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:
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.
