A career plan

(Woken up by jackhammers literally right outside my window. That’s always a treat. Though, some might argue that it’s a more pleasant sound to wake to than my actual alarm clock.)

Now that I’m up…

I’m one to enjoy having a plan. I like knowing what the next step is going to be in most things I’m doing, that way I can at least mentally prepare for what’s coming. I normally make up a rough outline for any novel manuscript I’m working on, even when I have to toss it halfway through because so much has changed. While I have it, that outline helps keep me focused and paces my writing over a period of weeks or months.

But what about setting my goals and pace over the next few years? I believe this link can be a good resource, if just a nudge in the right direction, for both unpublished and published writers. Many of us seem to be pursuing full careers in writing, with the hope that it will someday be able to pay our bills, or at least supplement a part-time job. That’s a rough path to walk, but would it be any easier if you had even a sketched road map? A reminder of the various steps you should follow to keep the path as clear of debris as possible?

A marketing and career plan

This is hardly a comprehensive list, nor is it going to work for everyone. But what I see in it is a great way to at least prepare for some of the issues I may deal with when I finally reach that first book deal. It gives you a few insider points, like how to deal with bad cover art, marketing, and other steps you can take to at least be doing your part in getting that book into readers’ hands. These are also bullet points that can apply to pretty much any manuscript you ever end up working with (aside from having to get a new agent for each one, hopefully).

I believe the more one knows about the publishing industry, the better you will be positioned to maximize the release of your book…not necessarily by pressuring the publisher to produce a higher print run or any such thing, but by becoming a vital link in getting that book out there, creating more exposure, and keeping your finger on the pulse of sales figures, publicity efforts, and so on. Sure, you don’t want to start obsessing over those things and caring more about the money-making than the storytelling. Keep those priorities straight. However, if your goal is to make a workable career out of this, then treat it like one. Look ahead and figure out how you are going to set yourself apart in this hugely competitive field. Then, once you’ve done all you can, pray for a bit of blessing over those areas you have no control over, and enjoy being published in the first place. That’s what I plan to do.

I see that smile.