Pre-Published? 10 Things to Do While You Wait

If you’ve followed the world of writing/publishing for any length of time, you well know the ups and downs of this fun (and often crazy) career path.

Just this week, another brick and mortar store in our neck of the woods took a hit. They’re closing mid-December. I’m sad to see it go, but I can’t say I’m surprised. They’d been a staple in our area for 25 years, here long before e-books, online shopping, and big box stores became direct competitors.

In addition to book stores’ demise, there are ongoing trends and shifts within the publishing industry and the writing community. Things no longer remain constant. But then, did they ever?

In today’s world, change is the key buzzword. Ever-changing market demands have sent pre-published writers, as well as veteran authors, into panic mode.

Now more than ever, I’m sensing the weight of discouragement on a lot of shoulders today—especially those of pre-published writers—and it’s heartbreaking.

That’s why today I wanted to offer practical tips—10 things pre-published writers can do now as they navigate the winding path to publication. (And yes, I’m throwing myself in the mix.)

Because writing is usually a solitary pursuit, we often forget there are others out there just like us—writers who are plodding away day in, day out, trying to do it all the “right” way while figuring out the next piece of the puzzle.

Well, speaking from my personal experience, the right way for one, isn’t necessarily the right way for someone else.

We each have different strengths and gifts. We know ways we perform best. We sense when something’s working and when it isn’t.

Let’s go with that thought for a moment.

What if we knew what’s worked for us (kept us sane) as we trudged the path—as we waited?

Well, because I’m a sharer, an encourager, I want to tell you what I’ve done.

So, if you’re pre-published, listen up.

 

Here are 10 Things to Do While You Wait

 

 

• Write. Even when you don’t feel like it. Even when there are other things you’d rather do. And yes. Let’s be honest—there will always be seasons like that—seasons of blah—at various life junctures. Rest and refresh, and begin again. Having ongoing WIPs (works-in-progress) increases productivity. The more you write, the more irons in the fire. And while you’re at, be sure and finish what you start.

 

• Blog. I’ve said it before. Blogging isn’t the be-all-end-all. Blogging does build your writing muscles and it makes you a better a writer. The more you do it, the better you get. A regular blogging schedule will prepare you for future deadlines. Consistent blogging builds your presence and platform.

 

• Read. For pleasure and for craft. This improves your own writing and keeps your mind sharp. These are resources I’ve found helpful.

 

• Enlist a mentor. Talk with a respected author or trusted friend, someone who knows the industry and can guide you as you grow. Sometimes, writing is a lonely business. It’s important to gather your troops—those who will support, upgird, and encourage you as you travel the pre-pub path.

 

• Enter writing contests. You’ll receive feedback on what you’re doing wrong, and better yet—what you’re doing right. A favorite contest that I entered last year was a great encouragement, especially when I finaled in the Top 40 and had my short story, Words from the Heart, published in Family Fiction’s The Story 2014 Anthology. (Check out Karen Kingsbury’s Family Fiction site. Great resource for inspirational fiction.)

 

• Join writing groups and organizations. You’ll feel less like the Lone Ranger and more like a writing professional when you’re with those who share common goals and interests. I’m a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA. Each of these wonderful organizations provides invaluable craft, platform, and marketing support.

 

• Attend conferences. Conferences are a great way to learn, grow, and make lifelong friends. It’s also a wonderful way to network and meet industry professionals . There’s nothing like those face-to-face connections in which you’re able to finally put a face with a name. Yes, there’s time, effort, and expense involved in attending writing conferences, but the pay-off is unsurpassed.

 

• Start a newsletter. I know. I hear your sigh. But wait—lest you say “That’s just one more thing I have to do”—again, think of it as an investment. A career investment. You’re in wait mode, remember? Rather than me tell you that you should consider this, read my recent post on the ACFW blog—> Does a Newsletter Scare You? Five Ways to Rock It! (Lots of great tidbits there.) Then read these fabulous thoughts via Joel Friedlander —> How to Build an Author Platform. (A lot of wonderful insight there, too.)

 

• Get active on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc. You don’t have to do it all. I certainly don’t. Choose what you enjoy the most and have a passion for. Don’t hop on a particular social media train just because everyone else is riding it. If your heart’s not in it, it won’t matter because it’ll be pretty apparent. Something to keep in mind—like I said in my ACFW guest post, I blog and send monthly newsletters (sign up in the side bar if you’d like to join me) in addition to my activity on other social media circuits. Why? Because a blog is mine. As other mediums continue to limit our visibility, unless we buy their ads, blogging is something we control.

 

• Have fun! Seriously. Waiting is one of THE hardest things pre-published writers face. It’s easy to get sucked into the work, work, work trap. Burn-out isn’t fun and it’s sure not pretty. There’s a time to write and a time to regroup outside of the four walls. I don’t mean you grow complacent and lazy about your craft. I mean you recharge so your craft remains what God intended—your ministry. Your calling. You know—F-U-N.

 

There’s no right or wrong here. (Though, writers should always write. See the first bullet.)

Try tackling five out of the ten to start with, beginning with the most important, according to your career goals.

Yes, there’s work involved. (But you’re not a writer because it’s easy, right?)

And you can always do as much or as little as you want.

However… Choosing a proactive mindset will always trump nothing.

Doing nothing while you wait on that agent, editor, or contract is absolutely the worst thing you can do.

Doing nothing will rob you of your focus and your self-confidence.

Doing nothing will derail God’s best for you.

Inactivity is a joy-stealer and a dream-killer.

It’s career suicide.

You’ve set out on this journey for one reason and it’s not for the bonbons, money, or fame. (At least, not initially. But it’s okay to make-believe. After all—you are a writer.)

The journey you are on, my friend, is one of a nobler calling. It’s the one God has earmarked especially for you.

It’s the dream He’s stamped with your name, and something else, too.

That dream is stamped Success.

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PLEASE PASS IT ON

Waiting? Relax! 10 things to do to make the process productive.

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 Pre-published writers often face discouragement. What to do while you wait.

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ADDITIONAL GOODIES YOU SHOULD READ

Waiting, Writing, and Why You Must Not Quit

Three Encouraging Thoughts for Your Writing Journey

If the Writing Bug Bites, Don’t Grab the Swatter!

7 Reasons to Love What You Do

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What are you doing while you wait?

What have you learned during your journey?

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See you back on Friday!

*side hug*

Much Love and Many Blessings,