Seven Common Questions I Get About Writing Full-Time
If you're aspiring to have a career where you write full-time, it's crucial to understand that it's not just about the writing itself. It would be best if you also grasped the business side of it. I aim to equip you with the knowledge to achieve that balance. To be a successful full-time writer, you need to write well and comprehend the market and your readers' preferences.
Writing, storytelling, books, and films have given me material things, most of my friendships, and countless happy memories. I am deeply grateful for this profession. This is why I initiated the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference and write these columns: to inspire you to live the life you dream of. Killer Nashville and these columns are my way of giving back for all the incredible people and mentors who have enriched my journey.
It's easy in the business to lose perspective and sometimes lose your way. I’ve received several questions and requests for advice based upon these blogs I’m writing, and I’ve tried to get back to each of you who write individually. Some concerns pop up regularly. I thought I’d take a moment in this blog to share seven of the most common concerns I’ve been getting as writers embark on their journey to become full-time writers and already published writers are taking steps to advance their careers. You’ve heard most of these from me (and probably others) before, but I wanted to include this as a little reminder.
1) In today’s publishing market, sales are paramount. Whether you opt for traditional or independent publishing, if you aim to be a full-time writer, you must remember this. Writing for your satisfaction is not enough; you must also cater to your readers. They are the ultimate decision-makers. Always remember them when choosing your writing topics and the words you put on the page.
2) It's crucial to maintain a positive outlook and not let cynicism cloud your judgment. Remember, this is a business. At times, it may seem like you're facing insurmountable odds. But that's not the case. I, too, started from scratch, without any contacts, and have lived a life I never would have imagined. You can do the same. There's a solution to every problem you encounter. You're not alone on this journey. Keep the faith and keep moving forward.
3) Talent, surprisingly, is not the most important quality a writer can have. We don’t have to read far to read a bestselling book and think we could write one better than that. (Admit it, you’ve said this.) Hard work and discipline are what make the difference. There are many, too many, unpublished and incredibly talented writers. You need talent, yes, but you can work wonders with whatever level of natural talent you have if you will only apply yourself. This is what makes all the difference. You can do this with the proper mindset, no matter your skill level.
4) Getting a book published is only the first step. After that, you must be able to get your other books published. Enjoy this time as you write your first book. You’ll never have this luxury again. After you publish your first book, you’ll face promotion and publishing deadlines that you don’t have to deal with right now. Publishing this first book is only the first step. There are many steps to come. Get that into your mind. It will not get easier the more successful you become; it will get more complicated. You will always, always, have to keep looking for ways to top yourself. It’s challenging, but it is so worth it.
5) Beware get-rich-quick schemes and promises. They are lies. Very few are going to help you. This is a road you must travel and a trip you must plan. No one else is going to do it for you. You need to write the best work you can write, you need to meet people, you need to present yourself professionally, you need to know how to market what you sell, and you need to do it again. In this point about get-rich-quick-schemes, I’ll also include a note on self-publishing. It has its place. However, traditional publishing is still the route if you want to be James Patterson, Stephen King, or John Grisham. The Big Publishers are the Big Gorillas. You need the backing of the Big Gorilla. Carefully choose your career path, and don’t get caught up in the exceptions to the rule. Sometimes, these are grossly taken out of context and are there to mislead you. Use good judgment.
6) It requires several books to kick in your career. Five books are a good number to put you on the map. Don’t expect a bestseller immediately, but write your best book. As word-of-mouth grows your presence, you’ll rise. This is a guarantee. Suddenly, you’ll write a book that is so good, and the word-of-mouth has been laid previously so well that it will propel you to that bestseller spot. It can happen, and if you apply yourself and make the right choices, I think it will happen. But give yourself five years to get there. It could happen sooner, but give yourself five years. Patience is a must.
7) A writer’s career comprises small steps that avalanche into big rewards. Every day, you need to do something that furthers your career. Ensure you write, read, and study marketing and promotion techniques daily. Set yourself a plan of action for each day and stick to it. That old saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day is true. Neither is a writer’s talent, craft, or career. Do it every day. Do not wait for inspiration. Take a small step each day, stick to it, don’t let anything or anyone distract you, stay with the plan, and you will get where you want to go.
To sum it all up, start by being the best writer you can be, networking with the people you need to know now and later, learning as much about the business side as the writing side, and having patience.
Today, make a list of your plan of action.
Following this course will lead you to the dream of writing daily and calling yourself a full-time author. Once you arrive, you will never regret, never, what you had to go through to get there. As a writer friend of mine said, she’s living the dream. You can, too, but keep the above points in mind so we ensure you get there.
Please keep your questions coming to me. I enjoy hearing from you. I’m behind you all the way.
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