Lecture 24: Making a Life as a Fiction Writer
they can, do something else to make a living, and promote their work
through social media.Marketing Your Work
z As much as possible, you
should write what you want
to write—without trying to
tailor your work to appeal to
the market—and try to keep
business out of the creative
process. At the same time, the
glad-handing salesperson in
you should at least be thinking
about how to market your book
to the public even as you’re
working on it.z If you plan to publish by the
traditional route, do research
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have worked with writers you
admire and publishers that
have published the sort of work
you’re trying to write. If you plan to self-publish, become part of an
online community of writers and readers who enjoy reading the sort of
thing you’re writing.z The key to attracting the attention of agents and editors or an online
community of readers is to be professional. If you approach an agent,
for example, write a brief cover letter pitching your novel and say a
few words about yourself that make you sound knowledgeable and easy
to work with. Mention any previous publications or awards you have
received. In an online environment, be respectful, friendly, and brief.
Praise the work of others that you genuinely admire and be honest but
polite about work you don’t like.Professionalism and networking are
the keys to attracting the attention of
agents and editors or readers in an
online community.© Flying Colours Ltd/Photodisc/Thinkstock.