As a physician, I’ve often had to give advice to patients that they didn’t want to hear, but needed to hear.
As a writer, in a recent conversation with an experienced agent, I found myself with the shoe on the other foot. I received advice about my debut novel that I didn’t want to hear but needed to hear: my story was great, but if I didn’t change the protagonist substantially, it would be impossible to sell to a mainstream publisher.
At first I became defensive—not because I thought he was wrong, but because I knew he was right.
But after a day, I realized this was the most helpful advice I have received about my novel.
Now my decision path is clear: institute the changes to the protagonist and go for a mainstream publisher, or keep my book the way it is and publish independently (self-publish, hybrid publish, or look for a small publisher).
I haven’t decided which way to go yet, but at least I have clarity on the choices.