Do you want to be a writer or simply just write? Whatever you answer, it’s fine so long as it is what YOU want. You see there is a difference between the two, something that many aspiring new writers don’t always realize.
Writing is something a lot of people LIKE doing. We write because we have a story to share, our memoir to write, an opinion to voice, or just simply to get down on paper facts about our family and lives. Sometimes we write for ourselves, something so personal we choose not to share. If we are writing something, or coordinating a group effort for a collaboration (ie: family recipes), there are several inexpensive ways to get a book printed without marketing. Do some research and go for it.
Being a writer is a job, a task, a responsibility. There is a lot of work involved AFTER you actually write a poem, story or manuscript: self-editing and working with a professional editor as necessary; querying and finding an agent or publisher, or choosing a reputable self-publishing house if you prefer; and then there is promotion and depending on the publisher, marketing.
The “payment” for being a writer is mostly the satisfaction of seeing your name on the book cover, something that won’t pay the bills. Don’t choose this career if you are looking for a get-rich-quick idea, most writers (the majority) do not make a living from writing alone. It isn’t something to do just in your leisure time, you need to make a point of writing and promoting yourself as a writer (don’t wait until you actually have a book out) everyday.
Social network sites and blogs are terrific methods for self-promotion, so plan to spend at least a few hours weekly building and maintaining a “platform”, the persona you want the public to know, be interested in and follow. Again, keep in mind the key words “the persona you want the public to know” – do you want them to know your bad habits, wild partying, complaining, whining… or do you want them to be interested in YOU for what you can say to them as a writer? Be careful about the image you project.
Depending on your publisher and the route of publication you’ve chosen, you may be expected to do a myriad of things with or without compensation – read any agreements or contracts you sign. Some publishers will actually require full marketing plans from you. Contrary to popular belief, most publishers will NOT be investing huge sums of money (if any) into book marketing efforts. In addition, the brick and mortar book stores are most likely NOT going to be displaying your book on the in-store shelves. Did you know that many of the “big” publishing houses actually pay for shelf space and the retailer is obligated to keep their books displayed? That doesn’t leave a lot of room for indie published tomes from relatively unknown authors.
It is up to the author to promote themselves, make appearances both virtual (online) and in-person, contact local bookstores and media, and in some cases actually sell books. If you are lucky enough to wind up with a publisher who sends out national press releases and professional “send packets”, gets your book into retail warehouses, helps out with online promotion, designs book trailers, wow, be happy. If your publisher does little of this, it is up to you to do the work or hire (at your own expense) someone else to.
Writing is a way of life for many of us and something we couldn’t imagine not doing, BEING a writer is ALSO a job that pays off big-time when we see our names in print and receive even meager royalty checks. Speak to other writers and get a realistic view of what you’re getting into – in my opinion, it is definitely worth it.
Writing exercise: Create at least three very different characters; choose a recent newspaper article about an emergency or crime. Rewrite the news story from the perspective of one of your characters – rewrite the story for each one.
Writing prompt: What are you most passionate about? It can be an activity, a cause, a way of life – write a one minute commercial selling the concept to others.
