Learn the Craft/Learn the Business/Pay Your Dues

I have a writing motto, and it has served me well: “Do the Work, Do it Well, Do it in a Timely Fashion!” Don’t you love that? Editors and agents love it too. They are looking for great writers, sure, but great writers who do what they say they’re going to do and turn manuscripts in when they say they’re going to turn them in.

A self-sabotaging writer makes promises, but doesn’t keep them. If you want to keep this career-thing moving forward, be a person of your word. And I’m not just talking about turning things in on time. I’m talking about turning in well crafted, beautifully written novels. The only way this will happen is if you actually take the time to learn the craft.

Critique Group

One way to accomplish this is to join a critique group. In a group-like setting, your pages can be critiqued by fellow writers. No, you don’t have to take all of their advice. Yes, you would be well served to be open-minded. While you’re at it, why not sign up for a writing conference or online courses? There’s no better way to further your career. At conferences, you can meet with editors, agents and fellow writers. Online courses can help you fine-tune your craft (and craft is critical to your survival).

Learn to Re-Write

When it comes to paying your dues, most writers know that part of the process involves not just being open-minded with critique partners, but also the occasional re-write. Oh sure, it’s painful to be asked to re-write something you love, but trust me when I say that editors and agents are counting on you going along with most of their ideas. And, whether you want to admit it or not, most of their ideas really will make your book or article stronger.

Submit!

Another way you pay your dues is by submitting, submitting, submitting. Pitch that book (or those articles) and be prepared to be rejected. Sure, it will hurt, but this is part of the journey. Finally, a real pro always works hard to polish her query letter and book proposal. She knows that this is the first bit of writing the editor is going to see from her, and she wants it to sparkle.

That's it for this lesson, friends. Keep on reading to learn more about the fiction writing process.