Laura Pearson Q&A: What I Wish I’d Known Before I Was Published

If you’ve never been published before, it’s easy to get bogged down by indefinite writing with no concrete end in sight. But if there’s anyone who can show you that there is indeed a light at the end of your writing tunnel, it’s an author who has figured out the key to getting published — and we just so happen to have a few of those who are willing to share their expertise with you!

This week, Laura Pearson, debut author of Missing Pieces, takes a turn in our hot seat.

If you could tell your pre-published self one thing, what would it be?

I think I’d like to let my pre-published self know that it would all be worth it. If I’d known I would eventually get published, I might have worked harder and faster and achieved it sooner. But it’s so hard to know; sometimes timing is everything. There’s a novel I’ve been wanting to write for over ten years and sometimes I wish I’d just written it years ago, but then I think the idea is still bubbling away, and I’ll write it when it’s right.

What do you wish you’d known about being published before you became a published author?

I can’t think of anything really. It’s much as I expected. Although because it was my main goal for my entire life, part of you believes everything will be fine once that slots into place. And of course it isn’t. There’s always other stuff going on. And then you change your goal, and want to become a bestseller, or win a prize! There’s always something to strive for.

Did your approach to writing change after being published?

I’m more focused now, and I get things done more quickly, because I know there’s someone waiting to read my work and I’m part of a machine that works together to get a book out there. Before, I was just writing away, and it didn’t really matter how long anything took because there was no-one waiting to edit it, or work on the cover design or get it formatted.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for an aspiring author?

It’s nothing earth-shattering, I’m afraid. It’s just to keep going. Keep trying. Write another draft. Read another book. Learn a bit more about the process. Keep submitting. It’s hard, and it’s draining, especially when you’re doing it alongside work and family, but it’s so worth it in the end.

As always, thank you for reading, and be sure to tweet us @AgoraBooksLDN if you have any questions for our authors about being published!