Neely Tubati Alexander is the USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. Her books have been featured in The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Goop, Parade, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Elle, and more, with her novel IN A NOT SO PERFECT WORLD chosen as a Good Morning America Buzz Pick. Her work has received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. She lives in Arizona with her family.

Remember in The Devil Wears Prada when Andy Sachs is reminded multiple times that “a million girls would kill for this job?” Well, welcome to publishing.

After three books with a Big 5 publisher, I have experienced tremendous highs (USA TODAY bestseller list, Good Morning America Buzz pick, starred trade reviews) and low lows (dozens of rejections, books dying on submission, and multiple agent and editor changes). Through it all, I’ve learned careers in publishing are built on persistence, consistency, and tenacity.

There are plenty of things I know I control. This is important to note, because once you’re in the thick of it, it can feel like you don’t control a damn thing. You often hear authors talk about luck being a big part of their journey to “success.” Shonda Rhimes explained in an interview that the only reason she read Bridgerton was that she was sick on vacation, and the first book in the series happened to be left behind in her room. So, if the definition of luck is preparation meeting opportunity, here are a few things that have best prepared me for when opportunity comes knocking.

Adaptability

When I signed my first book deal, I had had a fairly starlit path in publishing. I went from the slush pile to multiple agent offers. My debut went to auction after three weeks on sub, and I signed a six-figure, two-book deal with a dream publisher. My dreamy brain assumed it would only be up from there. But then came editor changes, book sales numbers, market inflections, reviews, and all the things we as authors cannot control. And then, after three books in three years, I found my career stalled. I remind myself often that publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. I truly believe the only way to be successful, especially long-term in publishing, is to adapt. So many authors I know have shifted genres, sat on books until the timing was right, gone hybrid—all decisions made to continue their careers based on what the market demanded, not necessarily because it’s what they would have otherwise chosen. I’ve continued to write in various formats and genres, so that when Shonda Rhimes comes along, I’ll have a stockpile of manuscripts ready (manifesting). Just like in business, my motto in publishing is adapt or die (I’ve been accused of being dramatic).

Knowledge

One of the things that surprised me most when I got a look behind the curtain in publishing is how little information is actively shared with authors. From sales numbers to rejection details, editor/agent discussions and publisher plans, authors are often the last to know. Like in anything, you have to advocate for yourself, be smart and educated about the business side of things. While agents and editors are lovely people, they are also running their own businesses. You have to be your own best advocate, and you can only do that with information. I ask for your sales numbers. I ask to see those rejections. I ask other authors about their experiences. Advocating is not rude, it’s imperative, and nobody is going to take your career as seriously as you do.

Community

For all three of my books, nearly every author who has blurbed is someone I built a genuine, personal relationship with. I read their books, I am a genuine fan, I went to their events, I sought them out at events we were both a part of. I make an effort to go to author signings in my area. I go to festivals and conferences when my circumstances allow. Showing up in person for events, big or small, is the best way to build relationships, and publishing, like life, is about relationships. Authentic ones.

The Work

I remember listening to podcasts before I had landed my first agent, hearing authors say you really had to love the work to be able to make it in this business. It felt like a no-brainer. Of course you should like writing, right? It took me being on the other side of it to really understand what this “advice” meant. There’s a lot of BS that can come with publishing. Bad reviews, mismanaged launches, agent and editor woes—and the list is far longer for marginalized authors. So why then, do we do it? I can tell you for me, there’s nothing I love more than writing. The quiet solitude of just me and my story and the high of a storyline idea of plot breakthrough. Whenever I find myself frustrated with the industry, with the structure and the people who tend to benefit most from it, I return to the work. You can drive yourself nuts with all the other noise if the writing isn’t your true happy place in all of it.

And if all else fails, do not discount the power of manifestation—Shonda Rhymes, I’m looking at you.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander

Aspiring video game designer Sloane agrees to pose as her attractive neighbor Charlie’s girlfriend on a tropical vacation, hoping the getaway will give her time to create a career-making project. Although Charlie intends to win back his ex and Sloane is determined to remain single, their fake relationship quickly begins feeling real. Now Sloane must decide whether she can pursue her dream job without closing herself off to an unexpected chance at love.

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