay in this sterling compendium, so I've got nine cents of prejudice in action on the review. But I'm way more prejudiced toward the virtue of the whole of the collection, and the exemplary writing (and writers) within. This is a meaty book of strong counsel, backbone, butterfly and birthday cake for writers of all stripes who are serious about their work, and serious about making that work better.

There's a deep, deep well of topics to draw from here, from mental to magical to monumental, both in matters of craft and disposition, for writers who want to improve and move forward with their work. OK, I've gushed enough—this shit's good, get it.

[Charlotte Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative collection of essays on all stages of the writing process.

[Tammie Painter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is less of a how-to-write/how-to-get-published guide and more of a series of essays and Q&As about the writing life and various authors' views of how they approach writing. The advice is good but felt pretty standard. Worth a read if you have the time, but get it from your local library rather than shelling out money for it.

[Elaine Burnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically I haven't finished this, but the way it's formatted, you'll have it on your desk forever and refer to whichever part you need in the moment. I've also read enough to know this is exactly what I need. Why just today, I perused the sections on plotting vs. pantsing and "Write Like You Mean It" about finding the time and motivation to write and making the most of what you have. I've long been a fan of the Writer Unboxed blog and attended their UnConference in Salem, Mass., this year. This is probably the most generous, giving, kind, egoless, talented group of writers you could hope to latch onto.

[Anna Serra i Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't really select a date I finished this book because I never really finish it. There are a few essays that speak to me in different ways and I read and reread them more and more. There are essays for every day, the crazy planning or the careful editing. For when the muse is in, or when it's missing.
Also reading it, it feels like I can be closer to the UnCon even if I'm on the other side of the world. Missing every friend and every learning moment, every lesson, every conversation.

[Priscila Pieper Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escrever é uma habilidade como qualquer outra. E para nos tornamos melhores nela, precisamos praticar, praticar, e praticar. Há uma frase muito usada no universo da escrita e das letras que diz: “Para escrever bem, devemos escrever e reescrever”.

Claro que não é apenas isso que vai fazer de você um excelente escritor, um best-seller. Quem dera. Mas estudar e ler sobre o assunto pode ser um impulso muito útil no momento de escolher a carreira, melhor ainda é trocar ideias com quem já está nesta estrada há muito tempo.

Em Author In Progress, temos um compilado de artigos retirados do blog Writer Unboxed, que revelam diferente facetas e visões sobre a vida de escritor. Seguindo a lógica da escrita e produção de um texto, a obra é dividida em sete partes que nos levam a nos autoconhecer como produtores de conteúdo, escritores e produtores de conhecimento.

Os artigos seguem a forma de uma conversa, tendo réplicas e tréplicas entre eles, igualmente como foram publicados no blog. Assim, eles acabam por complementar-se entre si, ou por vezes, discordar, o que é ainda mais interessante, já que nos apresentam às duas faces da mesma moeda. Para completar a brilhante obra, foram deixados alguns comentários reais de seguidores e escritores iniciantes, nos levando ainda mais a fundo em questões nem sempre levantas explicitamente nos textos.

Infelizmente, a obra não está traduzida para o português, o que dificulta o acesso, caso o leitor não tenha domínio da língua inglesa. Mesmo assim, a leitura é fácil e simples, tendo em vista que os artigos são em sua grande maioria de tamanho médio e escritos com uma linguagem mais popular.

A leitura e o estudo detalhado do livro é de extrema importância para todos aqueles que desejam seguir carreira na área, pois além de dicas práticas, a obra discute diversos outros tópicos da vida de um escritor, como mercado editorial, autopublicação, escolas de escrita, roteiros, etc.

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aha! Yes! We are back to print books, things that were not e-books that I got for the Puerto Rico trip. And so we’re on “Author in Progress”. I sort of stumbled on this in the library and, as I read a lot of ‘on writing’ books, decided to give it a try. Let’s see what this one has to say!

A lot of the advice isn’t new to me; there are certain things that you’ll find in most writing advice books. And if they’re written after the rise of NaNoWriMo (RIP), they talk about things like Plotters vs. Pantsers (that is, if you write with a plan or make it up as you go). These are things that come across as pretty basic, though it’s not unhelpful advice.

I think it was kind of nice, though, that this not only carried advice about the writing process, but also the publication process. Sometimes, you’ll get advice about how to secure an agent or what it’s like to work with an editor. This one goes through and explains the different kinds of editors, what it’ll be like working with a big publisher, and most impressively, the different ways to recognize a publishing scam and to not get wrapped up in that. There are also times when it seems the advice is to know when to step away from things–one essay explicitly calls for examining whether writing a story is even worth it to you, if you’ve got other things going on in your life that require your attention.

