The problem with being a writer is that you always have something to say. Being a writer is a lot like being a jazz musician: you always have a melody in your head and a need to share it with the world. There is no end to the ideas that come to you, and you can’t help but be constantly writing. Just like jazz musicians, you can be a writer anywhere and at any opportunity, but it takes a lot of practice to get good at it.
You Have To Want To Be A Writer
The world of literature is perhaps the most competitive one in all of academia. Getting published is more than just about fitting in with the cool kids, it is about financially rewarding yourself for your creative accomplishments. It is a difficult road, but those who take it regularly are passionate about what they do and study hard to improve their craft. The competition for spots at prestigious publishing houses is intense and it usually comes down to who will push the other out of the way to get a foot in the door. It is a far cry from simply putting your ideas on paper and hoping that someone will stumble upon them.
If you can get past all the rejection letters and gruelling editorial meetings, though, you will be able to write something wonderful. Something that will change the world. Something that you are proud to have created. Something that you believe will be of value to other people. All that is needed is the willingness to put in the hard yards and the determination to keep pushing forward, even when it seems like the entire world is against you. If you can do that, you will be a great writer.
It Is Hard To Find An Agent Who Will Represent You
Agents are not just a pretty face. An agent’s job is to look for your next deal, negotiate on your behalf and, most importantly, get you the right publisher at the right time for your book. Getting an agent is a lot like getting a manager or publicist. It is a big step towards being a published author, but it is a lot more difficult than just signing a contract with a publishing house. If you want to get good at being a writer, you have to be willing to put in the work. You have to be willing to meet with agents and managers and show them what you can do. You have to be ready to give them your best shot and convince them that you are the right person for the job. Most importantly, you have to be willing to work hard and, believe it or not, be lucky sometimes.
Most Publishing Houses Are Diligent To The Point Of Being Nuts
Diligent is the word used when referring to the thoroughness of a task or activity. I would say that most big publishing houses are pretty meticulous when it comes to putting together an author’s collection of work. After you have signed a contract with a publisher, things can move pretty quickly. Usually, you will be sent an outline of the entire book a few weeks after the contract is signed. From there, it is a matter of turning the manuscript into something that is almost perfect. Big publishing houses are usually very protective of their authors and, for the most part, treat them with the utmost respect even when the author’s collection of work falls short of being perfect.
There are exceptions to this rule, of course. Sometimes, an agent will negotiate revisions for a contract or, if you are lucky, an editor will spot an error in the manuscript and agree to make some changes for the better. At the end of the day, though, it is a very painstaking process that can take months, even years to complete. The point is that you have to be ready to work hard and stay patient.
You Have To Be Nuts To Actually Fulfil Your Potential As A Writer
The best advice that I can give you as a writer is to be nuts. Being a writer is a tough job. It is mentally and physically draining to write something new all the time, day in and day out. Sometimes, the ideas just wont come and, at those times, the only way to get them out is to just go for it and write something random. If you want to be a great writer, you have to be willing to put in the hard yards no matter what, and be prepared to let your guard down and just do what comes naturally. Sometimes, that is just going to be writing whatever pops up in your head at that moment. Being a writer is a hard job, but it can also be one of the most rewarding ones. If you can see yourself as a writer, then go for it and have fun with it. Just be prepared to put in the effort to make it happen. If you can combine hard work and dedication with a little bit of luck, then you will be able to achieve greatness as a writer. Good luck out there.