Tag Archive - writing career

Why You Shouldn’t Say “Boo” to Being a Ghostwriter

Today’s guest post is by author Cari Bennette:

In the pursuit of their writing careers, many writers disregard the option of ghostwriting because it may seem to offer less status or nobility than other forms of writing. In fact, ghostwriting can be a serious and inspiring profession with many benefits.

What about the Fame?

Many aspiring writers dream of the day they see their name on the cover of a book. Though certainly an attainable dream for anyone with the courage and stubbornness to stick it out, many published writers can tell you that getting published can be a long and hard slog through uncertain terrain. The writer Anne Lamott advises her students that “the odds of their getting published and of it bringing them financial security, peace of mind, and even joy are probably not that great. Ruin, hysteria, bad skin, unsightly tics, ugly financial problems, maybe, but probably not peace of mind.” Continue Reading…

An Author’s Advice to Literary Agents

Today’s guest post is by writer Cara Sue Achterberg.

I sometimes feel as though I have read hundreds, no thousands, of articles written by literary agents filled with advice for wannabe writers. I’ve even trekked thousands of miles to hear them tell me that same information in person. When I can’t make it in person I listen to podcasts while simultaneously playing Solitaire. I’ve logged so many hours I can now play Spider Solitaire with two decks—and win!

At this point, I think I know all there is to know about how to artistically grovel to agents. But I’m wondering if agents know all there is to know about how to treat wannabe writers? Sure, I realize they hold all the cards in this potential relationship, but I think they could stand to read at least one article about the proper care and feeding of those of us vying for their attention. Continue Reading…

Redefining Success in Order to Stay Sane

Have you ever asked: “What on earth possessed me to want to be a novelist?” Are you starting to realize this journey of being an author is not a short sprint but a marathon—and often a grueling one at that?

When you hear of the numbers of novels submitted to agents and publishers each year (in the six figures), you sometimes think winning the lottery offers better odds than getting traditionally published. But then . . . you finally break through and get a contract, and months later are holding your brand-new brilliant release in your hand, feeling like you’ve finally arrived.

Not Even Fifteen Minutes of Fame . . .

Yet . . . if you’re like me, the flashbulb moment of that exhilaration lasts a very short time, only to turn into something akin to another stark, depressing realization—that the odds your book will become a huge hit or best seller is . . . well, about the same odds as winning the lottery, and you’re back to the same place (or almost the same place emotionally) as you were when you first starting sending out your first queries to agents. Continue Reading…

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