In Honor of International Hat Day - The Many Hats of a Writer
/Happy International Hat Day! When I decided that I wanted to be a writer in elementary school, my vision was to write books and cash royalty checks. Until the first book contract arrived, I had no idea of all the aspects of the job. Here are a few things I learned along the way…
Always Wear Your Helmet
Vet all publication and representation offers.
Make sure you have a contract (even for work for hire).
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Research Is Important
Even fiction writers need to do research.
Do your homework for your writing and your business.
Check all your facts.
Keep good notes.
Vet your resources.
Just Write
BICFOK (Butt in Chair - Fingers on Keyboard)
Focus your attention and write.
Set writing goals that work for you to help you stay on track.
Finish your first draft.
Editing is the Most Important Part
Proofread and then proofread again.
Fact check your work for inconsistencies.
Read as a reader. Is the story captivating? (If you’re bored reading it, your readers will be, too.)
Find a critique partner or group for feedback.
Use your word processor’s read aloud function to listen to the text, especially dialog.
Edit. Revise. Repeat.
Make sure that your work is the best it can be.
Marketing is Expected
Create your platform (website, blog, socials, newsletter).
Build your social media and newsletter list followings. It takes time.
Know who your readers are and what social media platform they use.
Promotion is expensive. Figure out what works for you and set a budget.
Find Your Crew
Network with other writers.
Join writers’ groups.
Volunteer.
Go to conferences and workshops.
Join online groups.
And always celebrate your wins!