15 Things Successful Writers NEVER Say

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writers are an odd lot.

I can say that, because I am one. So I speak from experience, not judgment. Like all creative people, we tend to feel things more deeply, reacting poorly to criticism.

We also have no perspective at all when it comes to our own creations. Because a lot of us begin writing as a hobby, we also seem to have a lop-sided view of the publishing industry.

So today, I’d like to clear up some common misconceptions and share some things that successful writers never say.

1. Uh…I guess…uh…I write. So…I suppose that makes me a writer…sometimes. CUT. IT. OUT. If you are serious about writing, even if you don’t get paid, you can call yourself a writer. So repeat after me. “I am a writer.”

2. I’m a much better writer than the majority of the published writers out there. This is for the small percentage who don’t have trouble telling everyone, “I am a writer.” Some of you believe you know more than everyone else. I hate to break it to you, but you don’t.

3. Sure, I don’t need to write today. I’ll go to lunch with you. Successful writers make spending time putting words on paper (or a screen) a priority. If we want to be taken seriously and have our time respected, we must set the example.

4. I don’t need to read books. I’m a writer, not a reader. Besides, I don’t have time to read. I am not kidding. I’ve actually had writers tell me this. We need to spend time reading, and reading widely. Read outside your genre and learn what works and what doesn’t.

5. I don’t need an editor. I have a sharp eye and can catch anything I need to in my writing. Yes, many of us do have an editor’s eye. That’s a good thing. But that is NO substitute for an editor. We are blind when it comes to our writing. We see what is supposed to be on the page, not what is.

6. I can’t afford to attend conferences. I know conferences are expensive, but they’re also vital to moving forward in your writing career. There are a lot of ways to fund a conference—from asking for money from family and friends instead of gifts for holidays, to writing small articles for pay and saving that money. Conferences do three MAJOR things for writers:

• They provide a place to learn the latest industry standards and techniques.
• They provide a place to network and talk to writing professionals, like editors, agents and published writers.
• They provide a place to network with other writer.

7. I decided to self-publish because traditional publishing just takes too long. I’m glad to say that self-publishing—when done with professionalism—is now a respected option. Beyond that, there are a lot of good reasons to self-publish. But using self-publishing as a short cut is NOT a good reason.

8. I don’t have a target audience, everyone loves what I write. Every book has a primary audience. Yes, there are books that a lot of people enjoy. But if you write to a specific audience, you’ll have a much better finished product. Not to mention the fact that book stores will know where to shelve your book.

9. The rules don’t apply to me. Yes, I’ll be the first one to agree that there are exceptions to almost every single rule you ever hear about writing and/or publishing. BUT we can’t look at ourselves as that exception. Follow the rules and let the exceptions be a wonderful surprise if and when they happen.

10. The first part of my book is just information the reader needs, the story starts on page 70 (40, 60, 90, etc.). I really have lost track of the number of times I’ve had an author say this to me. Here is my response. If the story starts on page 70, that’s where your book needs to start. Trust your reader, and trust yourself, and skip the background information.

11. I’m not a marketer, I’m a writer. If this really is true and you absolutely refuse to market your work, then be prepared to pay. You’ll have to hire someone to market your book because marketing is a joint partnership between the publisher and the writer. That’s just the way publishing works today.

12. The publishing industry is dying. No, not really. It’s definitely changing, but it’s not dying. There’s a difference. Learn to adapt with the changes, but realize books and people who write them aren’t going anywhere.

13. I already have a book contract, I don’t need a literary agent. Now you need one more than ever. There are those who will argue this point, but here are my thoughts. Because of the rapid changes in publishing, contracts are brutal. You need someone in your corner, advocating for you. After the contract, you still need someone to help with possible (really probable) hiccups in the publishing process. If you don’t like your cover, or the copy editor isn’t doing a good job, your agent can be the bad guy and go to bat for you. This makes it possible for you to stay on good working relations with the publisher.

14. I don’t need to work on social media until after I have a contract. This is another that makes me cringe. Editors and agents award book contracts based on a lot of things. Now days, one of those things is whether or not an author has solid online presence. The lack of a presence may not always keep you from getting a contract, but it will affect the way you’re viewed by prospective buyers. Smart writers build an online presence while they’re working on a book, so everything is in place when they begin pitching.

15. Published authors don’t need to take classes or read books on writing. Successful writers know there’s never a point when you’ve arrived. Lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword, it’s vital to stay current in the publishing industry.

