Be Adaptable
One of the most important tools to have in your writer’s toolbox is the ability to be adaptable. Adaptable is defined as being able to adjust to different conditions. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, you must be willing to change.
If you mail off a piece to an editor and she likes it, but suggests a different angle, what do you do? Do you respond with an irate email, or do you carefully consider her suggestions. She knows her magazine and readers better than you do. This is a case where you need to adapt and take a good look at the piece you’ve written. Does it meet the needs of this editor? Does it fit the word limit listed in the guidelines? Is it written in a tone appropriate to the magazine? Have you done your research and read the magazine?
Recently, I wrote an article on organizing writing time. After submitting, I received a rejection because it made the editor feel inadequate since she wasn’t organized. If she felt inadequate, what would her readers feel? I looked at my research and asked my experts for a few more details. I reworked the piece and resubmitted it. It sold and I had money in the bank. From the information I gleaned through the process, I had enough information for a second article with a different slant.
A similar scenario occurred with a fiction piece I submitted. The editor liked the story, but he wanted changes. These changes meant not just revising, but writing a new story. Like some writers, I stewed about the request. After awhile, I realized this editor knew what his readers wanted. I followed his suggestions, rewrote the story and was rewarded with a check for my efforts. Both times, I adapted.
Today it seems more and more people are reading electronic magazines. Competition for print magazines is tougher than ever. How can you, as a writer, adapt? The clear answer is to research alternative markets. Online markets have become more mainstream. Many pay decent rates. As print magazines fail, online markets are expanding. Check online data bases at:
Writer’s Market (http://www.writersmarket.com/)
Writing for Dollars (http://www.writingfordollars.com/GuidelinesDB.cfm)
Writers Weekly (http://www.writersweekly.com/)
World Wide Freelance (http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/)
Consider writing for trade magazines (see http://www.gebbieinc.com/magurl.htm for a list of trade magazines). Research those which fit with your work or volunteer background. Contact local businesses and approach them about writing newsletters or annual reports. Adapt to the changing market.
Make realistic goals for yourself and write them down. Decide what is most important to you. Do you want to spend your time writing, researching markets, networking with other writers, or building an author's platform? If your life changes, be adaptable. Did you have to take a job to make ends meet? Have you taken on the responsibility of caring for a child or an aging parent? Look at your daily schedule and see when you can write. Get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later. Eliminate one of your t.v. shows. Spend less time on social networking sites. Write on your lunch hour. Write while you're waiting for an appointment. Adjust to the changing conditions in your life.
In order to succeed as a writer in today's changing climate, you must be willing to change as well. With a tight economy, the ability to adapt becomes even more important. Competition for writing jobs increases with more people unemployed at 9 - 5 jobs. Adapt and you will be the one receiving the check.
If you mail off a piece to an editor and she likes it, but suggests a different angle, what do you do? Do you respond with an irate email, or do you carefully consider her suggestions. She knows her magazine and readers better than you do. This is a case where you need to adapt and take a good look at the piece you’ve written. Does it meet the needs of this editor? Does it fit the word limit listed in the guidelines? Is it written in a tone appropriate to the magazine? Have you done your research and read the magazine?
Recently, I wrote an article on organizing writing time. After submitting, I received a rejection because it made the editor feel inadequate since she wasn’t organized. If she felt inadequate, what would her readers feel? I looked at my research and asked my experts for a few more details. I reworked the piece and resubmitted it. It sold and I had money in the bank. From the information I gleaned through the process, I had enough information for a second article with a different slant.
A similar scenario occurred with a fiction piece I submitted. The editor liked the story, but he wanted changes. These changes meant not just revising, but writing a new story. Like some writers, I stewed about the request. After awhile, I realized this editor knew what his readers wanted. I followed his suggestions, rewrote the story and was rewarded with a check for my efforts. Both times, I adapted.
Today it seems more and more people are reading electronic magazines. Competition for print magazines is tougher than ever. How can you, as a writer, adapt? The clear answer is to research alternative markets. Online markets have become more mainstream. Many pay decent rates. As print magazines fail, online markets are expanding. Check online data bases at:
Writer’s Market (http://www.writersmarket.com/)
Writing for Dollars (http://www.writingfordollars.com/GuidelinesDB.cfm)
Writers Weekly (http://www.writersweekly.com/)
World Wide Freelance (http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/)
Consider writing for trade magazines (see http://www.gebbieinc.com/magurl.htm for a list of trade magazines). Research those which fit with your work or volunteer background. Contact local businesses and approach them about writing newsletters or annual reports. Adapt to the changing market.
Make realistic goals for yourself and write them down. Decide what is most important to you. Do you want to spend your time writing, researching markets, networking with other writers, or building an author's platform? If your life changes, be adaptable. Did you have to take a job to make ends meet? Have you taken on the responsibility of caring for a child or an aging parent? Look at your daily schedule and see when you can write. Get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later. Eliminate one of your t.v. shows. Spend less time on social networking sites. Write on your lunch hour. Write while you're waiting for an appointment. Adjust to the changing conditions in your life.
In order to succeed as a writer in today's changing climate, you must be willing to change as well. With a tight economy, the ability to adapt becomes even more important. Competition for writing jobs increases with more people unemployed at 9 - 5 jobs. Adapt and you will be the one receiving the check.