Simple Truths for Writers

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin





More than a dozen years ago, as a frustrated acquisitions
editor, I wrote Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your
Success . In the back of that book, I included a series of simple
statements for writers that I called Maxims. 




Today I'm returning to these truths as reminders for every
writer (including me). I hope they will be something important to you and help
guide your writing life:




1. Never forget the impact of your words—positive or
negative. Most days, I feel the pressure of motivation to make money as
a freelancer. I’ve got bills and obligations which demand payment. Yet if you
are so money-driven that you never make any decisions about your writing except
ones which are motivated from finances, it will be difficult for you to advance
in nonfiction or whatever category you choose. Don’t get me wrong. I want to be
fairly compensated for my work but I also want to enjoy my work and what I do
day in and day out. You need to be conscious of your motivation behind your
writing and let that drive your daily efforts.




2. Never forget your writing is a privilege and a
business—so seek to maintain balance. Too many writers hesitate to ask
for their materials or for a decision about a query or proposal. They send it
out once or twice, then it’s rejected and they don’t properly market.





3. Celebrate your writing successes. Never lose
the wonder of the opportunity. At another conference I attended—a secular
writing conference in Southern California—I was fascinated by a secular novelist
and his message. While waiting to ask him a question after the session, I turned
to another person and asked if she had taken this instructor’s writing class.
The woman puffed up her face in disgust and replied, “No, I’m a published
author.” Just because our material is printed in magazines or books, it should
not build us up in pride. Believe me, sometimes it’s difficult but as writers we
need to keep things in balance, especially when it comes to nonfiction books.





4. Believe in the quality of your work and the value of
your message. Surprises always happen. I work hard at my craft and
perseverance is a key factor. Don’t get me wrong but I love to receive my
material in print. It’s a surprise and a special blessing. It’s the new box of
books hot off the press or the magazine article in a missionary publication. I
marvel at the grace in my life. I’d encourage you to absorb the same attitude no
matter how many books you publish.




5. Expect to serve an apprenticeship. It’s a
false expectation to go from nothing to book contracts. Everyone is expected to
move through the ranks of this business. It takes diligence and perseverance to
succeed.




6. Learn all you can from every possible
source. If you approach life in this fashion, you will find that you
can learn from a multitude of sources.




7. Act wisely and thoughtfully. Haste usually
makes waste.




8. Never resist rewriting. Your words are not
etched in stone.




9. Never resist editing. Again, your words are
not etched in stone.




10. When you receive advice about your writing, learn to
evaluate it critically. Sometimes you will get advice from a fellow
writer or a family member and it doesn’t “feel” like something you should take.
Follow that instinct.




11. Treat editors as the coach on your team.
They know their audience, so respect their counsel and only reject it with good
reason.




12. Never rest on your laurels. Be looking for your next
opportunity. I’ve discovered that writing opportunities
abound—particularly when I’m actively looking for them.




As I read through these truths which I wrote many years ago,
they still ring true. In fact, I've based much of my writing career on following
these statements. I hope they will encourage you and help your writing
life.




If you haven't read Book Proposals That
$ell ,  let me give you several reasons to get a copy: First, the book
has over 130 Five Star reviews on Amazon. Second, many people have used this
information to get an agent or snag a traditional book deal. Third, I have
all of the remaining print copies (so don't buy it from Amazon). Finally
I've reduced the price from $15 to $8 and added bonuses and other elements. I
hope you will check it out and order a copy.




As you read through this article, which principles are important
to you? Am  I missing something? I look forward to your comments and feedback in
the comments below.




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