'It's an arduous task at best'

“Writing one's first novel, getting it sold, and shepherding it through the labyrinths of editing, production, marketing, journalism, and social media is an arduous and nerve-wracking process.” – Paul Di Filippo

 

Di Filippo, born in Rhode Island on Oct. 29, 1954 is the author of hundreds of short stories and numerous novels and “collections,” including his acclaimed Steampunk Trilogy. 

 

 A finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, BSFA, Philip K. Dick, Wired Magazine, and World Fantasy awards he’s not only one of America’s leading science fiction and fantasy writers but also a highly respected reviewer for such magazines as Asimov's Science Fiction, The New York Review of Science Fiction and the online Science Fiction Weekly.

 

Despite his own successes, he has a bit of a gloomy outlook on having success with your first book.  

 

“Any debut novel is usually a case of spitting into the wind - or, just maybe, casting your bread upon the waters,” he said.  “Without an established audience in place, first-time authors have to hope for resonant word of mouth and a receptive reviewer or three.”