Publishing vs Politics

Two seemingly different topics, but I’m finding out just how alike they are.

I’m lucky to know many published authors and elected politicians and have watched their paths to victory.

Right now, as I’m attempting both, I feel I can make some observations.

The Announcement:

Publishing: When I told friends I was writing a book the reaction was positive. Congratulations and words of joy that I was finally devoting the time to pursue this passion. Most said they couldn’t wait to read the finished product. Everyone forecast it would be a bestseller!

Politics: When I told friends I was going to run in the civic election the reaction was positive. Congratulations and words of joy that I was stepping up and following a passion to help my community. Most said they would vote for me. Everyone forecast I would be a great Park Board Commissioner.

The Work Begins:

Publishing: You sit in a room by yourself and write. And you write. And you write. You might attend some classes to learn about editing and style, but mostly you write. You spend a great deal of time wondering if all this work is worth it. Then you write some more.

Politics: You sit in a room by yourself and read every bit of information about the scope of the sought after position. Then you meet with those involved. And you listen. And you listen. You spend a great deal of time wondering if all this work is worth it. Then you listen some more.

The Heavy Lifting:

Publishing: The hidden work begins. Writing, revising, editing, querying agents, revising some more, networking your ass off, and drinking too much coffee. No one sees the entirety of this part of the process. Sending out endless emails to try and find someone that will love what you’re saying. Attempting to make a connection with like-minded souls that will support your dream.  Finding people that believe you can do this and want to help. It takes a ton of research and endless days at your computer. It takes even more writing. It also takes faith that you are on the right path.

Politics: The hidden work begins. Political party application forms, fundraising, chats with strangers, due diligence, networking your ass off, and drinking too much coffee.  No one sees the entirety of this part of the process. Sending out endless emails to try and find people that will love what you’re saying. Attempting to make a connection with like-minded souls that will support your ideas for a better city. Finding people that believe you can do this and want to help. It takes tons of research and endless days at your computer. It takes listening to the people you could represent. It also takes faith that you are on the right path.

The Real Work Begins:

Publishing: Even when you secure an agent it only means you now get to enter the bigger publishing game. They have to find a company willing to bet that your words are worth the risk; that your writing can attract attention. This is when it gets real. And guess what? You then get to repeat everything you’ve done to get to this point. You go back to the heavy lifting.

Politics: Even when you secure a nomination it only means you now get to enter the bigger political game. The party has to find people that are willing to bet your words are worth the risk; that your platform can attract attention. This is when it gets real. And guess what? You then get to repeat everything you’ve done to get to this point. You go back to the heavy lifting.

On-going Fact:

Publishing: The haters will be lurking and ready to pounce. This is not for the faint of heart.

Politics: The haters will be lurking and ready to pounce. This is not for the faint of heart.

The Bottom Line:

Publishing: In the end, will people buy your book?

Politics: In the end, will people vote for you?

Writing a book and getting published or entering politics and getting elected takes more work than I ever imagined. And rightly so. It’s been a huge learning curve. I’m nowhere near the finish line with either and at times I don’t know if I’ll run out of the inspiration and/or the strength to keep moving forward. Life does have a habit of getting in the way of our dreams.

For all the authors and politicians that take on these daunting tasks, you have my empathy, compassion and admiration.

I salute your hard work.

I bow to your bravery.

Now l better get back to work.