Throughout this year, the Writers of Bury and Beyond are running a series of articles to inspire you to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard. This month, local author Helen Fisher compares her experiences of traditional publishing and self publishing.

Eighteen rejections in my search for an agent, and I gave up. I was happy before I wrote the book, I convinced myself I could be happy again.

Months later, a friend said she’d read a book that made her feel the same as mine. With no expectations (except those of more rejection) I submitted to the agent mentioned in that book. Soon after, the full manuscript was requested, we’d met in London and I’d been signed. Only then did I think of myself as “a novelist”. It’s so difficult to get an agent (mine received 80,000 submissions that year and took on three authors), that when you get one it’s like winning the lottery; until you realise you’re only just out of the starting blocks.

My agent submitted to publishing houses and I suddenly realised, statistically-speaking, complete rejection was once more the most likely outcome. Writing in the traditional-publishing world is like encouraging unrequited love into your life. I have a low pain threshold except, it seems, when it comes to publishing. Twenty-five editors were approached and the rejections began. Nobody was coming to save me. Just say yes, I begged every waking minute.

Prayers answered, two publishers wanted me. It was a golden time, beautiful and brief where I was baffled but in control as they fought for publishing rights. I signed a two-book deal with Simon & Schuster which changed my life. Ever since, I’ve been rejected.

Recently, I self-published. My latest novel was turned down for not being comparable to current, popular novels on the market. Selfpublishing is a different world: you write knowing you’ll see it in print, but it’s impossible to get the reach or the kudos of the traditionally published novel. I’d like to say one route is easier than the other, but they’ll hurt you in different ways. What you do will depend on your pain threshold.