Hear it from the experts: Top tips for your writing career

 

From tips to defeating writers block, to summer events that can expand your horizon, we have composed a list of collective opinions and advice given by authors, publishers, and editors to show you to the door of change.

 

1. Writers block. We would all like people to think that words just flow from our fingers every time we sit in front of our computers. But in reality it can be difficult to find a rhythm and have ideas pour. In the wintertime we are often stuck in doors out of the cold (and snowed in if you live in the North), but in the Summer time distractions abound.

 

So, here is some advice on how to break that block.

 

“ Write from the heart and tell the story you think should be told. Don’t get caught up in what you think people want to read. If the story is good, people will read it,” said Emily Liebert, an award-winning author and writer based in NY whose book Facebook Fairytales: Modern-Day Miracles to Inspire the Human Spirit will publish in February 2010.

 

“If your brain is working, you can write. If ideas are not coming readily, read, talk to others, introspect, think about nature--use any prompt at all and make notes.  When you return to the book, incorporate your notes into the text. If you feel stuck with the book you're writing, start a new book, or an article,” said Dr. Marlene Caroselli, a keynoter, corporate trainer, and author of 60 business books and one ebook, Principled Persuasion.  

 

“…To overcome writer's block, I keep a notebook handy and write snippets of things I read, hear, and see. These I use as starting points when I just can't think of what to write or how to get going,” offered author and professor Jill L. Ferguson.

 

2. Once you break your writer’s block, be sure you don’t let the summer sunshine break your pattern. Make a schedule or set some goals…and stick to it!

 

“If the book writing isn't written down for a particular time, it won't happen. Some time Saturday usually doesn't cut it. Schedule it in your calendar and make it at least as sacred as a business meeting. If you need to reschedule, do so immediately; don't wait,” said Lisa Tener, book writing coach and faculty member of Harvard Medical School's CME Book Publishing Course.

 

“Be selfish. Set time aside for you to just write. Don't allow any interruptions. If people around you don't get the idea, write a giant note on your door. It can be comical, like ‘Enter at your own risk,’ or serious, like ‘Do NOT disturb. Yes, that means YOU,” said Margo Berman, an award-winning advertising marketer and professor, as well as a Kauffman Faculty Scholar at Florida International University.

 

“If you have a goal for the summer, give yourself smaller daily/weekly goals. When it’s beautiful outside, it’s hard to make yourself work, but if you have a goal for the day or week, you’re more likely to push yourself to accomplish it,” advises Emily Liebert. 

 

3. Take advantage of the fact that others go on holiday during this time of year. Contact editors and publishers and pitch your new and creative ideas.

 

“Because of vacations and things, summers tend to be the time of the least submissions (at least the pitching of ideas) to editors and publishers from writers, so it is a great time to submit. Editors and publishers are always looking for original ideas, even in times of a depressed economy,” advised Jill L. Ferguson. 

 

  “Authors planning on publishing this summer should plan to do so as early as possible.  Why? The educational system in America typically floods the printing presses in preparation for return to school in late August/early September.  This makes summer an excellent time to publish and launch a publicity campaign before the rush of back-to-school,” offered Dawn ben David of Zarach Publishing.

 

 

“One of the great benefits of summer for writers is the early sunrise… Of course, writers who find their energy level greater during the evening hours also enjoy a summertime advantage—longer daylight hours in the evening to get those creative juices flowing,” said Ed Barks, President of Barks Communications and author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. 

 

4. Travel. Expand your horizon through attending events or by getting involved in your community. This can greatly benefit writers and open doors. Gatherings can be great settings to meet the people that can help you become successful.

 

“Speak at as many events that deal with your subject matter as possible (You are an author, take advantage of that credibility!). Small groups can be just as effective as large venues,” said Corey Blake President of Writers of the Round Table Inc. and Executive Director of the From the Barrio Foundation.

 

“Join local publishing groups and the national Independent Book Publishers Association to keep ideas flowing,” advised Francine L. Trevens, Chairman Emeritus of The Greater New York Independent Publishers Association and author of 4 books, as well as former contributor to such publications as The Best Plays Annuals and the McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of World Drama.

 

“Check your state site for fairs and festivals. Most state sites have a listing with the approximate number of attendants. Contact your local bookstore in March or April about summer events and sponsored authored fairs. If your intention is to sell books, seek events where you will be the only author in your genre or the only featured author.” Owner of DeeGospel PR, a literary PR boutique, Dee Stewart offers the advice used in her boutique.  

 

 

5. Before you sit down and let the words gush onto your laptop, think about who will read your work: who’s your market?

 

“Get clear on your audience. Don't try to write for "everybody." That instantly turns off publishers and agents. It's much easier to sell to a specific niche. Ask: What's your audience looking for? Understand what they want,” said Lisa Tener.

 

“Most urgent is that the writer figure out who his/her audience is and write the material with that audience in mind,” said Francine L. Trevens.

 

“Evaluate any publisher by their distribution network, as well as their reputation.  Be clear about what is expected of authors... Often authors spend years of their life laboring over their first book, send out their manuscript and go through multiple rejections before finally landing a publisher…” advises Dawn ben David. 

 

Enjoy the sunshine and your summer projects. But, don’t forget this is the season to start pitching your holiday ideas. We advise sipping a frozen drink to get you in the mood for your winter stories!

 

Thank you to those who contributed their advice and expertise!