Many people believe that being a successful writer means breaking all the rules. After all, stories that fit into traditional boxes often appear on bestseller lists, right? So if you want to be successful, then you might as well do whatever it takes to make that happen. However, as you will see, not following the rules can prevent you from having a successful career as a writer, no matter what title you go by. This article will discuss the many rules that successful writers follow, so that you can begin to see the logic behind following them.
Traditional Publishing Vs Self-Publishing
There are many differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing. First of all, traditional publishing is when an author submits a manuscript to a publisher, who then decides whether to accept it for consideration. In most cases, the author does not have any control over the content of the work once it is accepted for publication. On the other hand, with self-publishing an author typically has complete control over the content and can shape it to fit their preferences. This means that with self-publishing an author can take their chances with the audience they have cultivated rather than relying on the publisher to decide what will and won’t be popular. In addition to this, traditional publishing requires the author to follow a certain structure, which often means significant editorial intervention on the part of the publisher. Self-publishing allows for more flexibility and the opportunity to take a more hands-on approach to the process, rather than being restricted to one or two editors, one or two proofreaders, and one or two designers. If you want to find out more, then I recommend checking out this informative article from the Wall Street Journal, which focuses on the differences between the two methods.
Traditional Publishing Is The Method Of Choice For New Writers
Traditionally, if you are a new writer or if you haven’t yet sold a single story, then it is most likely that you will be published by a traditional publisher. This is because, as I have already stated, they have all the information about what sells and what doesn’t, and they use that knowledge to guide their editorial decisions. If you are looking to join this club, then the first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with the industry. Start by looking at what is popular right now and try to figure out why. You can find all kinds of lists of what is fashionable and/or in demand, so you should start to see a trend in terms of what is selling well and what isn’t. You can use this information to your advantage and determine whether or not you should try to publish your work independently, or if you should join a publisher and follow the herd.
Traditional Publishers Work According To A Set Roster
If you are a member of a set roster of writers, then traditional publishers will almost surely be interested in acquiring your work. This is because they know that you will be likely to follow the same pattern as the rest of the group. If you don’t believe me, then just ask any of the writers that work for big-name publishers, as they will be more than happy to tell you about the structure that their agency follows for pitching story ideas.
Traditional Publishers Negotiate Higher Stills
If you are negotiating a contract for your work, then traditional publishers will almost certainly ask for more money up front. This is because they know that you, as a new writer, will not be able to afford the luxury of a large advance. In most cases, you will have to rely on royalties or some other form of compensation to make up the difference. If you do choose to go the traditional publishing route, then be prepared for this initial outlay of money and be sure to budget for it. It is also a good idea to get a business credit card, which allows you to make purchases without having to worry about paying off the balance each month. This will help ensure that you always have money to pay your publisher, and it will give you something to fall back on, if things should go wrong.
Traditional Publishers Have More In Common With Each Other Than With The General Public
If you want to be successful as a writer, then you should probably get yourself a press kit, which will contain all the information about you that a potential publisher might be interested in. These are kits that are designed to make you stand out from the thousands of other writers who are trying to get their work published, so take advantage of this free resource and begin building up a collection of material about yourself. In addition to this, if you want to be taken seriously as a writer, then you should probably create a separate email account specifically for your writing and keep it updated with all your published work, as well as any new releases. Having a separate account will make it easier for potential publishers to connect with you, if they are interested in doing so.
Self-Publishing Is More Suitable For Writers Who Want To Experiment
If you are looking for an outlet to experiment with your writing then self-publishing is the way to go. This is because you have full control over the content and can shape it to fit your preferences. If you don’t want to limit yourself to a single genre, then you can experiment with different styles and see what happens. If you are not attached to one publisher in particular and are looking for an opportunity to write what you want without having to worry about fitting into a rigid format, then self-publishing is a great option. You can use this newfound freedom to write the novel that you always wanted to write, but didn’t have the confidence to attempt. Sound good? Self-publishing is all the rage right now, and if you want to be a successful writer, then you should probably get on board.
Traditional And Self-Publishing Have Merits
While traditional publishing and self-publishing each have their perks, it is important to remember that not everything about them is positive. If you are just starting out as a writer, then the best option might be to take a hybrid route and submit your work to both traditional and self-publishing houses. This will give you the best of both worlds, and you can determine which one you prefer based on the editorial and design feedback you get from each. Ultimately, it is all about finding what works best for you and sticking with it.