.: It’s Good To Be A New Writer: Breaking The Myth That Experience Is Everything
By:Shelley Wake
There’s a rumor out there in the publishing world that an editor won’t even look at the work of a new writer. It might be true for certain types of writing, but after interviewing hundreds of editors, I’ve found that most are more open to new writers than you might think.
And there are a few major benefits to being a new writer too. So before you spend too much time trying to work out how you can appear to be a published professional writer when you’re not, consider taking advantage of your current position as a newcomer.
What are the advantages? Here are four positive points of being a new writer that will help you get work - and they all come direct from editors.
1. It’s Easier to Impress
Editor says…
“I really don’t mind new writers at all. If you’re new and act professionally, I’m usually willing to give you a go. I’d suggest that new writers just be honest about who they are.
If I get a fairly good article by a new writer, I’ll be impressed. To me, that’s my chance to discover new talent. That’s when I’ll contact the writer and try to help them. If I get a fairly good article by a new writer pretending to be an experienced writer, I will probably just issue a standard rejection.” -Evelyn, Magazine Editor
If you claim to be a professional and experienced writer, an editor is likely to expect a lot. That means it will take a lot to really impress them. Even a good article might not be enough to get their attention. But if you tell the truth and admit that you’re a new writer, it takes a lot less to impress. A new writer with a professional approach is something special – just sending a professional quality submission might even be enough to impress.
2. There’s Room to Grow
Editor says…
“When I get a good article from a new writer, I’m always very happy. Why? Because new writers with the right skills and attitude are wonderful for our magazine. They can be shaped to suit our style, they listen to instructions, they usually have a positive attitude. That’s the kind of writer I like to take on and mentor.” –Stephanie, Magazine Editor
If an editor knows that you’re a new writer, you’re giving them the chance to spot new talent. If you’re new and right for their publication, you might be taken in and mentored until you suit their style.
The same isn’t likely to happen if the editor thinks that you’re experienced. Instead of looking at your work and thinking that it shows potential, they’ll be assuming it’s the best that you can do.
3. Anything Else, And You Risk Losing Their Interest
Editor says…
“I would tell writers to be careful if they’re going to exaggerate. I know everyone does it on resumes. But if someone claims to have been a writer for twenty years and is pitching my low-paying mag, I’m going to wonder two things. First, I’m going to wonder if they’re lying. Second, I’m going to wonder why they’re not working for a higher paying magazine if they really have that much experience. If they’re not lying, then I have to assume that they’re just a bad writer. Either way, it doesn’t look good for them.” - Danielle, Magazine Editor
If you’re a new writer, you need to be targeting the right kinds of markets. And if you are targeting small markets, claiming years of experience is only going to make editors suspicious.
4. Attitude Matters
Editor says…
“It’s simple. Many seasoned writers pitching me have a bit of an attitude, a hint of suspicion, and often a streak of boredom. Fresh writers pitching me tend to have nothing but positive energy and enthusiasm. I’ll take the enthusiastic writer, please.” –Sam, Editor
If you can’t go in with experience, go in with enthusiasm. That might be the big advantage that gets you the job.
Article keywords: writing, writer, freelance, publishing, markets, editor, books, ebooks, articles, stories, published, work, jobs
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Shelley Ann Wake is the editor of 30 Clips in 30 Days: A Crash Course in Getting Published. This practical guide has successfully launched hundreds of freelance writing careers in record time. Link: www.writingstuff.com/books1.html
.: New Writing Articles
1). The Secret Behind Ghost Writers
Ghost writers perform a valuable service to busy writers as well as use the opportunity to get their own works published.
2). Proofing - A Critical Function Not to be Overlooked
Business people universally agree that mechanical mistakes detract from the professionalism of communications.
3). Tidbits On Monetizing Blogs
Blogging for profit has increased in popularity since its inception. The irony is that the original blogs were not at all designed with profit in mind.
4). Blogging Communities Bring Benefits To Bloggers
Blogging communities can be extremely difficult to understand.
5). A High Percentage Method to Get Published
One way of getting your written word published is to be a contract writer.
6). How To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
Whether you are a seasoned writer or an aspiring writer freelance writing is a great way to get more writing work. Find out how you can go about getting freelance writing jobs.
7). Techniques For Writing A Great Eulogy
Before you start to write the eulogy, think about the person and their life. You might want to include a memorable event you shared or mention their passions in life - or not...
.: Top Writing Articles
1). Letters of Recommendation – Writing Tips and Strategies
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
In addition to standard letter-writing dos and don'ts, there are a number of basic guidelines that apply specifically to most situations related to the writing of letters of recommendation. These are usually more "situational" than "how-to" in nature.
These recommendation letter guidelines are important to both note and apply, since writing letters of recommendation is always a somewhat tricky and delicate matter.
2). Go With the Flow: Write With Transition Words and Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day writing is poor logical flow from one idea or point to the next. This usually takes the form of a bunch of seemingly unrelated phrases thrown together with little or no sense of sequence, continuity, or relativity.
Although the overall subject may be obvious, the words to describe it seem to be scattered on the page like an almost random set of unconnected thoughts.
3). Letters of Recommendation Defined
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As I point out on the main page of my recommendation-reference-central.com Web site there is a great deal of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation and letters of reference. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It's confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while.
4). Letters of Recommendation - Writing Power Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As a result of writing literally hundreds of letters of recommendation over the years, I have learned that there are certain common elements and approaches that are applicable to almost all such letters.
If you look closely at most recommendation and reference letters you will notice that there are certain "types" of phrases that recur over and over again, throughout the various letters.
5). Techniques For Writing A Great Eulogy
Before you start to write the eulogy, think about the person and their life. You might want to include a memorable event you shared or mention their passions in life - or not...
6). Letters of Reference Defined
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As I point out on the main page of my Web site, recommendation-reference-central.com, there is a great deal of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of reference and letters of recommendation. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It's confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while.
7). Improve Your Writing in Eight Simple Steps
This articles explains how a student can improve his or her writing by following eight simple steps.