7 Traits of Bestselling Authors: #5 How to Get Agents, Editors and Readers to Believe
You're on an airplane coasting down a runway. The pilot's voice crackles through the speakers: "Well folks, I've trained and even have experience, so I'm hopeful I can get this plane into the air." Chances are, such a statement would tempt you to exit through the emergency door. Why? With your safety on the line, you don't want the pilot to hope he can perform his job; you want him to know he can. Blindfolded, if need be.
Editors and agents are no different. They must believe you can write well, and that you'll reach readers from an established platform. Readers also need to see that you believe in your writing. Show them any signs of uncertainty, and they'll give you as much confidence as you give yourself.
The pilot in my example might have aced every exam and flown without incident for 20 years. It doesn't matter. If he or she hesitates, you're trust is lost. But you might never question the experience of a trainee who exudes confidence.
Best-selling authors have to be brave. It takes courage to win a book contract in the first place, make it through edits, launch the book, weather a barrage of reviews, and of course monitor rankings and sales. Courage is not fear's absence but rather carrying on despite it. As an example, best-selling author Jody Hedlund blogged about her "terror" at release of her debut novel, but then went on to write her second book.
Virtually every best-selling author of which I'm aware exhibits self-confidence. If you lack this quality, here are some tips:
Study the craft of writing until you could teach it yourself.
Engage in a critique group both to build your confidence and to help you take constructive criticism.
Either study self-editing or hire a professional editor you trust to go over your manuscript, and then learn from the advice you receive.
Enter writing competitions like ACFW's Genesis contest to sharpen your skills and to receive notes for improvement.
Join Toastmasters or another group that helps you gain confidence in front of others.
Develop online and in-person friendships with other writers.
Edit any negative self-talk.
Believe in yourself and others will believe in you too.
Please leave more ideas to help others in the comments.
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7 Traits of Successful Writers: #2 Where Most Writers Stumble
7 Traits of Best-selling Authors: #1 Author Know Yourself
© 2010 Janalyn Voigt
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