Under pressure: the authors' perspective

Publishing is facing industry-wide burnout, according to a survey conducted by The Bookseller, which revealed that 69% of staffers were experiencing it. The same survey reported that industry staff were surviving and not thriving owing to the cost-of-living crisis: it is clear people are struggling with their wellbeing. Moreover, issues with mental health usually show up alongside physical problems too; the two strands of health are intersectional. Yesterday, Nelle Andrew wrote about how burnout is manifesting for agents. But how, then, does this all affect authors, the lifeblood of the industry? Let us explore and I shall share my own story and that of other authors as we go. 

First let us define burnout. The World Health Organisation, which classified it in 2019, conceptualises the syndrome as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It has three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. When it comes to authors and this definition, it’s important to remember that our workplace is often our home, and the site of a multi-strand freelance career, which can make things harder, rather than easier; I personally have experienced all these feelings over the past three years while launching two books in lockdown, being unwell, home-schooling, teaching online, and being a carer. Writing can make for quite an isolating as well as an overwhelming life, especially in times of strife.

We must identify how we are feeling and talk about it, acknowledging that writers at all stages are feeling depleted and disillusioned. We have been through major trauma, and it is ongoing

Because — talking of difficult times — I have also been seeing increasingly disappointing sales, events getting cancelled, rights not being sold in a sluggish and catching-up market, frayed tempers and increased ghosting from editors. In none of this am I alone. I spoke to several authors at different career stages. Comments included: "We all need to take time out to look after our wellbeing and authors are no exception, particularly those who are chronically ill or already have a mental health issue"; "Everyone is tired and stretched now"; "I feel that publishing is being very careful and risk averse right now. Since writing is not making money, it would make far more sense for me to increase hours in the day job again instead. At least hard work pays actual money there"; "I still love making up stories, but writing for publication feels like all hard work and very little reward".

Also: "I am exhausted trying every social media trick and being relentlessly upbeat when all I want to do is scream. My books are well reviewed and not selling. Meanwhile, I watch untold fortunes being spent on marketing a tiny handful of books that were probably going to do fine anyway"; and, in querying writers, a typical response was, "I feel like I am being ignored. I don’t know what to do. I’m just so disheartened".

So, what can we do? First, get informed about the impact of burnout and some of the help available; there are useful resources online from both Mental Health UK and the NHS. Then, we must identify how we are feeling and talk about it, acknowledging that writers at all stages are feeling depleted and disillusioned. We have been through major trauma, and it is ongoing: this needs time, compassion and understanding that our ability to cope with things may well be compromised. I mentioned my own pressures above, and let me tell you that I am still standing because of an open and supportive relationship with my agent but also the group of writers whom I call my tribe. We are chatting it over and being forthright about feelings.

What might also help would be to know that editors and agents will always offer replies – or, rather have a stated period for a response — to first query and full manuscript submissions. Ghosting may be debilitating for a writer. However, authors need to be appreciative of the pressure agents and editors are under, so perhaps these periods could be lengthened: the point is to look after everyone. 

Finally, do not be ashamed of asking for help. "This is a strength and not a weakness" as one writer put it. Other writers told me they were afraid of saying they were not coping because publishing is competitive, and they did not want to "look like a whiner". Yet, we are all vulnerable and we all have our breaking points: that’s normal and natural and presenteeism and pushing yourself beyond what is healthy for you befits no one. The publishing industry exists because of writers, and we can work together as a whole industry to enhance wellbeing.

We are stronger together.