Selling Your First Piece of Writing

Ever since I took up writing seriously last summer, I decided I would pursue publishing opportunities much more seriously. When I realized how slow the turnout was for publishing short stories, I decided I would give writing articles a shot. I never thought I would get paid for a writing gig especially for writing articles. It wasn't my niche.

An established writer and editor encouraged me to try writing about family simplicity for a well known ezine. I saw this as a fantastic learning opportunity.

After carefully following their submission guidelines and studying their writing style, I spent an entire Friday morning writing and rewriting it.

A month later, I added yet another rejection file to my folder. This time I received word that it wasn't suitable for their editorial needs. It was back to the drawing board.

One day I wrote to my writing group sharing my frustration of receiving so many rejections. One established writer and editor offered to read it and give feedback. Again, it was a rewarding opportunity to learn from the experts.

I had read this writer's work before in previous publications. Her articles sounded fresh, clean with energy. I had wondered why mine always sounded bland with strict ordinary prose. She suggested I chop away chop unnecessary words, tighten up phrases and sentence structure. I reread my final version and I was pleased with the way the writing flowed. Could it be then I had a whole new and clear writing style?

Sometimes rewriting articles and sending them off again is a matter of cutting away with words and rearranging sentences. Other times it is about experimenting with a writing style. It pays to send it to a few expert writers who have been in newbie shoes to give expert advice and opinions.

For my final version of the same article, I had a new and different layout with bullets, subheadings, and headings. I had sentences with varying lengths. I had cut out unnecessary words. But it was nothing like the first version. I felt much more comfortable with its sound and style. It is important for a beginning writer to find his/her own writing style before sending finished pieces out.

Very recently, I saw an ezine advertising for articles on family simplicity and very quickly, I sent my article. I felt this article had promise. Within one day, they asked for the first paragraph and one week later, they entire article was circulating in a print journal in New York and New Jersey. I couldn't believe it! It was definitely the start of something new.

Any experienced writer will tell an anxious and determined starting out writer the ropes in getting published take a lot of hard work and persistence. It is not easy to see all the ropes involved right away in the beginning in selling that first article or short story. Sometimes it is hard to see the end of a long road after receiving many rejections. But never underestimate the power of hard work. So, back to the writing table!