I frequently get suggestions from authors and freelance writers for blog subjects: <\/p>\n
\u201cI want to see more about promoting fiction.\u201d
\n\u201cWhat is the best book promotion idea?\u201d
\n\u201cHow can I make money through my writing in this financial downturn?\u201d
\n\u201cWhat does a publisher really want in a book proposal package?\u201d
\n\u201cDo I have to write a book proposal?\u201d<\/p>\n
And I attempt to cover all of their requests and concerns in articles for magazines and newsletters, in my books as well as in this blog. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s fairly easy to be a writer—to sit down at a computer or with a pad and pencil and pour your head or heart out through well chosen words. Many of you reading this have files and drawers and boxes of writings. Where writing becomes difficult is when you decide that you want to make something of it—something more than the simple pleasures that the process of writing can bring. There comes a time in many writers\u2019 lives when they want to start publishing what they write. And this is not advisable for all writers.<\/p>\n
Who should not attempt to publish?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThose who don\u2019t actually write very well and have no interest in learning important techniques and skills.
\n\u2022\tThose who can\u2019t shift their mindset from artist to business person.<\/p>\n
Writing is a creative endeavor—a craft. Publishing is a business—a highly competitive business. And it requires, not only the heart of a writer, but the head of at least a somewhat savvy, willing-to-learn and stretch businesswo\/man. <\/p>\n
A freelance writer must seek out opportunities for publication. She must pitch her ideas and be willing to alter her stories on request. She needs patience, for the periodicals industry does not operate on any logical or desired schedule. And she must be prepared for disappointment, because this business is fickle and, in this economy, even more so. As a freelance writer, you may be required to write on topics or use slants that you didn\u2019t originally envision—that is, if you want to become successful. You may think you are in charge—that you are operating your own freelance business—but, in reality, in order to succeed (or even survive) there\u2019s a lot of call for flexibility.<\/p>\n
A hopeful author, too, must be willing to bend. He deals with tons of rejection—rejection by agents, publishers and even consumers. It\u2019s no fun to sit at a book festival or a book signing, watching person after person walk past paying no attention to your marvelous book. But it is a reality of publishing and authorship. An author puts even more of himself into his book through emotion, energy and time. And rejection is even more painful. An author may put all of his eggs in one basket with the novel he\u2019s spent the last 5 years perfecting or his recovery memoir or reference book. Everything depends on the success of this book. And the hopeful author is even
\nmore at risk for failure.<\/p>\n
What is the secret to publishing success? Give up the idea of doing things your way. It\u2019s time to go into aerobic mode by being willing to change, bend and stretch. And it\u2019s also vital to know If you have a book to publish, again, read appropriate books starting with my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. Join organizations related to publishing. Start by checking out SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) I frequently get suggestions from authors and freelance writers for blog subjects: \u201cI want to see more about promoting fiction.\u201d \u201cWhat is the best book promotion idea?\u201d \u201cHow can I make money through my writing in this financial downturn?\u201d \u201cWhat does a publisher really want in a book proposal package?\u201d \u201cDo I have to write […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nwhen it is appropriate to do so. My advise? Learn the basics of the \u201cbusiness\u201d you plan to enter. If it is freelance article or story writing, read books on the subject, take online courses, attend conferences that offer workshops for freelance writers. For information on all of the above, visit my website at:
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a>
\nSubscribe to newsletters related to publishing and book promotion (many of them are free), hire a consultant who can guide you through the maze, attend writers\u2019 conferences and sign up for online courses. Learn more about opportunities in all of these areas at:
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/courses.htm<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"