How to Cultivate a Career As a Professional Writer

How to Cultivate a Career As a Professional WriterHow to Cultivate a Career As a Professional WriterPeople tend to think its cool when I tell them Im a professional writer. It can be, but just like any other job it has compelling moments as well as those that are stressful, laborious and difficult. Ive been a writer for nearly 15 years, and this is my insiders view of this quietly uproarious occupation.These days I get the chance to write interesting articles, but I have also written my share of pretty dry reports, instruction manuals, letters and brochures. Scoring compelling assignments is often a writers payoff after honing his or her craft by practicing on much less engaging pieces. Over the years, though, Ive learned that this job brings out the best in my abilities no matter what the project. For example, Im bedrngnis naturally skilled in math, but if I have to generate a financial report, and I need to include facts, figures or statistical data, I can conjure up my most detail -oriented self. I love to write, and Im glad I get to do it professionally. My favorite thing about it is that no matter what the topic-even if it may seem dull or difficult when I start the project-the fact that I get to write about it makes the subject interesting. I get to be alone with a topic I might not think about otherwise. I have the opportunity to learn about it, find an interesting angle on it and then articulate a position on it. Its a fascinating way to explore the world. If you are thinking of cultivating a career as a writer, here are a couple of tips to contemplate Talent alone wont make you successful Dont overvalue your talent. It cant stand alone. This sounds brutal. I know. But talented writers are everywhere. A writers job is to deliver ideas to an audience in a concise and engaging way. To accomplish this, you have to communicate clearly. Learn the craft. Know how the tools work. Study and practice as much as you can. I dont know a single editor who has the tim e or patience to chisel meaning out of undisciplined prose. Trust me. They hate that. Do your homeworkBecome a student of the written word. Seek out your favorite thinkers and writers. Read everything you can. Take literature, philosophy, writing and grammar classes. Be humble and work hard. Get a variety writing jobsFind jobs that give you the chance to practice, even if you dont love the subject matter. It benefits you to try doing different types of projects and assuming a variety of voices. Nothing makes you a better writer than practice. It doesnt matter what you are writing about, only that you are building up your thinking, reading, writing and editing muscles. NetworkCultivating relationships with others in the field will yield opportunities in an extremely competitive arena. Getting an introduction from a contact can set you apart from the competition. Just remember, networks are Karma-fueled, so make sure to repay your network.Grow a thick skinSometimes editors will love w hat you write other times, it just wont be what they want. Get used to taking negative feedback about your work. Dont take it personally. When you are writing professionally, you have to love your work enough to be engaged. At the same time, you have to put your ego in its distribution policy and recognize that its just work, and starting over is never so bad as long as youre getting paid.Search writing jobs