From the querying trenches and onto shelves: an author’s journey

One of the original Writers Workshop associates, Anna Caig, has been pursuing a book deal for almost ten years. On 26 February, her dream comes true with the publication of The Wise Witch of Orkney by Black & White, part of Bonnier Books. We asked Anna to tell us about her publishing journey.

Like many writers, it’s been my goal since childhood to be a published author. I was that kid, obsessed with Little Women’s Jo March and Swallows and Amazons’ Titty Walker, scribbling ‘novels’ in notebooks.

Over the years, I started multiple stories but never finished any, and then life took over. I got a sensible job in marketing and made a family. It wasn’t until I was approaching my fortieth birthday that I gave myself a shake. Not only had I not accomplished this big life goal, I hadn’t even given it a proper shot. So, I saved up enough money for me to take a year’s career break, and I wrote my first novel.

That novel got seven full manuscript requests from agents and publishers. Surely, this was all going to end in magnificent success? Absolutely not. As these requests turned, slowly but surely, into rejections and ghostings, I returned to work.

But something strange had happened: despite the epic quantity of failure, I’d found what makes me feel fulfilled and happy. So, the saving and the planning began again. I started a business helping writers connect with readers and market their own work, wondering if there would even be demand for that sort of support. It turned out there was. When the business took off, I gave up my in-house comms job.

I wrote another book. This one was highly commended in a prestigious competition, and got me a superstar agent. Surely, now, this was all going to end in magnificent success? No again. My agent sent the book to editors throughout the land and … tumbleweed. Around this time, I made my peace with the fact it was never going to happen. But I also knew I would never stop trying. Why?

Writing is magical. It’s extraordinary the way stories take form through my fingertips, sometimes effortlessly, like I’m revealing a beautiful thing that already exists. Other times, it’s more painful. But despite the blood, sweat, and literal tears (so many tears!), there’s almost nothing more rewarding. Also, my research adventures have brought me huge joy. From tramping through fields to find a Druid temple not visited by anyone except sheep for decades, to discovering my characters speaking in archive documents unread for centuries, the excitement is intoxicating. The friends and community I’ve made around my writing have blown my mind. Meeting people who understand, who’ve shared this roller coaster journey with me, has resulted in some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. 

I built a good life around being a writer and wrote a third book. Which my agent sent out to publishers. I was ready to roll up my sleeves and move onto number four. Then the email arrived. I read it sitting at my kitchen table and immediately burst into tears. We have an offer. The Wise Witch of Orkney will be published. 

In terms of advice for other writers, I can only talk about my own experiences. For me, what became essential was to create a life around my writing that was sustainable and made me happy irrespective of anyone else’s approval. You cannot tie your self-worth to something that may never happen, and over which you have almost no control. Sometimes it’s impossible not to take things personally, but it truly isn’t personal.

I’ve also learnt nobody is going to care as much about your work as you do. You will, hopefully, meet friends and professionals who become advocates for your work, but the buck stops with you. So, write what excites you and sets your heart alight. Enjoy the research. Enjoy the friendships and community. Enjoy the days when the words flow like water, and enjoy the days when it is like wringing blood from a stone, but you do it anyway.

If you want to haul yourself out of the querying trenches and onto the bookshelves, you usually have to put yourself out there. A lot. And withstand a lot of rejection, and probably even more ghosting. I’m not sure I agree with the advice to develop a thick skin (that’s not much use to writers who want to tell compelling human stories), but I do think you need to feel the disappointment then let it go. Instead of dwelling on the setbacks, focus on building a good life around the magical thing that is writing stories. 

I’m more than happy to chat to anyone who’d like some advice or just an informal conversation. Find me on Instagram @AnnaCaig or at annacaig.co.uk  

In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a historical thriller that explores women’s hidden lives in the early days of the witch trials, please do give The Wise Witch of Orkney a try.

If you’re in Sheffield, find the book at Juno Books (Workshop members get 10% discount) or Waterstones (pop into the cafe for a member discount on hot drinks!), or other indie bookstores. If you want to order online, you can also do that via Juno’s website.