I get it. I started writing novels a few years ago. I have one I wrote some time ago I’m going to start seriously whipping into shape. But I’ve also written a slew of genre novels, and I learned a lot about the process from that. Now I’ve just published a more serious novel under my real name, and all I learned from the genre novels helped. I have enough of a following here and on Substack to help a bit. I will not be able to buy a cottage by the sea but I’m very satisfied with the response. Hire an experienced book editor if you’re serious about this. I didn’t for the genre novels but I did for my most recent book. Do spring for a good cover, too.