19 November 2011

Thinking today, between writing, revising, and seeking out new markets, I'm reminded of two sides to this job that people rarely even consider.  And one very personal side of it as well . . . 

The Leg Work:
It never ceases to amaze me how much work this job requires.  It's not hard work, mind you, but you do have to put forth the effort.  Markets will not find you.  Even with projects seemingly piled on top of each other, there is always a need to find new avenues for work -- and ways to get the word out there.

Today, while flipping through a writer's mag I've read before, I found three new markets (and all I did was go to the jon).  It can be that simple.

For other times, I've found a current Writer's Market or a good website that lists publishers like a database and submission calls by date and as they open up are all you need to get the ball rolling.  My personal favorite is Duotrope.  That site is a life saver, I swear.

But, also, read a variety of writing magazines.

Note about pay:
Never underestimate the worth of simply getting your name out.  Not all markets pay, but all are read.  Having a piece in print, or even online, you're out there to be found.  It's credit -- that money can't buy. 

Getting the Word Out:
Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Websites, word of mouth, it all gets done by you.  Well, at least until you write several best sellers and can pay people to do it for you.

Realistically, it'll still be you.

As stated before, currently, I'm using mainly this blog.  I do have Twitter and even Facebook, but this is more to my liking.  180 characters to 450 just . . . I'll get used to those as the work picks up.  Mainly, what's needed is a steady and frequent presence (3-7 days a week) -- something to prove you're out there and willing to work for your publisher just as much as for your characters/stories.

You will be the main source of advertising for anything you do.  The publisher only puts you in print.

Note:
As a writer/author (each has their own definition), you're job is to write a piece good enough that a publisher will want it.  You have to believe in it.  You have to do the grunt work to get it seen and read.  You have to keep interest up about your work, attract readers, and keep them coming back.

The publisher is only print (and maybe a paycheck).  They know they have something you want.  So, they're going to make you work for it.  Trick is, getting them to want what you have, too.  Proving you're willing to work for them as much as yourself helps.

You've got to keep yourself out there.

The Writer Himself:
This, is the fun one . . .

When you find a market, or a project, you're on top of the world.
When you've finished a piece, you're damned proud of yourself and no one can put you under.
When you've revised it, polished it; made it your own, you're a master.
When you've clicked submit, send, or mailed it off, you're KING!
A second later, you're human.

That one second, those two heartbeats (one to feel it and one for you to realize it), you've gone from top of the world back to John Q. Public.

This is usually when I start to rethink every decision I've ever made while working on the project.  Ha Ha (not too funny, really), I obsess about everything.  If it wasn't a mistake in the piece, I fret over formatting (was my following the guidelines perfect enough???)

This is where the artist reverts back to the feeling being five years old and starting over in a new school.  But, here's a news flash.  You're done!  The piece is written, the market and publisher found (worry about their decision when you hear it) and your work is on its own.  But, you're done.  Stop worrying.

Worst that could happen, and it will at some point, is the piece is turned down (they will usually state why in some form or another -- use that).  Take any notes you get and pick yourself by the bootstraps.  Try again.

Pieces can be rejected for nothing more than wrong timing in the market.  That does not mean you wrote badly or they hated you (they don't know you, how can they hate you).  It simply means that its time will come.  Don't give up!

A friend of mine went through hundreds of rejections on her novel -- not even in the low hundreds.  But, she stood by her work and kept trucking.  She's now published and working on, I think, her third book.  All it was was timing.