Many of you reading this blog want, more than anything else, to succeed as a writer. You may dream of writing every single day. You want to make enough money at it to justify your time spent writing. And you fear, more than anything else, failure.
Who is most likely to fail in this field?
• Those of little faith who don’t even try. I’ve heard people say that the writing field is saturated and that there’s no room for anyone else. Writers who believe this will never experience their dream career.
• Those who refuse to make sacrifices. Anytime you want to change something about your life—your schedule or your activities—you will be required to sacrifice something.
• Those who are too attached to their own writing. While I don’t advocate compromising your values, being a professional writer sometimes means making concessions. Be willing to rewrite your article at an editor’s request. Agree to cut the number of words in your manuscript if it means landing a contract.
• Those who can’t step outside their comfort zone. Everyone dislikes some aspect of his or her job. Writers, who are unwilling to perform certain tasks, such as conducting interviews and making cold calls, are limiting their usefulness, thus their marketability.
So what are the keys to succeeding as a freelance writer? Here’s what I suggest:
• Make a commitment. I don’t mean that you should give up your day job. On the contrary, it’s wise to have an income to count on while you’re testing the waters of this profession. If you’re serious about a career as a freelance writer, however, take appropriate steps in that direction. Write every chance you get. Take on some writing assignments. You’ll soon learn whether or not you’re a self-starter, if you have organizational and time management skills and if you really enjoy the work.
• Establish a routine and stick to it. If you can’t find the time to write, make some lifestyle changes. Give up some of your club and organization affiliations, stop watching so much television, get up an hour earlier, stay up later at night or cut back on your hours at work, for example. Log your daily activities to discover where you may be wasting time. Determine how much time you can devote to writing and schedule it.
• Create a place to write. Don’t try to launch a writing career on the kitchen table where you share space with the family at meal times or in the living room using the family computer. Set up permanent office space where the distractions are minimal—in a spare room or a corner of your bedroom, for example. I know one writer who remodeled a corner of her garage and created office space there.
• Practice self-discipline. Lack of self-discipline is the cause of failure for many would-be writers. Here are three reliable disciplinary tactics for writers. Set strict hours and don’t accept any excuses to deviate. Find a writing buddy—another writer with whom you can connect for support and encouragement. Reward yourself. Say, for example, “Once I finish this chapter, I’ll take a thirty-minute walk.” Or “As soon as I complete this brochure, I’ll call a friend and chat for ten minutes.” It may also be necessary to train friends and family to honor your working hours.
• Become familiar with the markets. Once you’ve established the area of writing you wish to pursue, spend time each week searching for potential clients. For example, study the magazines you want to write for, search out companies that contract writing work out or research possible publishers for your book.
• Be a bold promoter. It’s well known that writers are usually more contented sitting at home quietly writing. In order to make a living as a writer, however, it’s generally necessary to go out after the assignments. Design a marketing plan and pursue it. You’ll find numerous ideas for putting your plan into action throughout this book.
• Write, Write, Write. Keep your mind and your fingers nimble by writing every single day.
For additional assistance, order your copy of one of the most valuable reference books a writer and hopeful author can own, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
By the way, be sure to hop on over to my Catscapades blog and meet Pumpkin, probably the homeliest cat you have ever seen. Read his story. You’ll fall in love with him. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades