Write Young, Manage Your Career
More Tips for Young Adults on Making it in the Publishing Biz
Advice for writers in their teens and early twenties interested in managing their new writing career.
There are a few bits of advice that young adults don’t often hear when learning to manage a writing career: From staying informed to earning respect, to being an anti-diva. In the publishing industry -- writing young is an asset, but you’ll need a few more tips to help navigate this new terrain and while keeping your sanity.
Stay Informed
Once your work has been accepted by an editor you'll want to keep track of the publication process and stay in the loop. E-mail is the best approach; it's quick, easy and a lot less intimidating than a phone call. If you haven't heard from an editor in a while, it is okay to request a quick update! Remember to enclose your name, the approximate time frame when you submitted your work, the title of your piece and then briefly state your reason for e-mailing. It is also beneficial to ask, "In your opinion, what would be our next step?" This acknowledges your editors role and helps you stay on the ball with your project.
Earn Respect
The next part in establishing a writing career is to build a positive reputation, cultivate work relationships and earn respect in your field. Each of these concepts will take time but there are ways to nurture their progress. As often as possible show that you’re consistent and responsible; submit work on time, respond to phone calls and e-mails promptly. Next pay attention to details, say please and thank you, check your spelling in all correspondences, write down important dates (i.e. deadlines, each time you spoke with your editor at length). One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to keep your personal life separate from your work life. Editors are busy, so when you have his or her attention, keep the focus and enthusiasm on your work.
Be an Anti-Diva
There is another group of people who play a key role in establishing your reputation as a writer and make a noticeable impact on your career: your readers. These are the consumers who purchase your book, discuss your article with a friend or clip your local newspaper column. A base readership can help your work flourish but, you have to appreciate them in return. How does one accomplish this? By answering questions, offering further recommendations, respecting others time and listening to an opinion even when you may not fully agree. In conclusion a personable writer is mostly likely to be remembered and therefore has a greater rate of success.
In conclusion, you’re the one that’s in charge of your career. Think things through and try not to behave rashly. Once you obtain publication, you’ve got a reputation to consider.
