Some Good News for Writers

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

 

If you read the news or watch the news (as I continue to do), it is easy to get discouraged and completely stalled in your writing and publishing efforts. I've read where a number of writers are stuck, not writing anything and not moving forward. In some ways, I understand and it makes sense to be stalled. It has been a strange and different year with a worldwide pandemic. Yet you do not have to be stuck and stalled. In this article I want to give you some good news and ideas to move out of stall and into action.

 

1. People are reading more than recent years. Just check out this article from PR Expert Sandra Beckwith.

2. Books are selling. People are buying books from authors, online bookstores and brick and mortar bookstores. Books are getting translated into different languages and libraries continue to purchase books. As an writer, celebrate each of these opportunities and be knocking on new doors.

3. Publishers are still making new books. As an acquisitions editor, I am continuing to send process submissions, sign new authors and we are releasing new books. Yes some details have changed in this process but it is still happening.

4. Writers have opportunity to tell others about your book. Radio programs are still booking and looking for guests. Podcasts are still looking and booking guests. If you aren't getting on these programs then you need to take steps to learn how to pitch and get booked. There are online programs to teach you these skills.

5. Print magazines are still looking for quality writers to fill their pages. It's a simple fact, every magazine editor begins their next issue with blank pages which need to be filled with the right stories from writers (many of them freelance writers). You can be that writer—but only if you learn how to write a query letter, study their magazine guidelines (where the editor tells you what they need), then give the editor what they need. Yes it is that simple but it takes your effort and work to find the right fit.

 

Shake off rejection or any bad news and move forward. Seize these opportunities. Learn how to write a query and book proposal. Be pitching editors and literary agents. Don't get discouraged. Sit at your keyboard and write your story. If I can help you in this process, don't hesitate to reach out to me. It's one of the reasons I have my personal email address in my Twitter profile.

 

As we move into the holiday season with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, I encourage you to focus on the positive things in your world, life and family. We have good news as writers and let's celebrate it.

 

What is your good news as a writer? In the comments, let me know what you are celebrating.  I look forward to cheering you onward.

 

Tweetable:

There is good news for writers. Get the details here from this prolific editor and author. (ClickToTweet)

W. Terry Whalin is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. His work contact information is on the bottom of the second page (follow this link).  He has written for over 50 magazines and more than 60 books with traditional publishers. His latest book for writers is 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed. Get this book for only $10 + free shipping and over $200 in bonuses. One of Terry's most popular free ebooks is Straight Talk From the Editor, 18 Keys to a Rejection-Proof Submission. He lives in Colorado and has  190,000 twitter followers.