Five Steps to Successful Writing

You're finally going to do it; become a writer. A successful one. What will make you a success? It's a term you need to define and then strive to achieve.

Are you a success if you're published whether you received payment for it or not? Are you a success because you have a byline? Are you a success because you're making so much money that you can retire from your "day job"?

Now that you've defined what success means you can take the steps necessary to achieve it. Regardless of which pinnacle of success you choose, here are some steps to reach that summit:

1. Are you going to write a novel? Do you want to write and publish newspaper or magazine articles? If you belong to an organization that provides goods and/or services, there is likely a trade publication in which you might pursue publication. Look around the magazine shelves at your local bookstore and even browse the racks at a nearby grocery store as many publications are offered free on the shelves and may be a good source for publication.

2. Once you've chosen which way you want your writing to trend, now you need to study the market. Who publishes the type of work you want to pen? Magazines? On-line sources? Your local newspaper? Pick up a few back issues, thumb through them, analyze the type of pieces they publish and determine whether your writing will be a fit.

3. Will you need to write the whole article before you submit it or will the editor accept a query? Do you need to send previously published clips? Does the publication only publish articles by "experts" in the field? Are you an expert in the topic that you've chosen? Websites for the publication of your choice or a writer's manual will enlighten you as to the editors' preference in receiving submissions - follow them to the letter.

4. Put your best foot forward. Make certain your query or article is error free and polished.

5. Submit, submit, submit. The most-published writers out there get that way because they are constantly researching new markets, sending off queries and articles. The more you submit, the higher your likelihood of being published.

Bottom line, though, if you want to be a "successful" writer, you need to keep writing and submitting and honing your skills.

About the Author

Robbi Hess is a staff writer for the American Educational Guidance Center, which publishes educational websites that assist students of all ages in conducting a successful college search and choosing an online degree program which best meets their needs.