Is writing so much a part of your core-self that you simply can’t not write? Or are you one of those people who sees an opportunity and has decided to take advantage of it by jumping on the writing/publishing bandwagon?
More people than ever are attempting to earn a few bucks by hiring out as writers, by contributing to paying magazines or by offering their services as ghostwriters or editors. Others are setting up publishing companies, promoting themselves as book shepherds and so forth. While some of these people truly enjoy what they do, others are out just for the buck. I’m sure you’ve met some of them along your writing/publishing trail.
I tend to look upon newcomers, who crash into the world of publishing with little or no experience and knowledge, as deficient imposters. But I have to say that some of us who have been in the business of writing for publication and of working with other writers and budding authors for a long time, could learn something from these career crashers.
Most of them generally do have a strong work ethic when it comes to the financial side of the business. Those of us who write for publication and who work with other writers because we love the process, sometimes short-change ourselves when it comes to fair pay for work done. We often give too much of ourselves. We’re so busy feeding our souls and sharing our hearts that we forget to take care of business. Writers and artists are famous for nurturing their inner selves and neglecting their financial health.
We’ve all heard of starving artists and starving writers. And the artist/writer typically blames the economy or the public, who just doesn’t appreciate their efforts.
I maintain that maybe we need to change our attitudes—our perspectives. Maybe we should think more like the businessman/woman who decides to make a living through the process of writing or helping others to become published. If we did, we might become more financially healthy.
Don’t you agree that it’s all in the perspective? If you believe in your work and are willing to do what is necessary in order to generate an income or build a business around it, you will succeed. If, on the other hand, you don’t have the stomach for promotion and marketing, you don’t feel that your work is worthy of a paycheck, then maybe writing for publication is not for you.
There should be no struggle involved. Either you are cut out for a writing or publishing career or you are not. Adjust your expectations and choices accordingly.
For ideas about how to make your writing pay, read some of my former blog posts. Check out those posted on January 6, 10, 24 and March 4 (2009), for example.
Don’t forget, I’m offering a free ebook to those who respond to the questions in my April 24 blog.
If you sincerely want to succeed within the world of publishing, make sure that you have armed yourself with the knowledge that you need. Purchase my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.
Sign up for one of my online, on-demand courses:
• Book Promotion Workshop
• Self-Publishing Workshop
• How to Start and Operate a Successful Freelance Article-Writing Career
• Book Proposal Workshop
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
If you need help with your publishing project, check out my credentials at http://www.matilijapress.com/consulting.html And contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.