Do you remember when writers were not well-respected because it was believed that no one could make a living as a writer? I was there—making a living with my writing at the time. Writers weren’t taken seriously because, after all, writing is an art—something that you do when inspiration strikes, not on demand. In those days, few people had ever even met a writer during their lifetime.
A lot has changed. Now writers and authors are everywhere—among your church congregation, in your office at work, living down the street, carpooling your kids, selling you bakery goods downtown, walking your dogs and teaching at the local high school. You have friends who have authored a book. And many of you reading this are writing, have written or are thinking about writing a book.
In the 1970s—‘80s, I did not know another writer. Today, I know hundreds of them. Isn’t this the case with you?
And you are probably finding that the craft of writing is still not taken seriously among your acquaintances and friends. Surely, this has happened to you: You’re announcement, during conversation, that you are a writer, is met with a rather blank stare, right? Just what is the other person thinking? I’ll tell you what:
• Humph, a writer, you say? You can’t be serious. Writing isn’t a profession, it’s a pastime.
• So why haven’t I heard of you?
• Yeah, my sister-in-law claims she’s a writer, too, but all she did was write a book, give copies to everyone she knows and tuck the rest away in her garage.
• Everyone can write. What’s the big deal about being a writer?
Few people know what goes into the writing profession. They aren’t aware of the multitude of writing-related jobs, careers in the corporate world. And they can’t imagine that anyone could create a business writing from home.
Yes, the stigma still exists—even among fellow writers. Writers and authors just starting out and even some that are slightly seasoned, really have a hard time with the concept of paying another writer to evaluate or edit their books, for example. Some just don’t have the money. They plan to make their fortune with their book. One author even told me a few years ago that he would have his book edited at some later date, but he needed to get it out now as is in order to start generating some funds. Once he has money in the bank, he’ll consider hiring an editor for a later revision.
There are few constants in writing and authorship. There are as many stories and scenarios as there are writers. I guess that’s why I’ve been able to keep writing new books and articles on writing and authorship. That’s why I’ve managed to post over a thousand blog posts during these past five years. But one thing that is true for every writer and author everywhere is this: If you plan to publish a book or have your articles/stories published, you really must study the publishing industry before getting involved. In order to succeed, you must have an enough of an understanding of publishing in order to make the right decisions for your project.
Publishing is a business—a highly competitive business. And the most important thing you can do for yourself before entering into the competition, is to become informed.
Competition—hmmm. I think I’ll say something about competition in tomorrow’s blog post. If anyone has comments they’d like for me to include, just email me: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
By the way, I have 2 spots left in my free online book proposal course scheduled to begin December 27, 2010. Read the course description here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm Then contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
Not only did I get “writing is not a profession” from teachers, friends, and relatives as a youngster, I brainwashed myself into believing it! The easy money available for science and engineering students after Sputnik was also tempting at the time. Now I find all that technical education permeates my writing and makes it easier. Coupled with living outside the U.S., I have found that I have much more to write about now than if I had gone directly into writing. At any rate, now I am writing to beat the band and am having the time of my life!