Publishing is a funny industry. It’s creative and commercial, collaborative and solitary, magical and maddening — often all at the same time.

After quite a few years of being part of it, I’ve collected a handful of thoughts that’ve risen from the muddy madness of it.

So, here goes.

1. It can feel too hard

The highs are gloriously high, but much of the process is isolating. Slow. Difficult to balance with a home, a job, and a family.

But that feeling when you solve a plot problem, or finally see the light at the end of the story? Priceless.

Being able to do this every day is a gift. Sometimes, though, the best things are also the most difficult.

2. It doesn’t always earn much money

This comes with caveats. When it’s good, it’s good. It varies enormously from author to author, and income often arrives in smaller increments — the odd advance, foreign rights sales, festival appearances, and so on.

Like so many authors, I work a day job too, which gives me a steady income. It feels like writing should be something we can earn a living from, but that’s not always the reality.

I’m lucky because I genuinely love my day job. It’s wrapped up in stories, discoveries, and fascinating things. But working two jobs is tiring. And complicated.

3. Kindness helps a lot

We’re all professionals, but being a good person, considerate of others, curious about the colleagues around you, and a team player helps a lot.

Making a book is a collaboration between writers, editors, designers, marketers, proofreaders, strategists, salespeople, press teams, rights experts… and so many more.

We’re in it together.

4. Unusual doesn’t always sell

We’re told to bring a brand-new voice to things, but also fit conventions. To do what we love, but keep an eye on industry trends. Sometimes something is simply too weird for publishers to know what to do with.

That can feel confusing, but there is some logic to it. What we, as authors, want is only half the story. What readers need is the other half.

Books are a partnership, after all.

5. Rejection can feel crippling

As an author, you face a lot of rejection. From publishers. Editors. Projects fall through. Things change.

I do think it’s helped me grow as a person, though. I’m far more resilient, reflective, and understanding than I used to be.

Ultimately, rejected ideas and stories are just that. It’s not me being rejected — it’s the thing I’ve made. A thing that, as I learn, I can make better.

6. Privilege helps

Any personal advantage is a leg up. Financial security while you write. Living close to events and bookshops. Being able to afford travel to conferences and meetings. Having the luxury of time.

I haven’t had many of those luxuries. So it’s still possible. It’s just… harder.

7. You need a champion

Whether it’s an agent, editor, publisher, or marketer—you need teammates who believe in your words, your ethos, and you.

They’re the people shouting about your book and the impact it can make. They’ll be pitching it to booksellers, putting you forward for prizes, and helping it find readers.

But champions are just as important during the difficult moments. They keep you going, lift you when you’re low, and remind you of everything you’re achieving together.

8. Once a book is published, it belongs to the reader

Good reviews. Bad reviews. Ambivalent reviews.

All opinions are valid because an author’s words and a reader’s brain will never produce exactly the same thing twice.

It’s like alchemy.

9. A big part of success is luck

Being in the right place at the right time. Timing. Tastes. Having your manuscript read during the brief moment the door is actually open.

Word of mouth. Being mentioned by an influencer. Appearing on a ‘best of’ list.

Skill matters enormously, but luck changes realities.

10. Writing is therapy

While this might not sound controversial, I don’t say it lightly.

Writing can never replace professional therapy (it has to be said!) but it’s absolutely one of the ways I process life. It helps me untangle thoughts, explore difficult emotions, and sometimes disappear into another world for a while.

That’s a kind of healing in itself.

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The thing is, despite everything I’ve written above—the hard work, the rejection, the uncertainty, the finances—I still think publishing is magic.

It’s people dedicating years of their lives to stories that might make someone laugh, cry, think differently, or simply feel a little less alone.

That’s extraordinary.

And honestly? I wouldn’t change it for the world.