Willing to Change

Change is hard for everyone. We resist it and don't
want to do it—unless we are forced to do it. I've moved several times in the
last few years and every time I move, there are many changes that I'm forced to
make—some I like and others I dislike but change happens. It is a constant in
our lives and our writing life.



Right now are you writing something? A book? A
magazine
article? Are you telling an interesting story that others want to read with
a beginning, middle and an end? We sit at our computers and create words. And
after they are created, we wonder if they are the right words and if our
audience will want to read the words. Will the audience enjoy, like, change or
??? from reading our words?









One of the keys is to create it in the first place
and create an excellent work. The next step is to test your words and get
feedback. Some writers gather a group of first readers who will give feedback
about their writing. Other writers have a trusted friend who reads their work
and gives honest insights. Yet others belong to a writer's critique group. If
you are not in a critique group and want to form one or find one, read this
article to learn more details. The key is to write something that is
excellent and others want to read. You will not know if you don't check with the
audience—before you send it to an editor or literary agent. Just using
this process will help you gain an edge over the other submissions—because you
are striving for excellence.



In the journey of going for excellence, you will
have to consider any changes that you learn about in this critique process. Some
suggestions are excellent and you take while others aren't right and you ignore.
You are the only person who can make these decisions about the reactions to your
work.



Finally you have your work ready to send to an
editor or agent. Congratulations. When you send that work, are you willing to
change and follow the suggestions of the editor? Your attitude and willingness
will be critical in this process of finding someone to publish your
work.







I've been writing for years and I still go through
this process. 



Every other month, I write a column about book proposal creation
for Southern Writers
Magazine. I've been writing for them since their first issue. In the last
few days, I completed my November/ December article and sent it to them on their
requested deadline. Each time I send my article, I tell the editor that if
something doesn't make sense or needs to be changed let me know. If I'm honest,
I'm not eager to make those changes and I wonder if the editor will find
something to fix. 



Why do I express my willingness to change? Because ultimately
the editor is in charge of their publication. They could decide not to publish
my words.  I'm always mindful of who is in charge and has that ultimate power
over what is published and what is not. Sometimes as an editor, I hold that
power but normally it is in the hands of others.



To my relief, I heard from my editor. He loved my
article and sent me the version already laid out for their magazine. I reviewed
it and everything looks great. It is wonderful to have another article in this
publication—but I never take it for granted—nor should you. The professional
attitude is to work with the editor or whoever to produce an excellent result.




Are you willing to change for a better
result?