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Write More than Books: Develop Your Writing Career
Your dream to become a writer may seem accomplished once you have published your first book.
In reality, being a writer may require you to set goals other than finishing a novel. Being a true
writer can be a full-time career, requiring studying, practicing, and business skills. More
importantly, a professional writer needs to have large canon: including novels, novellas, short
stories, and more. Establish yourself as a writer, not just the author of a book.
Open Yourself Up
The best thing you can do to make yourself a better writer is to read. Open yourself up to the
greats in modern literature. Study what makes them the best. To keep yourself on the up-and-up
in the world of writing, subscribe to magazines like Poets & Writers, Writers Digest, or The
Writers Journal. These publications offer great advice and keep you connected with the writing
community.
Hone Your Skills
To be a professional writer, you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Join a
critiquing club to get other professional writers’ opinions on your book. If you are determined to
become a professional writer, go back to school. Take a writing class that will challenge you to
step outside of your comfort zone. Skilled professors will be more than willing to help you with
your writing. Universities provide a great atmosphere to expand on your skills and connect with
other writers like you.
Try New Things
Once you have accomplished publishing a book, it may be time to try something new. Focus on
bettering yourself as a writer, rather than bettering your novels. Try writing short stories or a book
of poetry. You might even want to dabble in a new genre. Although you may find that it is not
your forte, the experience will expand your writing knowledge and might even help you write
your favored genre better.
Be Competitive
Once you have submitted your book to book awards and competitions, now is time to think
bigger. Enter writing competitions instead of book competitions. Enter short works or poems.
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Judges will help you improve your writing style, and winning writing contests creates a third-
party recommendation that reflects positively on your book.
Novels Not Your Thing?
If you love writing but don’t think you’ll enjoy writing a book, don’t give up on your literary
career. Luckily, there are other ways to make a life out of doing what you love. Try writing
screenplays or biographies. If you are a news buff, try writing freelance articles for your local

newspaper. Writing is a skill that can be stretch across multiple genres and careers. Don’t limit
yourself!