8 Tell-Tale Signs that Forecast Writing
Success!
BY JENNIFER BROWN BANKS
"Talent
is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from
the successful one is a lot of hard work." - Stephen King
Ever wonder what the hands of fate will
deal you in the way of success as a writer? Or why some individuals reap
the rewards of literary recognition, while others fail and fade into
anonymity?
Just as highway signs alert travelers
of their impending destination, there are give-away indicators that
point to "the road to success" for writers.
Here are checkpoints that reveal you’re
in the literary fast lane!
You’re Playing the Field - The
more genres of writing you apply your talents to, the greater the odds
of continued publication and pay. I began my journalistic journey over a
decade ago, writing poetry and greeting card verse.
What I discovered was that poetry
(although my first love), was not very marketable. As a result, these
efforts alone met with very little success until I decided to try
feature writing for magazines. This change in strategy not only allowed
me to establish publishing credits and an impressive portfolio, but also
financed the self-publication of 3 volumes of poetry chapbooks and
opened avenues for paid performances and open mike competitions as well.
You’re an Avid Reader - It is
virtually impossible to become a marketable writer without reading and
studying prominent writers and various styles of expression. Whether
you’re a member of a local book club, subscribe to a few on-line
publications, or regularly escape through a good Harlequin Romance,
you’re moving in the right direction! Being an avid reader helps you
expand your vocabulary, become familiar with different writing styles,
and understand the needs of your audience.
You’re Self-Disciplined - Unlike
other professions and industries, writing is by and large a do it
yourself success story; there is no delegating or getting by on other
team members’ strength. It’s either sink or swim! You establish your own
goals, develop your own game plan, and assume sole responsibility for
your career. Successful writers go the distance by making writing a
priority, honing their craft and persevering through rejection.
You Understand that Writing is a
Business - Far too many writers fail to recognize that writing is a
business. One that requires much more than creativity and a command of
the King’s English. To achieve professional status, one must have
marketing savvy, time management skills, analytical ability, research
knowledge and familiarity with the industry. It also requires putting
money back into the "business" by investing in trade related materials
such as the
Writers’ Market, computer equipment and business
cards (to name a few things).
You Recognize the Importance of
Critiquing - Whether it’s through a writers’ group, a mentor, a
college professor, or people whom you admire and trust. Getting an
outside, objective analysis of your work can mean the difference between
rejection and perfection. Just as "love is blind," many of us are far
too close to what we’ve created to see flaws or gaps in what we’re
trying to convey.
You Know the Meaning of Working
Smart - At least 50% of my writing income is generated from resales.
The well fed writer realizes the potential to resell and represent the
same pieces many times over just by changing the slant and minor
details, and by negotiating rights.
You’re Navigating "the Information
Super Highway" - Do you Google? Are you able to successfully
research, review writers’ websites, and submit work via the Internet?
Doing so decreases down time, increases productivity, and puts you in
the fast lane to creativity. Check out the following writers’ ezines to
enhance your bottom line:
-
Absolute Write Newsletter - This weekly contains articles,
interviews and calls for writers.
-
Inscriptions - Features weekly calls for writers, interviews, book
reviews and announcements.
-
National Association of Women Writers - Produces a newsletter that
provides useful insiders’ tips, motivational quotes, contests,
conferences and more. It also serves to support and promote the works
of female authors.
A great book to also help you improve
your surfing savvy is
300 Incredible Things to Do on the Internet by Ken Leebow.
You Write for the Love of It! -
Do you practically eat, sleep and drink writing? Love to communicate and
connect? In this field, perhaps more so than any other, passion precedes
success. Having the desire to educate, entertain and empathize through
the written word is indeed a noble ambition. And it is this philosophy
that will allow you to persevere and avoid “road rage” in your daily
travels!
Copyright © 2004 Jennifer Brown Banks
Jennifer Brown Banks is a writer,
poet, speaker and literary consultant. Her work is featured monthly as a
contributing writer to Being Single magazine. Additionally, she
is a high school substitute teacher. Publishing credits include:
Chicago Sun-Times, Funds 4 Writers, Writing for Dollars,
Honey Magazine, Today’s Chicago Woman, National
Association of Women Writers’ Weekly, Empowermag.com, Gospel Synergy and a host of online and print publications. Her
upcoming book of poetry,
A Paradox in Pink, is due to be released
in fall 2004. Banks is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America.
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