You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)

1. Embrace Your Identity as a Writer

You are a writer. You just need to write.

Believe in yourself. The first step to becoming a successful writer is to acknowledge and embrace your identity as one. This mental shift is crucial for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Start by declaring "I am a writer" to yourself and others, even if you haven't been published yet. This affirmation will help you act like a writer and take your craft seriously.

Take action daily. Once you've embraced your identity, commit to writing regularly. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your craft, whether it's early mornings, lunch breaks, or late nights. Consistency is key to improving your skills and building momentum. Remember, being a writer is not about talent alone, but about showing up and doing the work day after day.

2. Build a Platform to Share Your Work

A platform is people.

Create your stage. A platform is essential for writers to showcase their work and connect with their audience. It's not just about having a website or social media presence; it's about building a community of people who value your voice and message. Your platform can take various forms, such as a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, or newsletter.

Serve your audience. The key to building a successful platform is to focus on helping people. Create content that addresses your audience's needs, answers their questions, or solves their problems. By consistently providing value, you'll attract loyal followers who will support your work and spread your message. Remember, a platform is not about self-promotion, but about creating meaningful connections with your readers.

3. Establish a Strong Personal Brand

A brand is who you are.

Define your unique voice. Your personal brand is the essence of who you are as a writer. It encompasses your writing style, the topics you cover, and the way you present yourself to the world. To establish a strong brand, identify your unique strengths, passions, and perspectives. What makes your writing different from others? What values do you want to convey through your work?

Consistency is key. Once you've defined your brand, maintain consistency across all your platforms and interactions. This includes:

• Your writing style and tone
• Visual elements (logo, colors, fonts)
• The topics you cover
• How you engage with your audience

By presenting a cohesive image, you'll make it easier for readers to recognize and connect with your work.

4. Create Meaningful Connections

Relationships are important. They can lead to all kinds of opportunities and breakthroughs in your career.

Network strategically. Building relationships is crucial for a writer's success. Focus on creating connections with three key groups:

• Fans: Your loyal readers and supporters
• Friends: Fellow writers and creatives
• Patrons: Influencers and mentors who can help advance your career

Nurture relationships. Approach networking with a genuine desire to help others and create mutual value. Some strategies include:

• Offering to interview people you admire
• Collaborating on projects with fellow writers
• Engaging with your audience through comments and social media
• Attending writing conferences and events

Remember, authentic connections take time to develop, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.

5. Practice Writing in Public

If you do anything long enough, it becomes habitual.

Embrace vulnerability. One of the best ways to improve as a writer is to practice in public. Start a blog, contribute guest posts to other websites, or share your work on social media platforms. This exposure helps you receive feedback, build an audience, and develop the habit of consistently producing content.

Learn from feedback. When you write in public, you'll inevitably face criticism and rejection. Use this feedback as an opportunity to grow and refine your craft. Pay attention to what resonates with your audience and what doesn't. Over time, you'll develop a thicker skin and a better understanding of your strengths as a writer.

6. Leverage Social Media and Email

The less they think, the more successful they are.

Choose platforms wisely. While it's tempting to be everywhere, focus on the social media platforms that best align with your goals and audience. For most writers, this might include:

• Twitter for networking and sharing short-form content
• Instagram for visual storytelling
• LinkedIn for professional connections
• Facebook for community building

Build an email list. Email remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience directly. Offer a valuable incentive (like a free ebook or newsletter) to encourage sign-ups. Use your email list to share exclusive content, updates on your work, and build deeper relationships with your readers.

7. Persist and Be Patient in Publishing

There are no big breaks. Only tiny drips of effort that lead to waves of momentum.

Embrace the journey. Success in writing rarely comes overnight. It's a process of continuous improvement, learning, and perseverance. Set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories along the way. Each article published, each new reader gained, and each improvement in your craft is a step towards your larger goals.

Diversify your efforts. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. While working on your book, also:

• Write articles for magazines and websites
• Contribute to anthologies
• Create content for your blog
• Engage with your audience on social media

This multi-faceted approach helps build your credibility, expands your reach, and creates multiple income streams.

8. Master the Art of Pitching

You don't get to decide what makes a good idea; the publisher does.

Research thoroughly. Before pitching to a publication, study their guidelines, read past issues, and understand their audience. Tailor your pitch to fit their specific needs and style. A well-researched pitch demonstrates professionalism and increases your chances of acceptance.

Craft compelling pitches. A good pitch should include:

• A catchy headline
• A brief overview of the article idea
• Why it's relevant to the publication's audience
• Your qualifications to write the piece
• Samples of your previous work

Be concise, professional, and show enthusiasm for the topic. Remember to follow up politely if you don't hear back within the specified timeframe.

9. Cultivate Relationships with Publishers

Content is not king. Relationship is.

Build long-term connections. Don't view publishers as one-time opportunities. Aim to establish ongoing relationships that can lead to regular work. After successfully publishing a piece, stay in touch with the editor. Offer new ideas, meet deadlines consistently, and be open to feedback.

Be professional and flexible. Editors appreciate writers who are easy to work with. Be open to revisions, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly. If an editor rejects your idea, ask for feedback and use it to improve your next pitch. Remember, each interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your professional relationship.

10. Focus on Serving Your Audience

If you're going to fall out of love with public approval, something interesting will happen: People will be deeply attracted to your work.

Write with purpose. Instead of chasing trends or writing what you think will be popular, focus on creating content that truly serves your audience. Identify their pain points, questions, and interests, and address them in your writing. This approach not only helps you build a loyal following but also keeps you motivated and passionate about your work.

Engage authentically. Build a genuine connection with your readers by:

• Responding to comments and messages
• Asking for feedback and incorporating it into your work
• Sharing personal stories and experiences that relate to your content
• Creating opportunities for your audience to interact with you and each other

By prioritizing your audience's needs and engaging with them authentically, you'll create a community of loyal supporters who will champion your work and help you grow as a writer.

Last updated: November 14, 2024