6 Great Writing Tips

Many times, when people find out that I am a freelance writer, one of the first things they ask me is about how to get into writing and make good money at it. Though I am far from millionaire status, I have moved up the pay scale since I began freelance writing several years ago. While there is more to writing than making money, each aspect can affect the amount of money you can make as well as the work you can get.

While I do not claim to be "an expert" on the matter, I have learned some basic things about being a writer from my own experiences and through the wisdom of writers I admire.

The following are the top six things I have learned about how to become a great writer.

1. Check the writer ego at the door. There is no such thing as a perfect writer. Every writer gets edited and can learn and improve in some way. The more humble you are in your approach to writing, the more quickly you will be able to improve your skills and marketability. Diva behavior, sending 'nastygrams' to editors and ignoring editorial requests is a surefire way to be fired and to build a bad reputation for yourself. Editors and employers do talk.

2. Take editing instructions seriously, not personally. When they come from a great editor, they will help you to become a better writer. When they come from a bad editor, they will teach you how to get work through editing checks for that client or company, as well as how to deal with negative or hostile people.

3. Improve your craft through continuing education and experience. There is a wealth of information available free and low-cost in the form of classes, workshops, books, ebooks, articles, and blogs from writers, editors, and publishers. Seek out the best of these and use them to your advantage. Over time, many industries make changes, including in how they work with technology. The world of writing is no different. Keeping up on the latest trends and applying that information will benefit you immeasurably as a writer.

4. Read other writers. Pay attention to how their final copy flows. The more you read from the truly gifted and experienced writers, the more quickly you will learn how to improve your own writing. Hold on to your own style and voice, but pay close attention to the technical skills others have.

5. Participate in writing groups and forums. This will enable you to learn from the wisdom and experiences of others. Some of the best information and job leads I have ever gotten have come from my peers. The writers I have come to know from the various writing forums represent the various genres of writing. There is always someone around who can answer questions, and most are more than happy to help. Additionally, many have their own blogs that offer free help in grammar, style, SEO, job leads, marketing, and other helpful topics. Many forums and members offer free critiquing in order to help you understand editorial instructions and improve your writing.

6. Take a chance. The thought of pursuing a career as a writer, submitting that first book, or even applying for a new writing gig can create feelings of anxiety and fear. Everyone goes through this. The important thing is to take that leap of faith and take a chance on yourself.

According to John Bensley who has written about his research into literary rejection, Tom Clancy's book Hunt for the Red October was rejected 177 times before it was published. (Years ago I saw a report that it was 33 times). Other famous and repeatedly rejected authors include Beatrix Potter, J.K. Rowling, George Orwell, and Margaret Mitchell. If your application or work is rejected, keep trying until someone accepts your application or manuscript. Pay attention to rejection letters - they will help you discern useful changes to make.

This does not mean you should flood someone's email box with material he or she has already rejected. It does mean that you should keep improving your skills, and try again elsewhere or the next time an opportunity opens with the same company. Most of the few gigs I have really wanted and not gotten the first time through I have gotten the very next time they were hiring. It is only failure when you stop trying.

Sources:

Writer's Digest

Don't Be a Writing Diva. Mary E. Demuth. June 20, 2008.

http://www.writersdigest.com/article/dont-be-a-writing-diva/

Nastygram - Definition

*Note: the only source of a definition I could find

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nastygram

Synnoeo Blog by John Bensley

"Rejection"

August 7, 2007

http://synnoeo.blogspot.com/2007/08/rejection.html