Even though I slanted a lot of the points toward books, all are equally applicable to writers of shorter works. These are things that I believe you’ll never hear a successful writer say. I’d love to know what you’d add to this list. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.

Life Lessons-12 Things You Need to Give Up to Become a Successful Writer

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Successful writers sacrifice a lot to get where they are. Often we forget this and just see the end result. The dream of becoming an overnight success is just that, a dream. This post isn’t meant to discourage anyone. Rather, I want you to focus on the fact that, if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can find writing success. To that end, I’m sharing 12 things you need to give up to become a successful writer.

1. Let go of the idea that writing is easy. It’s not. It’s totally worth the effort, but it will push you and grow you in ways you never expected.

2. Give up the excuse, “I just don’t have time to write.” We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day. As a writer, it’s up to you to set the priorities to make that happen.

3. Let go of the writer friends who are holding you back. These are the people who always have an excuse for not writing, not learning, etc. Instead . . . find some mean writer friends. You want people who will do anything to help you succeed. This includes everything from calling you out when you’re letting the excuses keep you from writing to sitting with you and holding your phone to keep you from texting when you should be writing.

4. Give up the idea of easy money and quick success. This business takes time and effort. There really aren’t any shortcuts, so stop looking for one and start writing.

5. Let go of that imaginary world where writers don’t have to market their own books. That ship has sailed. We all have to do social media and marketing, so get busy learning that aspect of the publishing business. Again, see #1 Writing is Hard.

6. Give up the idea that writing is only a solitary endeavor. Sure the act of writing—putting words on paper or screen—only takes you and your computer. But getting published and becoming a writer takes a tribe. You need writer friends, mentors, editors, etc. So get out there and network.

7. Let go of the idea that everything you write is publishable as is. Most of what we write needs serious editing before it becomes publishable. Rarely (read ALMOST NEVER) is something ready for publication in first draft form. Beyond that, there are certain things you write that serve other purposes, no matter what your goal was.

8. Give up the ideal of perfectionism. If you’re trying to be perfect, you’re never going to get there. We should absolutely give our best to any project, but being perfect isn’t an option. So STOP IT!

9. Let go of the idea that there is a finite amount you need to learn to become a writer. No matter who you are or where you are, the learning never stops. Trust me, you never feel like you’ve arrived.

10. Give up talking about writing. Instead, trade it for sitting in front of your computer and actually putting words on paper.

11. Let go of the option to quit. 90% of success in this industry comes from not giving up. 

12. Give up the idea of talent. A lot of us have talent. A lot of you have more talent than me. I'm where I am because I didn't quit (see #11) not because I'm a more gifted writer than someone else.

This is my list. I’d love to know what you’d add to it. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.

How to Become a Better Writer? Learn to Write Better!

It seems like three quarters of the advice we hear as writers has to do with marketing, sales and platform. The reasons for this are myriad, but the biggest is that most of us struggle in this area. It tends to be way outside our comfort zone. But all this focus on social networking can also lead us astray, in time management and priorities.

It’s critical that we recognize the need to grow in our craft…to learn to write better!

So how do we do that? One of the best ways is to attend writers conferences. But with all the choices out there, how do we choose the one that best fits our circumstances? I hope this blog post will help.

I have my favorites, of course! But just because they’re my favorites doesn’t mean they are the best choice for YOU. I’ve tried to break it all down and give you as unbiased an overview as I can.

The first thing you should consider is your experience level. You need to look at where you are with your writing, that will be the biggest factor in your decision. As you look at the categories realize that your experience may overlap.

Beginner

• Never submitted anything for publication
• Hasn’t told many people he writes
• Has submitted a couple of things, but nothing published

Advanced Beginner

• Has several rejection letters and a couple of acceptances
• Is a member of a local or online writing group
• Regularly reads articles or books about writing

Intermediate

• Has attended a writers event (either a workshop, conference or online class)
• Has an idea of where he wants to go with his writing
• Has been paid for his writing

Advanced

• Spends time each day working at the craft of writing and has an income derived from writing
• Has definite goals and aspirations for his writing

Once you know which group you fall into, it’s easier to evaluate each individual event. There are 2 reasons to attend a writers event.

1. To learn more about the craft of writing
2. To network with professionals within the writing world

Here’s a general breakdown of what is usually offered at each kind of event.

These events vary slightly, so the following information is generalized. You should read all brochures and websites carefully to know what to expect.

Large, National Writing Conference

Expect lots of classes for a wide variety of writers - from beginner to advanced.

Continuing Classes – these are classes that last for more than one class period and concentrate on one subject. Even though they are continuing, they rarely provide advanced information on a given subject.

