If you’re like me you probably think heaven is being left alone in a room where you can mutter, giggle and punch the air while you write reams and reams of words that will never see the light of day. The first problem with this scenario is, other people just think you’re mad or lazy, or both. The second, more pressing problem is the bills you can’t pay.
Being paid to be anti-social while you mutter to yourself changes the dynamic of your situation: you’re no longer a hobbyist or dreamer, you’re a professional writer. It sounds too easy doesn’t it, because if you’re a writer, you know how hard it is to get paid to write. It is hard, but not impossible if you’re prepared to treat your writing like a business and market your skills accordingly.
Many writers want a publisher in shining armour to come along and take care of the marketing stuff, but those times are long gone, even for published authors. If you want to be a professional writer, it’s time to treat your writing career as you would any other. There are unique attributes you possess that are marketable, so sit down with a pen and go through the following marketability checklist:
• Accept that your novel/script/poetry cycle may not be published in the short-term, and when it is, it may not make enough money for you to live on.
• Accept that you may have to work for less than you’re worth when you begin. Most new freelancers have to charge less than their established counterparts. This doesn’t mean you’re worth less; it’s an indicator of a very competitive market.
• Make a list of your formal training and life knowledge. For example, perhaps you are a dog-groomer and you write part-time. Use your grooming skills in a pet care blog, or approach grooming companies to write their advertising copy.
Once you’ve established that you’re ready to dip your toe into the shark infested waters of marketing (you’re a writer, you know what I’m talking about), don’t go mad and spend up big on stationery and hardware. Most people you contact will be via email or skype. If your current computer has worked until now it will last a few more months. Set yourself the following tasks:
• Start a facebook page for a ready-made forum of your friends, and their friends, and their friends....you get the picture. List your writing successes, share links and generally waffle on about writing without fear of censure. Just remember though, that this is not a ‘love me, love my work’ page. Use your page for your professional activities and save personal information for your private page.
• Start a blog. Building your blog doesn’t need to be expensive or difficult. Google the subject and you will find plenty of advice on cheap, easy options. Good reasons to write a blog include:
o Write interesting blogs and you will get a following, and may even get advertising
o You can send your blog link to potential employers to give them an idea of your style and interests – this proves you are actively writing and somewhat social media savvy.
o There are blogging gigs out there that pay well, but you need a track record.
• Join online writers’ groups with similar interests to you. Often the key to getting a job is being in the right place at the right time. Online Writers’ groups regularly post publishing updates and commercial gigs.
• Join twitter. This is about getting your profile out there and engaging with like-minded people, groups and companies. Don’t use twitter to spam people about the amazing experience of being you!
• Get an ABN and paypal account, join skype and make sure your social media links are listed in your email signature.
• Last but not least, be active in your own community. Go to writers’ festivals and offer creative writing courses for students at your local school. If you have teaching skills, design and run one-day writing courses at your local Community College or Writers’ Centre.