T is for Teamwork

I'm in the middle of a 5-day weekend, with the barbecue going out in the garden and friends on their way over, so this may be a shorter post that normal.

My topic for today is Teamwork.

The stereotype of the writer is that of a lone figure, toiling away in a study or attic, or perhaps sitting on benches by the side of the street or wandering through libraries. It's a very popular image. The artist as loney genius.

Well I can't speak for those who've gone before me, but from my experience in getting my book just to the stage of querying, that image is hooey. It takes a team to create a book. The writer just happens to be the one who gets the credit. Just to get me as far as I am, my book has needed the help of crit partners, beta readers, my wife to spring ideas off, friends who've offered to do head shots for when I need them, or help put together a promotional trailer if and when a release date becomes a real thing.

And that's not to mention the people I'll inevitably deal with once I go further, whether they be agents, publishers, editors, marketing staff, or cover artists. It nearly takes an army just to get a book printed and bound and ready to deliver as a finished product.

So whoever out there is lucky enough to be a published author, I hope your acknowledgements page is up to date. For the rest of you, remember the people who are there for you, supporting you, advising you and generally making sure write the best damn book you can. Without them, even the best of us would flounder.