The First Steps Toward Publication

It's surprising how many people think writers only write when they're inspired.

Frankly, if we waited to work until inspiration hit, we'd probably never finish any projects.

Writing is a job much like any other job. An author sets aside time to work, and, if he is well disciplined, he'll accomplish the task of the day as scheduled.

Eventually, after weeks, months or even years, the writer has completed his book, and he's ready to submit it for publication.

Getting published is another job, separate from writing, yet, it is the goal of most writers.

Today I want to "inspire" folks who want to be published authors to take those first steps toward publication, and here they are:

1. Write.

2. Write everyday. Make time for it no matter how busy you are, no matter how many people tell you you're wasting your time. Write whether you feel like writing or not.

3. Learn more and more about the craft of writing and incorporate the helpful things you learn into your work.

4. Always strive to improve.

5. Most importantly, never--and I mean NEVER--give up, not if you want to be a published author.

Completing your manuscript is job number one for anyone who wants to be published.

Writers don't write only when inspiration hits.

We write everyday.

And we love it! [Most of the time] :-)

Fran

Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Site