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MonalisaSmile's avatar

I’ve queried countless literary agents for my book only to not hear anything or the inevitable rejections. It’s a fine line from being discouraged to being obsessed—trying to make your book work.

Thank you for showing your process. I’m so glad you have your book in print, finally, after so much blood, sweat, and revisions.

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Emily J. Smith's avatar

Thank you so much! It's so hard to keep going, I almost stopped (and did stop for years) so many times. Cheering you on even if it's a long process! <3

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Lisa Baird's avatar

Thank you for sharing your journey as it brings hope. And congratulations!

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And Here's My Favorite Part's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. I needed it desperately 🩷

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Sari Botton's avatar

💕

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Devon Nako's avatar

Emily, your story (the non-fiction version) already has my interest piqued for this suspenseful fictional version. That egg freezing / Tinder swiping experience had me clenching my fists.

I’m curious about how the experience of launching a startup compared to trying to get a novel published. I feel like I’m constantly trying to justify the novel to myself and others, but starting a company (especially VC-backed) is such a respected endeavor in the U.S.

Cheering you on! Congrats!

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Emily J. Smith's avatar

Devon - thank you so much!! Launching a startup is SO similar to launching a novel it's almost eerie. I'm planning to write a lot more about this on Substack soon. I totally hear you that starting a company seems more "respectable" (bc we are so sadly rooted in capitalism), when they are really so similar.

Anyway thank you so much for this! I really hope you enjoy the book!!

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Devon Nako's avatar

Ooh interesting. I come from a corporate background + my last experience was at a startup, so it's nice to learn from others that have made the jump.

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W. Michael Johnson's avatar

Congratulations! I'm sure your starts-and-stops struggle to publish the book resonates with most people who read this. There's a writer behind every tree in the forest.

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Peter Moore's avatar

I read somewhere--perhaps here?--that in order to write the book, you need to BE the book. Mission accomplished, as George W. Bush said.

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Missy T's avatar

Your perseverance will surely pay off. I will definitely read your book. Congrats!

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Emily J. Smith's avatar

Thank you so much!!

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