But It’s There

I was scrolling through social media on my phone and learned the term “invisible labor.” A woman described it this way: the refillable soap dispenser by the kitchen sink was empty. No one filled it. They waited for HER to do it. Other examples: three Cheese-Its on the sofa. Her family sat next to them, but no one picked them up. All those little tasks that get done by those who care for the home are invisible to others even though it’s right in front of them, everywhere. Like putting the new toilet paper roll on top of the holder instead of actually in it (or not getting a new roll out at all!).

Image by Filmbetrachter from Pixabay

If you think about it, there are so many invisible chores around the house that no one really thinks about. And they leave it to others to do.

And It’s Not Just About The House

Any job is the same way. You don’t simply paint a room (well, most people don’t); you patch any holes, clean off grime, and sand rough spots if you want to make it look good.

It’s the same with writing. It’s not simply write the story, check for spelling errors, and you’re done!

It Doesn’t Work That Way.

It may start with jogging down notes and ideas for scenes, character traits, conflicts, surprises, world-building, etc. Then, research alone for any subject or genre sometimes takes days, or even weeks.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

For some, then comes the outlining chore (mostly of which I am a believer but I don’t outline short stories or blog posts). Then we move on to the actual writing.

Photo by Ruca Souza: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-cat-holding-persons-arm-1049764/

After the story is written, it doesn’t move to a simple review, make a few revisions, and it’s done. Editing requires multiple read throughs. Some people use beta readers, critique groups, or even professional editors. Those with agents might have the luxury of the agent reading and offering revisions. If a contract is offered, you can bet the editor will want even more revisions.

Photo by Vanessa Garcia : https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-using-laptop-on-wooden-table-6326031/

Still More Work To Do

Okay, so now maybe it’s good enough to send out into the cold, cruel, publishing world. Our work is not done. The first thing to do is query agents and/or editors if you go the traditionally published route. This can take YEARS to get an agent/editor. If, and that’s a BIG ‘IF‘ you get an agent or editor, before the book is published and once all the additional revisions are done, authors have to seek out people like other authors or professionals who will write a blurb (“I loved this book! So will you!”) for the back cover. There’s arranging for and traveling to book events, blogging and posting on social media, possibly doing school visits, maybe buying paid advertising, and hoping the publisher will step in and do something more than hand out a few free copies to bloggers and reviewers.

Wait! It Can Get Worse!

Photo by Yulia Polyakova : https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-with-eyes-closed-and-hands-on-hair-11329855/

All that unseen work is just for traditionally published authors. If you independently publish, there are so many more chores: designing and/or buying a cover, choosing which platform to use (Amazon KDP, Ingram Spark, etc.), deciding e-book or paperback or both? Maybe audio? Picking out font and paper color/size, pricing, doing ALL your own marketing, making sure you follow tax laws, trying to convince libraries and bookstores to carry your book (good luck), and sucking up the cost to send out copies hoping for good or at least not bad reviews so you can move up the Amazon scale. Plus, we have to look out for book pirates.

Not So Simple, Is It?

Even with all these invisible chores, most writers simply love writing too much to give it up, unlike the woman in the story who gave up filling the soap dispenser. (She stood over her family members until they learned to do the invisible chore.) Now if I ever have a bestselling novel(s) and make enough to afford a personal assistant who could do most of those chores, I’d be a happy camper. It might be easier to win the lottery, though.

So be kind to authors. We’re working like dogs behind the scenes for your pleasure. We’re not getting rich, so don’t get our works from pirate sites (that’s stealing). Be an ally and post a review. Ask a librarian to stock our book. Ask your local bookstore to order it. Tell friends, family, and neighbors if you enjoyed the book.

Now go give some authors and books the love they deserve!

Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-green-long-sleeve-dress-holding-white-book-8933990/