Playing by the Rules; or not
If you are a writer then you know that the road to getting published is paved with rules. You can't send a query without an SASE, and then complain that the agent or editor did not respond. That's just how life works. We must play by the rules.
Granted, sometimes, bending the rules gets one noticed, and there's nothing wrong with trying to be unique. However, gimmicks that cross the line will never work. Never. What gets a writer noticed is originality, and good writing. Period.
Okay, okay, I've heard the stories about good writing that never gets published and "not-so-good" writing that sells a bunch-load of books. That has more to do with marketing.
Just because you get published doesn't mean that you should just sit back and watch the money come in, because without you getting out there and selling, no money will flow.
I still remember what J.A. Konrath said after he got published. He said, "I waited tables for 30 hours a week, then spent 20 [hours] writing. Since becoming a full-time writer, I work an average of 60 hours a week--weekends, nights and holidays. . .[and] I've never been happier."
He also said, "Even after years of work without selling anything, I never gave up. . .There's a word for writers who never say die: The word is "published."
Finally, "Talent is only part of the equation. You also need persistence, humility, and a sense of humor. Good writing won't ever be read unless it's well edited and marketed. . .[The Writing] business requires hard work, dedication and market savvy."
Good words to work by. So, what are you doing sitting there reading this? Go write! Go write, and become a success.
A professional is an amateur who didn't quit.
Granted, sometimes, bending the rules gets one noticed, and there's nothing wrong with trying to be unique. However, gimmicks that cross the line will never work. Never. What gets a writer noticed is originality, and good writing. Period.
Okay, okay, I've heard the stories about good writing that never gets published and "not-so-good" writing that sells a bunch-load of books. That has more to do with marketing.
Just because you get published doesn't mean that you should just sit back and watch the money come in, because without you getting out there and selling, no money will flow.
I still remember what J.A. Konrath said after he got published. He said, "I waited tables for 30 hours a week, then spent 20 [hours] writing. Since becoming a full-time writer, I work an average of 60 hours a week--weekends, nights and holidays. . .[and] I've never been happier."
He also said, "Even after years of work without selling anything, I never gave up. . .There's a word for writers who never say die: The word is "published."
Finally, "Talent is only part of the equation. You also need persistence, humility, and a sense of humor. Good writing won't ever be read unless it's well edited and marketed. . .[The Writing] business requires hard work, dedication and market savvy."
Good words to work by. So, what are you doing sitting there reading this? Go write! Go write, and become a success.
A professional is an amateur who didn't quit.
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