This article was guest authored by Jillian Day. Jillian Day created 508Assist to help people all across the web make their sites accessible to individuals with disabilities. She was inspired to start 508Assist when a close family member, who happens to have a visual impairment, had trouble finding a dinner recipe online that he could read easily. When she's not chasing after her little ones, Jillian enjoys being outside, whether she's fishing, hiking, or Geocaching with her family.
Writing is a passion for many people, but turning that passion into a career can seem like an impossible dream. But with the right knowledge and dedication, you can get your work in front of as many eyes as possible and make a living off of your writing. No, it won’t be a walk in the park, but you might be surprised at how quickly you can build a successful career. Here are a few tips for getting discovered as a writer!
Set up a business.
As a writer, it’s tempting to focus solely on the craft and the stories you want to tell without considering the business side of things. However, taking your writing more seriously and treating it like a business is the surest way to build a fruitful and lasting career. One way to do this is by forming an LLC to protect your work from theft or plagiarism and establish legal copyrights for all your written material. Having an LLC will also give you more credibility as an established professional who is serious about their writing career.
Create office space.
Setting up a home office as a writer can be incredibly beneficial for productivity and work-life balance. Carve out an area specifically for work and equip it with the tools you need to get your writing done: a comfortable chair, adequate lighting, and plenty of storage space. Make sure there are enough outlets so that you won’t have to worry about unplugging other appliances when plugging in your laptop or printer. Designing an office may even boost the value of your home down the line so keep receipts and document any work you have done.
Marketing yourself and your work.
Self-promotion plays a huge role in getting noticed. You can start by signing up for social media accounts like Twitter and Instagram, where you can post updates about your work. Also, create a website where potential readers can discover more information about you and your books (or other content). That way, you can develop a brand that people remember when they think of you.
Creating a blog or website is an excellent way to showcase your work and attract new readers. You can also use your site to sell books, courses, or other products related to writing and storytelling. Be sure to promote your site on social media and other platforms so people can experience your work.
Get involved in the writing community.
Online and offline groups abound for writers and authors. Getting involved in these communities will help you network with other writers, learn about opportunities, and get your work in front of new eyes. You can easily find writing communities to join by doing a quick Google search or checking sites like Meetup.com!
Engage with your audience.
After establishing yourself on social media, engage with other authors in the same genre or niche as you. Like their posts and comment on them regularly to build relationships with other authors who might be willing to promote your work when it’s released.
While you’re at it, look for opportunities to collaborate with writers. For instance, you could offer to feature each other's books on your websites or even team up to write something together! Such collaboration helps both parties expand their reach and attract new readers.
Build your platform.
Another way to get yourself discovered is by building up your platform — that is, the number of followers or fans interested in what you have to say or do. Make sure you’re active on social media platforms by posting high-quality content regularly and responding to comments from followers or fans.
You might also consider hosting giveaways or competitions through which followers can win free copies of your book or other awards. This is an effective strategy for expanding your reach quickly and getting more followers who are interested in what you have to offer.
Submit your work to publications and contests.
There are a plethora of publications and contests that accept submissions from writers and authors. Submitting your work can help you reach a new audience and potentially earn some recognition (and money!). Search Google and social media sites to find publications and contests that may be a good fit for your work.
Wrapping Up
Getting discovered as a writer requires time and effort, but success will eventually come if you dedicate yourself to producing quality content and engaging with potential fans. Remember to treat your writing as a business, learn to market yourself effectively, and follow the other tips in this article. Laying a strong foundation now will help you build a lasting and thriving career doing what you love the most!
Dalziel & Company can help your business plan for growth and improve marketing and operations.