I understand what it means. It means you sold more than one story, or one book, and had it published. It's usually used to describe writers who are making a living from their work, but not always.
But why does it matter? If it does matter, why don't we say double-published and triple-published and on and on?
And does it count if you sell, say, one novel and one nonfiction essay? How about two short stories? Two pieces of flash fiction?
I just don't think it tells you anything, really. And it sounds like you're trying too hard to be accepted. "I'm not just any writer. I've been published multiple times."
Isn't published enough? Or professional writer? Or even just writer?
Am I missing some subtlety here?
Alas, poor Harper Lee. She may have written an American classic, but ha! I'm MULTIpublished! *snort* Yeah. That makes me feel worthy.
ReplyDeleteI agree it's a silly term. But! ...I think a lot of writers often think that first publication deal was a "fluke". Once you have that second, third...twelfth? contract, that's when you sit back and realize it's not just luck. Maybe you...deserved it. Maybe you have talent!
ReplyDeleteAt some point, the numbers will be enough to convince any skeptical author that being published can no longer just be luck.
So, "multipublished" to me suggests the author is/has worked/working through the idea that first contract wasn't a fluke. They're validating themselves to themselves, and/or others.
That said, I still think it looks silly. ;)
Sela, ROFL!
ReplyDeleteRowan, that's a good idea to ponder.
I can't wait to add "publishing" to the number of things I can do multiple times.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds...kinky, Bryn.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rowan. It's intended to be a signal to people that "Hey! It wasn't just blind, stupid luck!"
ReplyDeleteAnd, to further agree with Rowan, it's still silly.
Maybe we can do terms like the recording industry. A Gold-book author. A Platinum-book author. Because OBVIOUSLY sales means everything. (or maybe, just maybe, it doesn't matter as much as some people think it does. *gasp*)
or maybe, just maybe, it doesn't matter as much as some people think it does. *gasp*
ReplyDeleteShocking!
I like it :) I worked hard for it, :)
ReplyDeleteIt matters to me personally for the reasons Rowan mentioned, but I don't feel like I have to go around telling everyone LOL
Maybe there should be t-shirts. Or tattoos.
ReplyDelete