The Business of Writing
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.DAn important key to writing success is to see yourself not only as an artist, but also as a business person. Whether we like it or not, we will not succeed as writers unless we master the business side of writing.
Despite the pejorative connotation of the word, writers are salespeople. Now you may not think of yourself as a salesperson, nor would you like to think of yourself as a salesperson. Indeed, the very term may be abhorrent to you, conjuring up images of pushy people peddling wares you do not need or want. But, the cold reality of being a writer is that you are a sales person whether you like it or not. Why? Because, if you want to be published, you will normally be engaged in the business of selling your writing.
There is nothing wrong with selling. Every day we “sell” our services. When we interview for a job, we are selling our talents and skills. When we try to persuade another to our point of view, we are selling our ideas. When we submit a magazine article, we are selling the fruit of our hearts and minds.
To sell simply means to convince. When you sell your writing, you have convinced an editor that your writing is valuable and that it will benefit the lives of those who read it. For this benefit, an editor pays you, usually in dollars.
God created business. The woman described in Proverbs 31 was a businesswoman and God calls her “virtuous”. Elsewhere in the Bible, we learn that the workman is worthy of his hire.
So the next time you are tempted to shun the business side of writing, think twice. Recognize it as another one of Satan’s attempts to keep Gospel of salvation from being published!
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© 2002 by MaryAnn L. Diorio, Ph.D.. All rights reserved. Copies of this article may be made for personal use only. Please include copyright notice. Those wishing to publish this article must first request written permission from the author. A minimum fee of $25 will be charged for all reprints.
Dr. Mary Ann Diorio is a popular public speaker, author, and life coach. She speaks on a variety of topics, including writing and life management issues. To book Dr. Diorio, visit her website at www.maryanndiorio.com or at www.CelebrationCoaching.com.