What I learned from querying my novel, as a self-published author

I self-published this gorgeous novel, Sitting Next to a Stranger, but before that, I entered the query jungle. I braced myself for rejection and patience. After 9 months, I "gave up" and chose the self-publishing route.

Taking my self-published novel on a walk in Amsterdam.

Along the route, I learned this:

It is hard to summarize your novel and to capture what it is about. I used notes and feedback from beta readers as a starting point. I went through all my notes and outlines, and listened to podcasts of agents reviewing query letters.

I'm keeping better track of my second novel and am working on a query letter whilst writing it. It's to keep things clear. It prevents me from straying away from the core of the story.

Agents and other industry experts share a lot of information online. Like the podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. Or Alyssa Matesic on YouTube. It’s filled with treasures and learnings. People who share knowledge to help others are the best people ♥️

I'm in it for the writing. When everything seemed hopeless and a waste of time, when I felt I should not even have started, and that I am the worst writer whose book does not deserve a spot on the shelf... I found sanctuary in writing another novel.

You need someone who says, "You're the best author in the world," and who believes in you when you don’t.

My novel was not ready to query yet. I stopped, spent 4 more months editing, and rewrote chapters. I added a background story and elevated the book to what it is today.

I will query my second novel, and I will be more patient, because I have book 1 to show the world in the meantime.

I am curious about a process of collaboration and someone to share the passion for my manuscript with. To work with someone who loves books as much as I do. I am curious to learn more about the business of writing and my own creativity.

Last learning: self-publishing is so cool! I am a creative genius, and doing everything independently is going to help me with any future project.