A Simple Way For Writers To Stand Out
By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin
The publishing world is
competitive. Thousands of new books are released into the world every
day. Yet there is a simple way for writers to standout. While this method is
simple, it is not easy: do what you say you will do.
Years ago when I was an
acquisitions editor at another publisher, a colleague needed me to connect with
a contracted bestselling author who was late on his manuscript—a year late. As
someone who has stayed up writing all night to meet a publisher deadline, I was
surprised this author could be so late. At this publsher, we had weekly schedule
meetings where we talked about our contracted books and where they were in the
publishing process. I learned a lot just listening to the details about these
various books.
As a writer I have all sorts of
deadlines. Some of them are self-imposed and some are from my editors. Last week
I received an email from a friend about her new children's board book. She was
looking for reviews. I reached out, asked for a copy and the marketing director
at her publisher sent it to me. I loved the creativity in this little book,
wrote my review and posted it on Amazon and Goodreads. There was no money
exchanged in this process. I read books and write reviews for fun. I receive
many books and don't get all of them read and reviewed but in this case a board
book only has a few pages the process was easy to do.
As the Bible says in Matthew
5:37a, “All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'.” It is a simple way to
stand out as a writer. If you meet your deadlines with high quality material, if
you promise to write something, and then do it, you will separate yourself from
other writers.
How do you stand out as a writer?
Do you have other ideas? Let me know in the comments below.
Labels: 10 Publishing Myths, deadlines, publishing, standing out, Terry Whalin, writing
2 Comment:
Well said Mr. Terry. I've long believed that doing what you say you're going to do is a sign of both integrity and professionalism. When I turn wood on a lathe, it's a hobby. I have various projects, some of which I may never finish according to plan. When I contract to write for someone, or myself, I do everything possible to honor that commitment. This isn't to say that I've never requested an extension; but I try to make those exception and not the norm. Enjoyed as always sir. God's blessings.
J.D.
Thank you for this comment and the encouragement.
Terry
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