Hi margin-writers! We’re excited to have a guest pep talk today from writer and editor Michelle Vandepol. Last week, we shared our lessons learned (so far) from starting a podcast over on Michelle’s website, and this week, she’s sharing this excellent pep talk. I think we got the better end of the deal 🙂 I’ll be working on 19 and 21! -Meghan
A Word of Encouragement for Taking the Next Step in your Writing Career
Getting over “getting it out there” is part of every writer’s life. Today’s writers need to conjure up courage not only to submit to the usual sources of publication but also to click publish on the social media platforms that are part of the writer’s package expected by agents, editors, and readers.
Whether you are thinking about launching your blog or e-book, submitting to a contest or new market, or reaching out to collaborate with other writers on your social media platform; it is often better to click send a bit before you feel ready. You will have some no’s and some yes’s either way. Waiting doesn’t increase your odds. Take your time to prepare, sure, but if you don’t get in the game until you feel ready; you may be unnecessarily slowing yourself down.
Is it possible things won’t look as polished as they will down the line? Most definitely. You will get better as you go along. Will some people turn you down? Not the right ones. You are meant to carry out that artistic dream that it on your heart. I’m not talking about big risk like bankrolling a writing business start-up with your line of credit. This is just coming up with a strategy to move forward and then persistently executing on it.
Here are 25 ways to get over getting it out there. Use them to put together a strategy that works for you.
Get Social
- Decide which social media platform you are going to focus your attention on
- Build community through participating in and hosting online challenges
- Schedule an editorial calendar to keep your postings consistent
- Contribute helpful content to your niche market on forums and in groups
- Spend time away from social media as well to recharge and get creative
Pound the Pavement
- Query a magazine you like with an article or story idea
- Read your work at an open mic night
- Reach out to other writers and arrange guest posts or features
- Offer to lead a community workshop
- Recruit like minded folks for a writing group
Draft some Deadlines
- Set a regular day of the week for queries, blog posts, or social media features
- Attach a year-long countdown widget to your blog or social media platform to promote a launch
- Outline down a year’s worth of author newsletters or your next novel
- Establish a list of short story ideas to write & send out (2 stories/month is a collection at year’s end)
- Negotiate dates for exchange of guest posts to give yourself a submission & posting schedule
Focus on a Quality Few
- Spend a bit of research time on your favourite social media platform and hone your own branding
- Settle on a key project for this year with supporting acts if time allows
- Evaluate what has been working and what has not, and cut something out
- Determine your rhythm: some hours work best for writing and some are best for the business side 20. Select your beta reader audience- who appreciates your genre and can tell you like it is?
Consider your Vision
- Investigate what does your ideal writing life looks like. What components can you incorporate now?
- Analyze what brings you joy to write and share about. That is likely part of your voice.
- Affirm yourself for your vision. It will not appeal to everyone and that’s ok. It’s yours.
- Track your habits in a bullet journal. Are you noticing any changes? growth? clarity?
- Write your bio for current day you and then for future you. What milestones have you highlighted?
Bio: Michelle Vandepol is a writer, editor, and bookish Canadian who loves connecting with other readers and writers on instagram at @michellevandepol . For more articles on the writing life, visit her website www.michellevandepol.
