Learn to Write for Dollars

I firmly believe any writer should have more than one project in the works at any given time. Whether it's two novels, a handful of short stories in different stages, or a combination of newspaper articles and fiction, multiple projects keep you writing even when you're ideas have dried up in one area. So, continuing on the theme of alternative markets for your writing, this week I'll take a look at Writing for Dollars by John McCollister.

In his introduction, McCollister makes the observation that "only four percent of those who set words on paper actually sell their words on a regular basis. The other 96 percent only dream about the rewards of being a published author." These statistics are based on his experience as an instructor for Writer's Digest School and lecturer for the American Writers Institute. So what sets the published few apart from the rest? McCollister lists these reasons:

• Passion for the craft
• Simple determination and patience

That's it. Two rudimentary traits that lead these favored few onto the road of regular publication. In the rest of the book, McCollister presents 75 tips for becoming on of the elite four percent.

The first part of the book, sections one through seven, deals with traditional methods and markets. Since I want to talk about non-traditional outlets, I'll look at the last section of the book first. Next week I'll review the rest of the book, in which McCollister tells you how to establish good writing habits, deal with rejection, prepare a manuscript, and so on.

Now, on to Section Eight: Specialized Areas. As McCollister admits, you've no doubt considered some of the alternative markets he mentions. But you're sure to run across a few market ideas you never contemplated. If you think of yourself only as a fiction writer, or only a ‘how-to' writer, or only an anything writer, you're limiting your potential for sales. You've got to look beyond your narrow focus to truly develop as a writer, and to have a steady income from your writing. And if you think that's not important, try convincing the IRS (or your country's tax bureau) that you qualify for home office deductions because you're a writer. They want some proof you're marketing your work, even while you're working on that ten-year epic project.

Among McCollister's suggestions for new markets:

• Interview celebrities. You'll learn how to find out who's coming to town, market the work before the interview, and conduct the interview itself.
  The copyright of the article Learn to Write for Dollars in Resources for Writers is owned by Roxianne Moore. Permission to republish Learn to Write for Dollars in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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