For those of you who write about animals\u2014and I know that some of you do\u2014I just read a press release printed in PRWEb (Press Release Newswire) reporting on the upcoming Business of Pet Writing Conference in New York. And guess what? Folks, this is a first. The professionals who will be present, indicate that they are optimistic about the field of pet writing both at the periodical level and in book publishing. Isn\u2019t it refreshing to read something positive about the economy and our profession for a change?<\/p>\n
Who are these \u201cexperts?\u201d Representatives from the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Kennel Club, American Pet Products Association, etc. Also present will be, as the article states, \u201cA myriad of talent in the publishing business\u2014representatives from Publishers Weekly, Houghton Mifflin, St. Martin\u2019s Press, the Authors Guild and various pet-related magazines. According to one professional, people will always be interested in their animal companions. And she predicts a \u201cbright future\u201d for those of us who write about pets.<\/p>\n
Now that\u2019s downright encouraging, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
Did it ever occur to you that, in writing and in life, you must create your own encouragement and certainly your own success? You may be accustomed to promoting your book and pitching your article ideas. It\u2019s a time-consuming, trying, sometimes debilitating task and it is ongoing. In difficult economic times, it can be even more challenging. You work longer and harder and there\u2019s more rejection. But you see new books like the one you are pitching being produced. You read articles like those you want to write in key magazines. So you know that the opportunities are out there. <\/p>\n
How do you think others get their similar book manuscripts and articles published? Do they all know someone in high places? Do they bribe the editors? Or do they persevere and keep their ear to the ground while always presenting the best writing they are capable of in the most professional manner? Do you want to succeed (or at least keep your head above water) in these tough economic times? In my opinion, here\u2019s what it\u2019s going to take:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tStudy your industry and\/or genre\u2014historical fiction, young adult, pets, parenting, travel, health, for example. What are the trends? What\u2019s new? Subscribe to related newsletters. Sign up with Google Alerts ( http:\/\/www.google.com\/alerts<\/a> and follow the prompts daily.<\/p>\n \u2022\tSeek out new opportunities\u2014new publishers and\/or paying markets. Google Alerts will help you with this. Also purchase \u201cWriter\u2019s Market\u201d and refer to it often. Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) for monthly updates and opportunities related to publishing and writing for periodicals. http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a> . Read the magazines you want to write for. Research books like yours to discover appropriate publishers.<\/p>\n \u2022\tIncrease the number of targeted query letters and\/or book proposals you send by 40-50% or more. This will increase your chances for success.<\/p>\n \u2022\tDedicate more time to your publishing efforts. This might mean sacrificing time in front of the TV, foregoing some social events, limiting the luxury of sleeping in on weekends, etc.<\/p>\n \u2022\tExercise a greater level of patience and persistence than you ever thought possible. If you thought editors\/publishers were slow to respond before, it\u2019s only going to get worse as they cut staff. Many do not even respond at all unless they are considering your article or book manuscript. Don\u2019t let this discourage you. Keep on keeping on.<\/p>\n Lastly, let me suggest that you give them what they want. I can\u2019t tell you how many writers and artists I know who try to \u201cmake it\u201d with something they want to do. Maybe you have noticed, it is much harder to sell something that you happen to want to sell than it is something that others actually want. If you have been trying to break into publishing with your essay on why it is important to spay\/neuter your pet and no one is interested, perhaps it\u2019s time to try something else. If you love to decorate vases with beach glass, but no one is buying, maybe this isn\u2019t a good business move. What to do? <\/p>\n Isn\u2019t it obvious? What should you do? Something else. Find out what IS selling, what is hot, what is trendy, what people need\/want, what they can use in these troubling times. For example, people are interested in saving money, so you might be able to sell articles to some of the many regional magazines throughout the U.S. featuring spay\/neuter clinics in these areas. Folks might be cutting down on expenses by firing their pet sitters and need to know where the free dog parks are in their city and what the rules and hours are, right? Why can\u2019t you do the research and write the articles? And if you plan to move ahead with your book project despite the economy, be sure to read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong>. This is an investment toward your future. I can\u2019t even begin to tell you of the money and heartache you can save by arming yourself with the knowledge and resources you need in the highly competitive field of publishing. If you want to break into article-writing, read my book, A Writer\u2019s Guide to Magazine Articles.<\/em><\/strong> And while you\u2019re there, just for fun, don\u2019t forget to check out my newest book of cat stories, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats<\/em><\/strong>. It will tickle you and warm your heart.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For those of you who write about animals\u2014and I know that some of you do\u2014I just read a press release printed in PRWEb (Press Release Newswire) reporting on the upcoming Business of Pet Writing Conference in New York. And guess what? Folks, this is a first. The professionals who will be present, indicate that they […]<\/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
\nYou\u2019ve heard it before, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. If you want to experience some measure of success within the publishing industry, you\u2019d better adopt this as your motto.<\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a><\/p>\n