Any writer knows that there's a lot of competition in the field of fiction writing. A writer's greatest dream is to be published, and every year publishing houses are swamped with queries from writers who want to break into the industry. Here are some steps on sharpen your competitive edge and earn money for your stories.
Instructions
Make Money Writing Stories
1. Start honing your skills. If you have been writing stories, good for you-- you're already ahead in the game. If not, start writing now to develop your skills and learn various techniques. Take your writing seriously-- proofread it often and be sure that you are ready to submit winning material.
2. Fiction editors want to see the manuscript-- if not the whole manuscript, at least a part of it. This is why you need to have at least part of the story written before even deciding that you are going to write for money. Some editors ask for a query-- in this case, be sure to provide a detailed summary of your story.
3. Know the market. Get a copy of the Writer's Market. Know the publishers and what they look for in a book proposal packet. Also, there are descriptions of the publishers in the Writer's Market so the listings can also give you ideas for other publishers that may exist that you want to write for later.
4. Keep all bases covered. Write non-fiction, self-help guides, ebooks, etc. It shows versatility and creativity. Even if your stories are not accepted for publication, at least you have a portfolio you can continually send to different publishers.
5. Get an agent. Larger publishing houses require you to work with an agent. Be acquainted with some agents and good ones really work hard to get your book submitted. A seasoned agent can help you with tips and advice on enter the publishing world as a writer.
6. Start building clips. If you find it difficult to break into the industry, try to build yourself as an established writer first-- that way when magazines ask for your writing experience, you have something to provide. Write for magazines-- usually they have a section that's devoted to personal essays and experiences.
