|
Freelance Writing and the Scourge of Rejection Slips
Updated:
All
writers, new and long experienced, have their work rejected
sometimes by editors even for publications that have already
featured their work. It’s a harrowing experience, rejection makes
writers doubt their ability, and it can cause new writers to throw
in the towel and refuse to submit work ever again. That’s very sad
when you consider several easy ways for writers to safeguard
themselves against ever receiving a rejection slip. You could, for
example:
* Start your writing career by
submitting to the lower paying and lesser known markets which the
majority of experienced writers have long since abandoned. This way
you’ll gain writing experience as well as finding favour with
editors who may approach you for longer written pieces.
* Write about what you know or will enjoy getting to know. Make
yourself an authority on your chosen subject, and editors will begin
contacting you.
* Always make your work DIFFERENT. Even a subject almost worked to
death by your contemporaries can gain new life if presented from a
different angle. Always look for less obvious facts on the topic
concerned.
* When you've 'finished' your work, don't send it off hoping it is
of an acceptable standard. Know it is of printable standard! This
means checking it very carefully, both content and presentation, and
it’s also a good idea to put your work to one side for a few days
and read it again with a fresh outlook.
* Think and behave like a writer, and a professional one at that.
Read as much as you can about writing. Read the work of other
writers. Present your work in a professional manner. And above all
stop thinking of yourself as an amateur; if you can't convince
yourself you are a professional writer, you'll stand no chance of
convincing an editor.
* When you get your 'foot in the door' with a editor or publisher,
keep the relationship alive and submit work at regular intervals,
always making reference to past dealings.
* Wherever possible undertake solicited work. For this you query the
editor or publisher in advance of preparing your article, story or
whatever. You can save yourself a lot of time and disappointment if
you subsequently find he is not interested in your offer.
Avril Harper is a successful writer and the author of
HOW TO BE A FIVE MINUTE
WRITER which you can read more about at
http://www.fillerfactory.com
LINKS
PRIVACY
|
|
