Being a good writer is both a skill and a talent – and one that is highly regarded and in demand. But if you’re looking to make your career in writing, where do you start? How can you prove to a publisher or editor that you are capable of writing for their kind of book? Or for that matter, how can you convince an agent to represent you once you’ve established yourself as a credible and talented writer?
The answer is to write and write and continue to submit your work to establish yourself as a professional author. But you might not always be chosen for the projects you want to pursue. That’s why it’s important to build a solid foundation of experience by establishing yourself as a regular contributor to publications where exposure is valued and, hopefully, rewarded.
The Many Benefits Of Being A Regular Contributor
Established writers with a steady stream of publications under their belt often enjoy a high degree of job security. Not to say they don’t have to work hard for their money, as much as any other profession, but they often enjoy a certain level of certainty when applying for a job. And perhaps most crucially, being a regular contributor to a reputable publication indicates to an employer that you are a serious professional. Someone who is intelligent, creative, and hardworking. Someone who they can trust to get the job done. Someone who has the experience and gravitas to warrant a job offer, or at least a serious consideration.
The Building Blocks Of A Viable Pro-Writing Career
There are several essential components to building a successful pro-writing career.
1. A Writing Desk
If you’re serious about becoming a professional writer, then you’ll soon realise that the first step is to upgrade your station. Nothing speaks volume to a potential employer than a well-stocked, ergonomic writing desk. With a chair and a proper desk with a lamp, you’ll be able to develop the right posture and start turning out beautiful prose. For the aspiring writer, a well-designed workstation will make all the difference. It will stop you from slouching and encourage you to sit up straight and focus on your work. A proper desk will allow you to be more creative and productive, and give you the best chance of landing that all-important first writing job. A good-quality desk can also double as a dining table, so you can eat your morning croissant while you work. It really is the most basic and fundamental element of any writer’s workspace.
2. Books
Apart from a proper desk, a writer’s workspace needs a good stock of books. These are your source of inspiration. They will drive the creation of your work and provide essential elements for your scenes. In addition to this, your library should also contain the works of established and well-known authors. By closely examining the writings of William Shakespeare, you’ll soon see why this is so. The plays by the English Bard are some of the most influential works in the English language and are studied and referenced regularly by authors who want to write in an innovative and captivating manner. To write a good book, you need a steady stream of new ideas, concepts, and characters, all of which can be found in the works of Shakespeare.
3. Good Posture
A good writer’s posture is important. It affects everything from your ability to write to your emotional well-being. When you sit at a desk, your body naturally adopts the shape of a chair. This can result in slouching, a condition where you hunch your back and pull your head down. The natural human instinct to slouch is actually useful when you’re daydreaming or sleeping. But while you’re working, good posture ensures that your mind is concentrated on your work and not distracted by trivial matters. It also encourages you to sit up straight, which improves your overall appearance. In the same way that a good set of wheels enhances your driving experience, a good set of posture improves your writing experience. In general, a good posture improves any activity in which you engage. It might not always feel this way, but it’s important that you believe it.
4. Relaxation
It’s important to take time out for yourself. This will help you maintain a clear head and get the most out of your writing sessions. To achieve this, you should take regular breaks throughout the day. You might suggest taking a walk or going for a run. Or perhaps you’d like to try reading or listening to some smooth jams. Whatever you do, just make sure that it doesn’t interfere with your work. This is why regular breaks are so important. They allow you to reset and come back more focused and ready to write.
5. A Safe Place To Write
Finally, a writer’s workspace needs a safe place to write. This is where your desk lamp and chair come into their own. When you are writing, you can’t afford to have any distractions. There should be nothing in the room designed to distract you. No television, no radio, no mobile phones. These are all common sources of distraction. If there are any pets in the house, they should be kept quiet as well. Distracting animals at this time could seriously damage your concentration and throw off your schedule. You need a place that is just for writing.
How To Get Your First Writing Job
With a desk, a chair, and a safe place to write, you have all the necessary equipment to establish yourself as a credible and talented writer. What’s next?
The next step is to begin submitting your work to the various publications and websites where you think you have a chance of being considered for a position. Never, ever, ever, underestimate the power of word of mouth. Your friends, your family, and even strangers on social media can all have an effect on your career. They might not always mean positive things, but they can all work in your favor. And if you’re lucky, they might even introduce you to a professional who can further assist you in your quest for fame and fortune. In any case, continue submitting your work and make sure you keep track of all your submitted pieces. You never know where a little bit of quality writing might lead you.