10 Winning Habits of the Frequently Published, p1

Are you ready to sign off on your first project or publish
more of what you have already written? Have you been
wondering who will publish your work? The publishing
industy is changing in the new millineum and doesn't appear
ready to stop changing.

It is estimated that in the next 10
years, 50 percent of all books will be self-published or
published by smaller presses. Even so, it should not exempt
us from the pursuit of excellence in our craft through
sound writing rules and business etiquette.

With that said the way to more published writing credits
is basically the same as Anne Wayman says, "Write well and
write often." If you want to get published more by industry
respected magazines and even enter into the competition for
the attention of traditional book publishers, you may want
to examine some of your writing habits.

There are some habits those writers who consistently get
published share. If you want to join the winner's circle
of frequently published writers develop these habits:

Habit #1 Develop and maintain a strong sense of
professionalism

Frequently published writers know they are not just
creative artists. They know publishing is a business. They
realize as a writer they supply a product to the publisher
or directly to the customer. The writer that comes to terms
with producing their writing as a product develops a
professional attitude. He seeks to develop the most
excellent product that will satisfy the demands of its
consumers. The professional writer follows the basic rules
of business etiquette. For example, they use crisp, clean
paper for letterhead. They never handwrite letters or
manuscripts. They always include a SASE with each query.

Habit #2 Write your best, always.

Unseasoned writers and those who lack professionalism
always seem to be saving their best effort for later. Other
writers who save their best for the next project often
procrastinate themselves out of enough time to do a good
job. Some feel the buyer has left them no profit, so they
give them what they feel they paid for.

The solution though it may not be quickly is to always do
your best. This practice works well with the universal law
that says, 'What you give comes back around to you." When
you continually give your best - the best is always coming
to you - the best assignments, the best rewards, and the
best credit. So write your best and expect the best.

Habit #3 Tap your passions and spread your joy to the world.

Most writers who publish often are passionate people. They
make the most of their passions through their writing
topics. As many of you do, the author has varied interests.
She has had to streamline and focus more than several times
over the years. The greater the numbers of things you
attempt to focus on the less effective you become.

Two of her passions have burned brightly in her life in the
last decade her writing and web development business. So its
no surprise her published credits line up in the writing arena
and internet/computer category. Identify your passions and
you will rake in the publishing credits. Your joy will be
contagious with editors contacting you to publish your work.

Habit #4 Write compelling leads and hook your editors and
readers.

The lead often called the "hook,' because it hooks the
reader - is the first few sentences or paragraphs of
whatever you are writing. The job of the hook is to draw
the reader in to read more. Frequently published authors
realize strong leads are not just for good journalism.

Strong leads are for plain good writing. Use strong leads
with everything you write, from non-fiction articles to
good stories, from query letters to book proposals.

Use a compelling lead at the beginning of every chapter in
both non-fiction and fiction. If you are writing an
article, write a strong hook each time you transition to a
new idea. A strong hook for an article may make the
difference between selling it to an editor and not selling
it.

There are different kinds of leads. Stories that set a
scene or mood, startling facts, interesting statistics that
spark interest are often components of a strong lead. The
question lead entices readers to keep reading to learn the
answer.

Habit #5 Develop Sizzling Titles and Headings.

Successful writers sizzle their titles and headings. They
know the title may well be 90% of the pulling power for
their project. An excellent title is short. The best
selling titles are benefit driven. Don't forget to heat
them up with emotion. Use terms your audience can relate
to. Use action words and verbs. Quantify change with ways
and time limits. Use one or two word ideas to tell a story.

Pledge change. Spark interest. Instead of How to Write an E-
book a client author chose the title Ten Secrets to Write
Your E-book Like a Winner. She quantified change, sparked
interest and branded her title.

Have a meeting of the minds with friends or associates.
Let them help you choose the best title from the list. Find
out which will make them want to read your project.
Pinpoint the sizzling one and the same title may capture
your editor's attention as well.

In the beginning, the acceptances are slow and sporadic
for the successful and unsuccessful writer alike. But the
difference is the successful writer keeps submitting. On a
regular basic they see their work published because of
their investment and persistence. Start with 1-3, keep
submitting, and be persistent until you are invited into
the winner's circle of frequently published writers.
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© Earma Brown, 11 year author and business owner
helps small business owners and writers who want to
deliver their message effectively, build client lists and
create additional streams of income. Author of "Write Your
Best Book Now," she offers mentorship through her monthly
ezine "iScribe" Send any email to
bestbooknow@writetowin.org for free mini-course "How to
Change Your Life by Writing Your Best Book Now"