How to Be a Writer

When we think of writers, we imagine adventurers. Writers, we think, live the tales they tell. Writers, we assume, are artists of storytelling and they need creative stimulation that only a dramatic remote cabin can provide. The truth is, anyone who writes is a writer. To be a professional writer, you will need to do more than just rent a cabin for a month!

Instructions

Practice, Practice, Practice

1. Become a blog writer. Blog writing has quickly become a great way for new and experienced writers to keep doing what they love--writing! Also, some bloggers get sponsored and turn their hobby into a paid job.

2. Be a journal writer. Journal writing is a great way to practice organizing your thoughts without the added stress of trying to make up characters and events.

3. Be a email writer. Emails are opportunities to practice writing. Think about how your writing in emails expresses your personality. You can use similar styles when your write dialogue between characters.

Find Your Market

1. Decide what kind of writing you want to do.

2. Learn about what sells in your market. The best way to do this is by reading. If you are interested in mystery, pick up a couple of the most popular, recent mysteries. Figure out what makes a good mystery.

3. Figure out what kind of places would hire you and what kind of publishers would publish your work. The Writer's Market lists all of the publishers in America. It also gives tips on how to approach different publishers. If you want an office job, you can learn about different companies by looking on internet job boards.

Get in Through the Door

1. Introduce yourself to a couple publishers or companies. You can do this by asking someone you know to introduce you to an editor or by sending an email or letter.

2. Convince an editor that you and their company have the same goals. This only means that if a children's book publisher wants manuscripts that teach children right from wrong, you propose a book that discusses exactly what the publisher wants. This also means that you do not propose books or ideas the publisher does not want.

3. Consider getting an agent. This could help save you time on finding and courting the right market.

Tips & Warnings

• Many editors agree that blog writing is published writing. Even if you never got paid for an entry, maintaining a blog shows that you have the discipline to write on a regular basis. This kind of effort could help you land a full-time writing job later.

• Journal writing can eventually turn into a published piece by borrowing conversations or scenes from your life.

• Buy a reference on writing book proposals or cover letters. Most editors will not bother reading a manuscript if it is not formatted properly.

• Many publishers refuse to accept unsolicited manuscripts. Before you try to get something published make sure you understand the correct query and submission processes.

Resources

• Ideas to Help You Journal Regularly
• Writer's Market Online