In one of my discussion groups, we’ve been discussing how to jumpstart your writing work in a slow economy. The ideas have been flying in all directions. There are those who simply don’t believe there is hope for the working writer and others with an abundance of optimism. Who should you listen to? I guess it depends on whether you see the glass as half empty or half full.
It seems that those who are struggling tend to believe in the doom and gloom. Those who see the light at the end of the tunnel are working hard toward their goals. And these writers are earning a living—or, at least, supplementing their incomes. And these writers have a much more realistic outlook.
You’re probably not going to make any quick or reliable money writing books. This is a fact in any economy. Sure, there are exceptions. If you are producing and expertly marketing booklets related to a certain field, you can probably make some fairly quick money. Booklets, on a topic you know well and in your field of interest and involvement, are easy to write and convenient to market. To sit down and start writing novels in order to make some money, would not be a smart business move.
I always advise writers to think small in order to make it big. In other words, rather than spending ten months, a year or more writing a business book, break your subjects down and write several booklets. Instead of building a business around a full-blown book, slice and dice your ideas and create articles. Once you have a more steady income, you can still write that book.
Some people claim they have tried submitting articles and it just didn’t work out. One actually told me recently that he contacted the editors of one magazine and was told that they no longer publish articles, so he has decided to give up on that idea altogether. What???? Does he know how many magazines are out there?
In the latest issue of the SPAWN Market Update (appearing in the member area of the SPAWN website monthly), I listed 20 trade magazines that pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per piece.
Sure, maybe you don’t typically write for trade publications. You figure that if you don’t know anything about welding, running a hotel, finance and business management, for example, you can’t write for these magazines. But you might be surprised. I have sold article on intuition in the workplace, office politics, family-run businesses, how to run a business with your spouse, teen businesses, office organizing tips, networking, vacation tips, garage and basement manufacturers, how to survive shift work, power napping and others to trade magazines over the years. I’ve also had success writing for religious, regional and association publications. Religious/spiritual magazines publish pieces on family issues, for example, and there are numbers of them a writer could explore.
When the economy slows down, it’s time for the writer to gear up. Take chances (is rejection really that horrible?), try something new, think outside the box, get creative. Do what you do best in ways that may be unique to your style and that challenge your comfort zone.
No one ever got ahead in this profession by shrinking away from the challenges, making excuses for NOT trying something different, avoiding the research necessary to move forward or giving up.
If you’ve been knocked out of the game by shifts in the economy—your book isn’t selling, your bank account is dwindling and you don’t know what to do next, don’t give up. If writing is your passion, explore new writing opportunities. If you want to enter into the article-writing business and you need help, sign up for my article-writing course:
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm