Three years ago
I was a total unknown, even to myself! I know I always loved to write, but
unfortunately I never even considered making it a life’s career. Yes, I
joined writing workshops, and even set up my own “fake” book as a
teenager, some leather bound blank notepad that I practiced calligraphy
in. I dreamed of being a professional writer, but didn't know how.
"Marketing," one friend said only a few months ago; I had no
idea what she was talking about. I'm no sales person. When I briefly
worked in a retail shop, I quivered at the idea of “bothering” people
who were looking at the merchandise. "Tooting my own horn" was a
horror for a person who thought she had nothing to offer. Besides, I
didn't have a book published. What was I going to promote?
So I did nothing; I just waited for editors to come to me. As if that
would ever happen, considering only my family knew I wrote…occasionally.
I joined numerous writer workshop e-groups and I lurked, too shy to show
my stuff. I read what they had posted and learned how to write better, all
in silence. I saw that it was mostly just a small percentage of the people
would actually write on there. I started to realize that they had no
reservations about displaying their talents and as a bonus, I continued to
learn more and more. I also noticed that these same people had exciting
news about how they got their essay, poem, or short story actually
published, even if they didn’t get paid for it. Their name was “out
there”!
Soon, when I finally and tentatively started to post my own writing, other
writers began not only to comment but even ask me questions. Quite
frankly, I was confused. I got scared, I admit it, and left the forums, so
I wouldn’t be responsible for giving bad advice or delving into
something I had no business getting into.
It occurred to me what had happened. Other writers were noticing me. They
told me it was because my writing was “fearless”. Wow!
I still didn’t believe in myself, however. I'd rather write in private;
you don’t get rejected that way, cause I can say, “Oh, it’s only a
hobby.” I still couldn’t see me marketing myself; in fact, the
idea scared me to death!
A little over a year ago, I met an author that I wanted to interview in a
group I had for writers, (hobby, as I still considered myself). I had
started to write a book and was anxious to see what my chances were. I was
still fairly Internet illiterate. I certainly couldn’t set up a web page
and display some of my essays and portions of my book to perhaps catch the
eye of a publisher or editor. How could I market myself if I couldn't get
around the WWW? Anyway, I noticed that this author friend was certainly
not the shy type. She had self-published her book and within a year, she
was garnering attention from media and other publications. She latched
onto any opportunity that presented itself. I envied her.
Just the other
day, I built my first website; it is small, very plain actually,
but very informal. I added an article or two for writers and for
publishers/editors to check out my style, to make sure I fit their needs.
I want to start searching the Internet for great links and other helpful
material. I subscribed to e-zines for writers. I will always be learning,
and I will never be complacent enough to know that the learning process
never ends!
I have been
fortunate enough to have two people believe in me, and offer me
opportunities. They shall remain nameless for now, but they know who they
are, and my eternal, lifelong gratitude will always be theirs. They
allowed me to publish and be seen across the web, and my confidence has
grown to the extent that I am now submitting to print publications and to
submit my book manuscript to traditional publishers. I also “blow my own
horn” on my website! And why not? Just the other day, another publisher
has asked me to conduct author interviews for her new publication, but it
will be an unpaid position for a few months. That’s OK by me, because it
presents itself as getting in on the ground floor of a possibly winning
proposition for both of us! I would kick myself if I held out for a paying
assignment, and then find that the one I turned down became a goldmine of
exposure and pay for someone else; someone wiser than I was.
I am looking for marketing opportunities. What's more, I will seize them
with both fists! Stubbornness and tenacity is key for success in this
business. Participating in workshops, feedback as well as asking
questions, and networking with other writers will get you to where you
want to be. Almost everyone you come in contact with has something to
offer; just be sure you also give back.
As of January of this year, I decided to write full-time. Many
people tried to tell me it was silly, foolhardy, even. I don’t listen to
naysayers anymore. It’s not profitable in my life, and it’s certainly
not profitable to my spirit and confidence.
Soon, I want to start an e-zine. I just have to do the research (essential
in any aspect of this career) to make sure I do it right the first time. I
already run a writing workshop group to help writers get to where I am now
and beyond. Now I want to take it to the next step.
I began to get requests for author interviews. I was very nervous, even
though it was all done by email. That ol’ stinkin’ thinkin’
kicked in, again. I think this may be a lifelong struggle, but it’s
getting easier as time goes on.
My confidence grows each day, and now I’m actively promoting myself
every opportunity I get. It gets easier as it goes along. I still get
twinges of “Who do I think I am?” but they pass with each contact that
gets in touch with me. I just make sure that what I promote, I can do.
When people say, “Don’t overreach yourself,” take it as wisdom in
promotion, but reject it when it comes to your status in your life.
June 1st, 2005
: I finally decided to open my own writing workshop,
The Practical Writer on MSN groups. What makes it different is that I can
get writers working very quickly, if they are committed and willing to
learn. Besides, I can learn from the more experienced ones that come in,
too. In fact, I’ve learned that I can be instructed even by the
beginners, because they have the same problem I had; lack of confidence
and not realizing that their lifetime of experiences make them very
interesting people and writers.
I eventually want to set up a “contact info” page for any of the
writers in the group, to help them get noticed and give interested
publishers/editors to get in touch with a certain writer who may fit their
needs. Marketing is an ongoing concern, and you are on your own, unless
you are independently wealthy and can afford a publicist.
I continue to
actively market myself, and will for the rest of my writing career. Being
complacent is not an option, and it’s not for you, either. My success so
far, only being a full-time writer for one year, is not bad at all, and
it’s all due to being “immodest”. You have to sell yourself, because
you ARE the commodity and the product. Just be sure you are a good writer
and never stop learning to tweak your craft.
If you can do that, you can’t help but be successful.
