POPSICLES
It's easy to be against something ...that you're afraid of. It's easy to be afraid of something that you don't understand.
When you see people ranting online, usually they fall in line with the above school of thought. They bash something they're afraid of or something they do not understand. No, I'm not talking politics, but it applies there, too.
We bash agents, but we don't know any.
We criticize editors, but we've never spoken in person to one. We fuss that contests are rigged, so we do not enter. We don't query, because our submission will only land in a shredder.
We chastise something because we heard this and heard that. It's like the guy on the commercial talking to his girlfriend with the popsicle. He frowns and says it contains sucrose. The girlfriend asks what's wrong with it. He can't say. She tells him the good points of the popsicle and offers him one. He takes it and they laugh, happy with the world.
This world is seriously crammed full of people afraid to take steps into unknown territory. Many don't want to walk on unchartered ground, so they surmise that the experience can only be bad.
Therefore, they...
1. Don't submit to high-paying magazines.
2. Don't query agents.
3. Don't pitch traditional publishers.
4. Don't market themselves.
5. Don't sell their writing.
And most of them complain about the publishing arena and the strife of a freelance writer.
Listen. Until you've tasted and studied the ingredients of that popsicle, how do you know it isn't good for you?
What's the worst that could happen if you strike out there on your own and take chances?
1. You get rejected.
2. You don't sell your work.
Doesn't look so terrible, does it?
Now, go find a popsicle.
Hope
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com/
Reprinted here with permission of Hope Clark.Check out her website and her blog for good info for writers.
Interesting post. Nice advice!
ReplyDeleteHey, if you are looking for something challenging, fun and a bit over the edge (but somehow easier than WRITING), try pitching to talk radio shows. I just finished a wonderful course by Joe Sabah on doing radio publicity. According to Joe, one of the best things to pitch to talk radio is information people can use today!
ReplyDeleteWe writers are Masters of Information!
The idea is to reach a broad audience by providing useful information, THEN let the radio show host pitch your book, website or newsletter.
So, while I write musicals and stage plays, I can probably get on the radio and talk about my car crash, the booklet I just wrote on living with chronic illness, how to get things done--even when you feel like crap and more.
What's holding me back? The play goes on sale Halloween 2008. I'll start pitching radio shows right after that. If you are already published, but looking for more sales, you can start right away!