So yes, this book does offer some things different from other writing advice books. I don’t know if that makes it qualify as a ‘no-holds-barred guide’, but it’s a unique writing advice book that I think is pretty cool.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the bloggers of Writer Unboxed, the only blog on writing I regularly read -- love the mix of advice on craft, marketing, and business. The essays are smart and varied, and short enough to read in snippets to let the wisdom sink in before you move on. I like the organization, including the generous use of headers, pro tips, and even the humorous but truthful tips on sabotaging yourself. This book is probably more useful for those just starting or in the early stages of their writing careers, but there's much for more experienced hands to learn or be reminded of as well.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, clear, informative, humorous. 4 1/2 stars.

I skipped one chapter (MFA: in favour thereof) and disagreed completely with one other (Go Public Before You've Even Written Your Book). Many of the essays reiterated things I already knew, but they did it well and gave me a few new things to think about along the way.

Personal favourite: 'Composing Humans On The Page: How to Mine, Visualise, and Empathise Your Way to Authentic Characters', by Julianna Baggott.

[Dee Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely awesome read for any author serious about their craft. There is a ton of insight and experience jammed into this book, enough to inspire any writer, no matter where on the path you're currently meandering. Well written, thought provoking, and downright honest.

Dee Willson
Author of A Keeper's Truth and GOT (Gift of Travel)
www.deewillson.com

[Misty Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing. It not only goes through the process of publishing but everything that goes with it - including the mentality. It is so rare to find books that include the mental process of the writing as they are usually only over the steps to get there. I absolutely love this book and have been recommending it to all my author friends.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute gem. Over 50 essays of resources, encouragement, and real talk for writers at every stage of the journey, from writers who've been (and maybe still are) there.

2017 Reading Challenge Category: A book with a subtitle.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays on writing and the writing life was excellent and covered a huge range of subjects. It was helpful to hear so many writers talk about their journeys and give advice on all aspects of the publishing business.

[milk cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book a while ago & it’s always been my handy guide for whenever I decide to write. It’s very concise & organized. My go to when I’m feeling stuck or needing to get out of my own way as a writer

[Bjørn Larssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most useful resource – or rather collection of resources – I have read in my life. If you're a writer, aspiring writer, or aspiring to be an aspiring writer, get it.

[Suzanne Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with guidance from published authors. Encouraging.

[Kimberly Christianson Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice, encouragement and inspiration. Loved that the topics covered all aspects of writing.

[Steven Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books on writing, as I hope to improve my craft. This book was interesting as it contains several different author's input rather than just one author.

[Jeff Ferry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Didn't add much in my opinion. Too many plug for their site as well.

[Marta Pelrine-Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed full of advice. Wherever you are on your author journey, there's something that will help. A few of the pieces actually made me see things in a new light and have inspired me to handle my own writerly issues differently. So, it's a good addition to your writing bookshelf.

[SeaShore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read most of this book in January 2020. You don't need to be writing or want to be a writer to read this. but these essays give you insight into what it takes to be an author. It is an ongoing read for me. It is a powerful compilation of reasons why authors needed to share their stories, creating the compelling narrative.

Dave King starts his by saying, "Writing is hard. Find the muse within the story. For the money is not necessarily the best reason to write. Or if you have a passion for an idea, this might be an incentive.
There is little room for sermonizing novels in today's market.

So turn your back on false muses and learn your craft.

Storytelling is in our bones. When you create people on paper and follow their lives as they unfold, projecting yourself into someone else's head, you connect to humanity's deepest roots. Writing stories takes you out of yourself by forcing you to think bout the motivations -and consequences- of human behaviour.

The hard part about writing a novel is finishing it. Ernest Hemingway.

If writing is your job, like Stephen King's job, the first draft is for you, after that, it is for the readers, for everyone else.

Writers read a lot, probably have taken an MFA, or at least several Writers' craft courses. Catherine McKenzie says a writer must have spent over ten thousand hours reading before completing the first book keeping Malcolm Gladwell's words in mind that you have to practice something for approximately ten thousand hours before mastering it.

Julianna Baggott writes in her essay, "Composing Humans on the Page,"
Let's all agree that we're starting with the same premise: Fiction, though not factually true, aims at a deeper truth.
Then she adds, Let's separate authenticity from originality. and quotes W. H. Auden "Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always aim at, with originality, which they should never bother about." Authenticity is rich and resonant. Details. gestures, a sudden jolt brought on by a smell, hold psychological resonance, she writes. Your own memory will change over time.
A reader of fiction wants a sudden experience of reality -it's the moment the reader enters and says "I'm in. It's real. My own world exists less, sometimes not at all Memory is sometimes the soul of the story." How much are you willing to confess to others, sometimes through your characters.

[Monica Bhide]

such a fantastic book. Every essay taught me something new. I really enjoyed it and found it very practical and insightful. I am sure this is one I will keep going back to again and again.

[Helen Savore]

A good collection of words of advice in how to pursue publishing. It felt a lot like I was having a conversation with some of these folks over a cup of coffee or cocoa maybe. Nice, casual, real. Definitely worth a look