There are thousands if not millions of writers out there. There are many genres, from articles to best-selling fiction. Not all writers are recognized. A novelist who has written books that have captured the imagination of his audience will probably be known for his style. Many of these become famous and their names become widely known. In fact, they sometimes sell books simply by name. Some of these authors sell millions of copies and make a lot of money.
Fiction is hard to get into, and you usually don’t look at the manuscript, unless you use a literary agent. Non-fiction is easier and if you’re an expert on a topic, there’s a chance you can get in. Please do not submit anything to spec as they are rarely reviewed. Write a proposal and send it to the editor. There are several books that explain how to write a winning proposal. Describe what the book is about and your qualifications to write it. Before submitting a proposal, which may include sample chapters, you can write a short letter asking if the editor would be interested in receiving a proposal on the topic. An agent is generally not required for nonfiction, so in most cases material can be sent directly to the commissioning editor. A response is usually pretty quick for nonfiction, and if the publisher likes your proposal, they’ll pitch your idea to a committee, which will decide if the project is worth going forward with.
Once the committee gives the green light, you will receive a publishing contract and the hard work will begin. Usually you will be asked how long it will take to write it. Once you have given the publisher a date, you must stick to it, unless circumstances change, in which case the publisher must be informed. Once the book has been assembled, the proofs will be sent to you. This allows you to review the manuscript and look for any typographical errors. A publisher’s proofreader will have reviewed it, but you will be a second set of eyes. No major changes are allowed at this point.
Another route that can be taken is self-publishing. There are many reputable desktop publishing companies that will help you achieve your dream without breaking the bank. Now, with the print-on-demand system, each book can be printed on demand. No need to have dozens of copies gathering dust. Many now publish online through Amazon, for free, and receive hefty royalties.
Another genre that is quite easy to get into is writing newspaper articles. This is an area where the writer is paid very little, or not at all. Writing magazine articles can pay well, but it’s not always that easy to get into them. Again, the editor often requires a pitch, so he knows he’s dealing with someone who knows what he’s talking about. Research your topic thoroughly before submitting anything.
Another lucrative area is copywriting. This involves writing eye-catching copy for the advertising world. It is not always easy to get a foot in the door, but if you have talent, techniques can be developed and a good life can be achieved.
Writing poetry can be satisfying for many, getting their world view in print. Unfortunately, it won’t pay for your next vacation. Most poets write for the love of it, as there is little if any reward.
Other forms of writing include screenwriting, songwriting, and playwriting. All of these can be lucrative, but getting your foot in the door can be difficult. That said, it’s not impossible, and with talent, ambition, and determination, it can be done.
Many writing projects won’t get your name out there, but they can help top up your bank account. Most people only notice lines from famous authors. A line in a newspaper would not attract much attention, since what is of interest is the news, not the person who wrote it. It could be written by anyone. The same applies to non-fiction books. The reader won’t care who wrote it, as long as he can find out about it. A nonfiction writer transmits knowledge that already exists. Through research and interviews, they put together in a book information that might otherwise be hard to find. Non-fiction authors are not included in the creative writing category. They don’t have to create, like a fiction writer, certain situations, like inventing what the future will be like years later. A successful fiction writer, like a pop or movie star, will have their name recognized. In most cases, as a nonfiction writer, you can always think of him as Joe Bloggs, but Joe Bloggs with a very healthy bank account. I wish you the best in whatever genre you decide to choose.
