The individual in question, a literary agent and soon-to-be author, was asked about how they’ve used their experience in the publishing industry to be a “good author”. They believe that being a good author means being easy to work with, not too high maintenance, and respectful. Through their experience, they’ve learned to manage their expectations and not to focus on aspects that are beyond their control, such as being selected for a celebrity book club or appearing on the New York Times Book Review.
The decision to write a book was partially due to the decrease in freelance writing opportunities. Working on a significant project that was somewhat in their control was seen as a preferable alternative to sending out unsuccessful pitches. The sale of the book provided a small financial cushion, easing the pressure for the book to perform well. This success allowed them to take a break from job searching and leave platforms like LinkedIn.
The individual hopes that the publication of the book will lead to new professional opportunities such as more writing assignments or teaching positions. It also provides a tangible answer to the question, “What do you do?” They are looking forward to interacting with readers and meeting booksellers and librarians they’ve followed online. They are also excited about the opportunity to connect with friends in different cities