Suppose we saw a full-page newspaper ad such as this: “How to Make a Million Dollars in Thirty Days,” “The Short Path to Becoming a Popular Speaker,” or “Five Easy Steps to Write a Bestselling Novel.” These invitations appeal to our desire for quick, easy success. Supposedly, if we pay $99 for the seminar and learn the secret formula, then we won’t have to work so hard to gain the same level of success.
Publishers are looking for great writing. They can’t tell us what that is, but they believe they’ll recognize it when they see it. Actually, they are like the rest of us, looking for an easy way to success. They tend to copy the latest fad, which is why we’ve about worn out the demand for more Amish or vampire novels.
We should give little thought to writing like somebody else.
Why? Isn’t that the easy way to success?
No, it isn’t.
Why not?
Because somebody else is already doing it, and doing it well. For you to break into their playground, you must convince publishers that you’re a better player than they are, with a fabulous story, written in better style, with superior market appeal.
Most writers will self-publish, which can lead to bestseller status if the author did have a fabulous story, written in better style, with great market appeal. Print-on-demand technology has made publishing affordable for every writer. Now we can at least guarantee reaching a limited audience without taking a second mortgage on the house and filling our garage with unsold books.
Seminars can be a great boost, but only if they are followed with plenty of action. Remember, every bit of writing we do today will be practice that will make us better writers for the rest of lives. Write as much as you can each day, and you’re on the hard-work path to success—the only approach that really works.
