Miscellaneous · Writing Tips

Publishing Tips from Bogart, my cat

Shannon A Thompson

So you want to be published?

That’s purrfect! And, unlike Shannon, I can find time between my catnip and cuddling to write this blog post. So I’m doing her a favor. (She owes me an extra bowl of cat food now.) For the equivalent of a sparkly cat toy, you can buy Minutes Before Sunset on Amazon and Smashwords for $6.99, and I’ll post a picture of me playing with my new toys next time! (I almost furrgot: Shannon wanted to share this–her novel was featured in Book Mavern’s Picks, and her website hit over 7,000 followers!)

Publishing Tip #1

Create your piece. If you have hundreds of pieces, don’t forget you can get them together, but it will take time. Have fun with it, and take breaks when you need to. The whole picture will come together when it’s supposed to. 

This was the beginning of my masterpiece. I even lost some pieces. But at least I could fill them in with my own creativity.
This was the beginning of my masterpiece. I even lost some pieces. But at least I could fill them in with my own creativity.

Publishing Tip #2

When you have your pieces together, begin editing (recreating and finalizing) your product. And don’t get mad at that loud machine that your papers magically shoot out of.  It’s only trying to help.

I originally thought this machine was my mortal enemy. But now I know it gives me free paper to rip up and roll around on.
I originally thought this machine was my mortal enemy. But now I know it gives me free paper to rip up and roll around on.

 Publishing Tip #3

Now that you’re sending your finalized product out, don’t get scared of rejections or critiques. These things happen. Humans don’t always understand what you’re trying to write. That’s why they talk so much. 

Even I get scared somethings (mainly by my neighbor's dog, but that's not the point.)
Even I get scared sometimes (mainly by my neighbor’s dog, but that’s not the point.)

Publishing Tip #4

I mean it. Don’t get scared and don’t give up. Be willing to change within the realm of being yourself, but always press forward. Even when all seems hopeless.

See? I tried moving away, but I had a problem lifting all of my bags by myself. So I stayed.
See? I tried moving away, but I had a problem lifting all of my bags by myself. So I stayed.

 Publishing Tip #5

Since you haven’t given up (because I know you took my advice–I need my own cat blog) you have succeeded! And you can relax on top of your hard work. Literally.

I particularly like sleeping on top of other's work, but sleeping on top of my own is probably the right thing to do.
I particularly like sleeping on top of other’s work, but sleeping on top of my own is probably the right thing to do.

Publishing Tips #6

Don’t forget to celebrate. You’ve done all of this hard work, and you deserve some family and friend time. Cuddle that cat nip, snuggle up to the window, and watch the birds. Have a great time!

This was my book release party.
This was my book release party.

I hope you enjoyed my purrpespective on publishing. Shannon should be returning for next time, but, in the meantime, I’ll be playing with all of those toys you guys are sending me. 

~Bogart

23 thoughts on “Publishing Tips from Bogart, my cat”

  15. Pingback: The Story of Bogart the Cat | Shannon A Thompson

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