In my first ten years as a part-time writer I sold 400 manuscripts; including two books and a monthly column. This was accomplished with no English or writing degree or experience. I have been asked “How did I publish so many manuscripts so quickly? ” Here’s what I did.
In my study of the freelance writing field and my experience selling, I discovered eight basic steps that showed I was serious as a writer. Apply these steps to your work and editors will see you as a professional writer they can depend on.
-Bring a business mind to your work. Writing is a business.
-Act professionally. Don’t be too casual in your conversations or appearance. For example, when first selling don’t mention or make excuses for your lack of sales.
-Learn the process of creating, rewriting, and editing. Your work represents your knowledge and abilities.
-Meet deadlines. Don’t put editors in a bind.
-Be accurate. Show you know what you are talking about.
-Know the copyright laws. Protect your rights.
-Develop a record system. Know what manuscripts are where and what rights you have left to resell.
-Learn how to market your work. Agents are not useful or needed in every genre or writing field.
If you apply these eight steps to your work they will speed the number and quality of your manuscript sales. You will build a reputation as a writer editors can depend on and readers will enjoy.
L. C. Peterson is a freelance writer and web site consultant. More articles and writers’ tips can be found at http://www.salesandtales.com and http://www.lcpeterson.com.
