Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing

Helping authors achieve their dreams

The publishing process in GIF form

by

At first you’re thinking of writing a novel and you’re all…

But then you have an idea!

And you go…

But then you hit page 50 and you’re all….

And then you hit page 75 and you’re all…

But you power through!!

 

And then you’re finished!!! You have finished a novel!!

Only then find out you have to start querying agents.

So you write your query letter…

You obsess over it…

And then you send it out to agents and you’re all…

Then a couple of days go by and you’re all…

And…

And…

 

But then you hear from your first agent!! And you’re all…

And…

And it’s a rejection. But it’s just your first one so you’re all…

Then you get a few more and it’s more like…

But then! An agent calls! And they love your work! They want to represent you! And inside you’re like…

But you don’t want your agent to think you’re crazy so instead you’re like…

And you love your agent! When you say “yes” you want to…

But instead you go…

And then it’s time to submit to publishers. You are back on submission, and you’re like…

Then the editors start saying….

And…

And your inbox starts looking like…

And you’re all…

And…

And…

But then your phone says your agent is calling. And you want to be like…

But instead it’s more like…

And it’s an offer! You have an offer! And you feel like…

And…

And…

And…

And then you go celebrate with your friends and they’re all…

And on the car ride home you’re still like…

But it’s time for revisions. And you pretend you know what you’re doing…

And it’s back to…

But then you’re done! You’re really really done! Only your book doesn’t come out for another year. And so you’re like…

And…

You get your cover and you’re all…

But then publication day approaches! And your reviews start coming out and it kind of feels like…

But some of them are good! And you’re like…

And then your book is out there! People are reading your book!

And it feels pretty good!

And there’s only one thing to do. Start the whole thing over again.

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my online classes, my guide to writing a novel and my guide to publishing a book.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. eric says

    That was awesome! Know just about every one of those emotions. So is this a good place to blog my recent book release? Dream Wedding Secrets: The All Important G.S.F by Eric Gulbrandson. It's the guest's perspective of the perfect wedding. It contains quotes from over 200 guests about what makes a wedding great or no so great for them as guests.

  6. Suzanna James says

    Terrific Nathan, and speaking as someone who received a lovely rejection from you, (honestly you were quite kind) and who has published many times, I think you've nailed it. I am particularly fond of Bert.

  14. Barbara Lange, Winnipeg says

    I haven't laughed so hard, so long, and until I nearly threw up for years! Finally, someone who understands!

  15. paruthi says

    Awesome!!! story as gif series… I enjoyed the GIF Story… But not just a story, every one who starts some thing goes through this..

  16. Donelle Lacy says

    This was so fun and I especially laughed at the "come at me bro" owl. Great stuff! I haven't even gotten to the elf losing his mind stage yet. Can't wait for that stage!

  20. Anonymous says

    Unfortunately, your animations only reinforces that writing in today's publishing environment guarantees that the author will be treated like the lowest form of life in ancient feudal systems.

    What can we do to revolutionize creative writing so that the true writers, no matter how small they are, can get their work out for regular people to see?

    And, yes, I do mean that publishers, editors, agents, and even the creators of this web page seem to have lost touch with regular people…

  29. Doris says

    Love it! I have lived through some of these GIF moments and see a few more in my future. Thank you, Nathan! Truly hilarious.

  30. Nanette J. Purcigliotti says

    Thank Nathan Branford, for this GIF publishing process I am out to embark, perfect timing. Yes, love the words, images, blends into one. Big punch…😃

    • Nanette J. Purcigliotti says

      Nathan Bransford, tried to cancel earlier reply, went out too fast. But do love your publishing GIF.

  31. Sara Dillinger says

    With your brilliant montage in mind, I feel that I can face what lies ahead. At least I’ll know the appropriate expression to wear at each stage. You empower me!