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What is some of the best ways to kickstart a career in Writing professionally?
I see it is taxing to become a “best-selling author,” and wanted to see an authors point of view on the subject.
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Maria’s Answer
Hailey, it's not just taxing. It's nearly impossible. I've been writing and publishing for over 20 years, and my books have won multiple awards. I know several best-selling authors. But for every one of them, there are thousands if not millions of authors who never hit that league. And even when they do? They don't live on that money. They're also teachers, professors, editors, freelancers...they're all hustling to make a living, even when their books are made into movies. That's just reality. And commercial success is elusive. It's not something you can control or "aim for." You just have to write what you love.
As for me, I've made a living as a professional writer virtually my entire life. For example, I took my writing skills to Disney, where I was a UX copywriter for their websites and I even wrote games for several years. My career has crossed multiple industries and geographies, starting in the Silicon Valley and now currently in Los Angeles, where I've pivoted to UX writing. There's great money in the field of UX design and it's fascinating. And guess what? I still write novels and stories that people love. Just be the best writer you can be and stay open to where things might go. :)
As for me, I've made a living as a professional writer virtually my entire life. For example, I took my writing skills to Disney, where I was a UX copywriter for their websites and I even wrote games for several years. My career has crossed multiple industries and geographies, starting in the Silicon Valley and now currently in Los Angeles, where I've pivoted to UX writing. There's great money in the field of UX design and it's fascinating. And guess what? I still write novels and stories that people love. Just be the best writer you can be and stay open to where things might go. :)
Thank you for your response!
I had assumed it was that way, and appreciate the words of advice; I will definitely take it moving forward, that is if I decide to publish my own works someday.
Hailey
You're welcome, Hailey! Just become the best writer you can be -- read a lot, write a lot, and be patient. Someday your words will touch people. And that's what's important.
Maria Alexander
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Louise’s Answer
There are many different ways to write professionally. I knew I wanted to write creatively from an early age. I learned about copywriting, writing ad copy, when I was in middle school. I got a journalism degree with an advertising major and now work as a senior copywriter for Universal Orlando Resort. I write scripts for commercials and radio, headlines and descriptions for the web, billboards, print ads, etc.
I work with a variety of different writers, including UXUI writers who write for the web, show writers who write the scripts and come up with ideas for live entertainment, internal and corporate communications writers who develop content for employees and customers, respectively, etc.
I work with a variety of different writers, including UXUI writers who write for the web, show writers who write the scripts and come up with ideas for live entertainment, internal and corporate communications writers who develop content for employees and customers, respectively, etc.
Juanita Joubert
I am a writer, financial accountant, social media manager, and publisher
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Juanita’s Answer
Hi Hailey
The world of publishing and writing can be very challenging. As Maria mentioned, many writers also have full time careers and only supplement their income by publishing their books and hopefully having them recognized. The other thing I want to add is that it could take months if not an entire year for you to finish one of your novels and then you have to wait for it to get published. I have also published my own books along with helping other writers write theirs and it has been an uphill battle. If you want to write for other authors, then you can consider looking for a platform where you can write and get paid for the books you put out while you gain some experience in the field. If you don't want to ghostwrite, then reach out to other authors for advice and guidance on how you can get started and then just go for it.
The main thing I want to tell you is that writing is an excellent way for you to get your creativity and vision out into the world, but you would need to be willing to work hard to get there. That means late nights in front of your laptop or pc and hours spent looking for work that you need or want to change to improve your characters or plots. Be willing to take the chance and make the change in your life and you will do great. When you put your mind to something, the only one that can hold you back is yourself. Don't let anyone discourage you from following your dreams and doing what will truly make you happy and if that means having a full time career while trying to get your books published, then so be it. I heard someone say once that the only person who is responsible for your happiness is you, others can guide you and give you advice, but ultimately they don't know what brings you true joy, only you can determine that and make your future unique to who you are.
I hope what I have said makes sense and if you ever need any guidance on writing your books, please feel free to send me a message and I will help as far as I can.
Good luck.
The world of publishing and writing can be very challenging. As Maria mentioned, many writers also have full time careers and only supplement their income by publishing their books and hopefully having them recognized. The other thing I want to add is that it could take months if not an entire year for you to finish one of your novels and then you have to wait for it to get published. I have also published my own books along with helping other writers write theirs and it has been an uphill battle. If you want to write for other authors, then you can consider looking for a platform where you can write and get paid for the books you put out while you gain some experience in the field. If you don't want to ghostwrite, then reach out to other authors for advice and guidance on how you can get started and then just go for it.
The main thing I want to tell you is that writing is an excellent way for you to get your creativity and vision out into the world, but you would need to be willing to work hard to get there. That means late nights in front of your laptop or pc and hours spent looking for work that you need or want to change to improve your characters or plots. Be willing to take the chance and make the change in your life and you will do great. When you put your mind to something, the only one that can hold you back is yourself. Don't let anyone discourage you from following your dreams and doing what will truly make you happy and if that means having a full time career while trying to get your books published, then so be it. I heard someone say once that the only person who is responsible for your happiness is you, others can guide you and give you advice, but ultimately they don't know what brings you true joy, only you can determine that and make your future unique to who you are.
I hope what I have said makes sense and if you ever need any guidance on writing your books, please feel free to send me a message and I will help as far as I can.
Good luck.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
For 40 years, I've been writing professionally, and I always ask myself two important questions before I start: "Who am I writing for?" and "What do they need, want, or care about?" I feel successful as an author when I connect with my readers, sharing my knowledge and experiences in a way that makes them eager for more.
Thank you so much for the advice!
Hailey