Creative Writing For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 24

Becoming a Professional

IN THIS CHAPTER

Gathering with other writers

Finding writing courses

Circulating festivals and signings

Getting into print initially

Competing for recognition – and prizes

When you’re writing regularly, you can do a lot to help yourself feel that you’re really a writer and to be accepted as one. To “professionalize” yourself as a writer, you need to take yourself seriously so that others can, too.

Today’s publishers want authors with contacts, who attend industry events including readings and festivals, who use social media, and who interact with their readers. They want authors who consider their work a job and put in the effort. This chapter covers how to go about it.

Sharing Your Work with Other Aspiring Writers

You may think that writing is something you can only do on your own, spending long hours at your desk or computer. However, you are not alone in wanting to be a writer, and there are advantages in meeting with, talking to, and sharing ...