Workshops – these are classes that give an introduction to a concept (like dialogue, plot or setting).

Breakouts or Panels – these are groups of professionals giving instruction on a given subject. The information here is usually very basic.

Appointments with Faculty – most large conferences include a private appointment with a member of the faculty. This is where you would pitch a book or article idea to an editor. It can also be valuable to let a seasoned author look at your writing and give one-on-one feedback.

Regional or Local Writing Conference

These tend to have more classes for the beginner and advanced beginner writer, although there are exceptions. Depending on the length of time, the conference will follow the same basic setup as a national conference.

Workshop or Seminar

Many of these are very specific in what they offer. They aren’t for a large number of writers and generally target the intermediate or advanced writer.

Online Classes

Again, they are very specific in what they offer and vary widely in who they cater to.

It’s never a good idea to write in a vacuum. I have always tried to attend one large conference a year to expose myself to the writing industry, both for networking and education. I also try to attend at least one focused workshop or seminar each year I and I try to keep my eyes open for online writing courses and take at least two a year.

Let me know what conferences and events you've attended and how they've helped your writing journey.

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.

One Writer's Thoughts on Writing Contest

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It’s that time in the publishing year. Conference season is definitely upon us. Everywhere we turn on social media is an announcement of yet another conference and the attending contests that surround it. Sometimes the contests even appear without a conference, put on by groups and organizations.

But you can feel the excitement in the air. Writers everywhere are honing manuscripts, blurbs, synopsis, and even one sheets in the hope that this is their chance to shine. There’s stress underlying the excitement. Each contest has an entry fee to consider, along with what happens to the winner’s manuscript.

We’re all researching those that judge the contests and asking for feedback on the amount and type of feed back received from past entrants. And although we’re all assuring each other—and ourselves—that our goal is good feedback and visibility. Secretly we want to do well.

After years in the publishing industry, on both sides of the contest door, I have a couple of theories about contests. I’m interested to see if you agree or disagree, or have other thoughts as well, so I’m hoping we’ll get a rousing discussion going.

• First, no matter how hard the creators try, a writing contest will always be subjective. It’s just not like a footrace, there’s no camera at the finish line to capture who comes in first. Our industry—the craft of writing—is subjective. No matter how well something is written technically, if that innate spark of magical something isn’t there, it falls flat. AND every single person’s definition of that certain something is different.

• Second, the fact that a writing contest is subjective is a perfect representation of the publishing industry as a whole. Every time we send off a submission, it’s judged through several filters. It’s judged through the filter of what the publisher/editor/agent thinks will sell. It’s judged through their personal likes and dislikes, and it’s judged against other manuscripts available. These judgments rarely rely on things like misplaced commas or dangling participles, although bad grammar can wreck a manuscripts chance at times, it’s that gut reaction by the reader to what’s being read.

• Three, contests that are subjective are actually fair, because they expose us to real life as a working writer. It would be grossly unfair for a contest to be so set up to be nothing at all like the publishing industry. It would lead to false hopes and expectations, and ultimately shatter dreams. Working as a writer means learning to accept the good with the bad. It’s tough, but it’s the truth.

At this point I will confess that I’ve spent more than a few hours verbally abusing that certain judge who was wholly unreasonable in the feedback on one of my manuscripts. And it’s happened more than once—actually it’s happened the majority of times I’ve entered a manuscript. I’ve come to realize I really am a poor loser.

But the issue lies in these contests trying to be more fair by using a panel of judges instead of just one. Frequently there are three. And invariably, I’d get two high marks and one incredibly low one.

Finally one day my husband stopped me in my tracks. “You just got dumped on by the Russian judge,” he said. When I asked him to explain he reminded me of the years we spent watching the Olympics. Especially in the more creative sports like gymnastics, diving, and ice skating, the judging was done in the fairest possible way—with a panel of judges from the participating countries. Invariably, the one low score for my favorite US competitor would come from the cranky Russian judge.

It wasn’t fair, but it was just the way life worked.

So what is my point to all this? Contests are great. I love to enter them, and I especially love to win. But beyond that, my contest experience has prepared me for a publishing career in ways I never imagined.

• I learned how to move on when my work was unfairly judged.
• I learned that winning was based on subjective criteria.
• And most of all…
• I learned that ultimately winning, like publishing, is up to God. He chooses whom He will, when He will. My job is to keep writing and keep submitting—yet to contests and to publications and publishers both. I’m sowing the seeds, but God brings about the harvest. 

Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on writing contests? Be sure to share them in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.