The Four-Letter Word That Will Transform Your Writing Career
Posted: Thursday, November 05, 2009
by Dwight Clough
Empower Good
What if I could give you one word that would transform your writing career?
Impossible?
Not at all. It's not only possible, but when you understand this word and its power, it will forever change how you look at writing. In fact, if you don't learn this word, you are treating your writing career like a trip to a Vegas casino. Sure, you might win big, but the odds are that you'll go home disappointed ... and broke.
No, it's not a profanity. Nor is it an obscenity. In fact, it's not colorful language at all. It's a plain, ordinary word, a word that you've probably spoken in the last ten days without comprehending its significance.
It starts with an "L."
Can you guess what it is?
Give up?
The word is list.
The right kind of list, in your hands, can transform you from a writer wannabe to a successful author with enough muscle to walk into a major publisher's office and negotiate a six- or seven-figure advance with smiles all around the table.
But without a list, you're dead in the water. You can be the best writer since Ernest Hemingway and nobody will give you the time of day.
What do I mean?
I'm talking about a list a database of people who know you, respect you, trust you and get value from the message you have to share. I'm talking about a list of people who are ready, willing and able to buy the next book you publish. This means a database of names, email address and whatever other information you can glean so that turning your book into a best seller is like marketing clockwork.
The vast majority of writers are spending way too much time ruminating over their prose and zero time building their list.
If you don't have a list, start building one now. How do you build a list? That's the subject of a different article, but, for starters, you need to begin asking yourself some basic marketing questions: What groups of people benefit most from my message? How and why exactly do they benefit? Where do I find these people? How can I engage them in dialogue? What would cause them to want to share their name and contact information with me? How can I responsibly care for that trust and that information?
Give it some thought, because this four letter word is the cornerstone of your writing career.
Dwight Clough
Author / Ghostwriter / Author's Coach
http://EmpowerGood.com/yourbook
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Dwight, I thought you were going to talk about a list of topics, storylines, etc. This went a direction I didn't see coming, but I understand how someone serious about writing needs the list you mention. Welcome to SearchWarp.Thanks, Lorrie!
I am at the point now where I am not sure if I have enough energy to be published.. this made some good points though. MarijoThis is why I work with authors to develop a good strategic plan before writing the book. You want to clarify your goals and determine how you're going to achieve them - and if you have the resources (time, money, energy, teamwork) to accomplish them. I wish you well with your writing!
Welcome to the best site for writers on the net.(Put me on your 'Schindler's list' for survival!) Paul SchroederThanks, Paul - many blessings to you!
Dwight welcome to Searchwarp. Very useful information, what you said made a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing. ~Nenita~Thanks, Nenita. I wish you well with your writing career! What kinds of projects are you working on?
Hi Dwight,Thanks for the article. Would you please join my list at my fan club? Welcome to SearchWarp.MarkSure, Mark, happy to. Maybe you can help me understand how to set up a fan club here at SearchWarp. Thanks!
Dwight, Good article. It's all about marketing isn't it. It doesn't matter how good you are at your trade...you better be a marketing machine. Welcome to SearchWarpSomeone - John Kremer, I think - defined marketing as "making friends." I like that definition. Thanks much, John Lenz, for the welcome. I wish you well with your writing career. What kind of projects are you working on?
welcome good commentsThanks, Matthew! I wish you the best with your writing!
Thank for a super article Dwight. It certainly is food for thought, as I'm sure most of those with aspirations of successful writing and publishing, never thought about building such a list.ThanksThanks so much, John. How are things going? I wish you every success!
Hey DwightThanks for the advice and welcome to Searchwarp. My Goldendoodle BugsyWonderdog is currently working on his first book and I know that he is already panic stricken about the marketing process. I think having him make a list is a great idea. Not sure if any of his canine friends have any money but at least it's a starting point. Thanks again for the tip.Thanks, Dr. Janice. Your Goldendoodle BugsyWonderdog could probably add my daughter to his list - she loves anything connected with dogs.Many blessings!Dwight
Thanks everyone, for the helpful feedback on this article. I wish you all well with your writing endeavors. If I can ever be of any help, let me know.
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