by Frank Sherosky

Created on: January 02, 2009

Freelance writing of articles and authoring books/ebooks share the same challenges. It's more than just about the writing. For sure, the marketing mentality of the writer/author makes all the difference navigating the competitive arena we call writer's markets. Just as products without a marketing strategy sit in warehouses, so do articles and books.

It's surprising how many beginning writers assume all they have to do is write well, and the world will automatically beat a path to their door; or need I say website. So, they practice and practice as they should. Success, in fact, already assumes good writing as a given.

The issue with writing for a fee centers on competition associated with Capitalism. If writers visited the annual, Book Expo America just one time, they would see much of their competition under a single roof; and they would realize the writing world is very, very crowded.

Sure, the internet has now availed more opportunities for writers. After all, it's a global bazaar, but that arena is getting more crowded with writers, too. Again, if new writers were to try selling on the web first, before they wrote their first piece, they would find a distinct difference with brick/mortar selling. The point is: How do you as a writer go about setting yourself apart from the global crowd? After all, getting noticed on the web didn't sprout an entire web-marketing industry because there was no need.

Success in any venture already assumes good skills; and writing is no different. Nevertheless, it is the mental-marketing tack by which a writer pens their words that can make all the difference. Some assume falsely that it's the specific-purpose statement in the first paragraph that sets the tone. In truth, it does in part, but the realities of internet and writing shouts ad copy and marketing in everything you think, do and say about writing.

If you are a writer strictly for the short-lived glory of seeing your name in print or on a web page, then that's fine. Your reward will come sooner than most. However, if you write for money, then you are subject to the competition that defines the true nature of markets; and that will take a while longer to navigate. Patience and perseverance are, therefore, in order.

The best way to take advantage of the writing market is to first understand it. Realize just what you are up against. Realize you need to meet the needs and wants of others. It's Marketing 101; in other words, writing your promotion before you write the novel

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