Top 10 Reasons NOT to Become an Author
by Edie Melson
@EdieMelson
As writers, we tend to have a certain mystique. I wish I had a dime every time someone said, “I’ve always wanted to be a writer!” But the truth is that not everyone has what it takes to write books for a living.
@EdieMelson
As writers, we tend to have a certain mystique. I wish I had a dime every time someone said, “I’ve always wanted to be a writer!” But the truth is that not everyone has what it takes to write books for a living.
So for those of you considering the profession, or who are already here and are considering getting out, here are 10 reasons NOT to become an author!
1. You want to
make a lot of money. Truth is,
writing books, I’m still not breaking even. Freelancing is a different story.
But books, well…not so much.
2. You chose
this profession because you mom said you were the best writer ever. There are a lot of reasons to become a writer,
and family support is important. But truthfully, your mom probably isn’t an
unbiased advocate.
3. You want job where you can stay
at home and have a life. I work
harder and put in more hours as a writer than I EVER did at a traditional job.
Writing is my life.
4. You want
fame (to go along with the fortune in #1).
There are more ways than ever to find your 15 minutes of fame. But writing a
book isn’t one of them.
5. You enjoy
talking about writing more than the actual writing. Writing groups are full of these folks. They
enjoy the creative atmosphere but are unwilling to actually sit down and
commit words to paper.
6. You want
to do something where you’re the boss.
Yes, you will be working for yourself, and writing novels does give you control
over how you schedule your time. But once you begin selling a project, everyone
else seems to have more input than you. Your agent, your editors, even the
bookstores carry more weight than you.
7. You don’t take criticism well. Professional writers know the best way to get
better is by listening—with an open mind—to suggestions. None of us like being
told we can improve. Professional writers want to get better more than they
want their egos stroked.
8. You hate
to read. Good writers read. Argue all you
want, but that’s just a fact.
9. You can’t
stand rejection. Editors and
agents reject manuscripts for a variety of reasons, and it often has nothing to
do with how well written it is.
10. You can be satisfied doing
something other than writing. The
truth is, if you can imagine doing anything else, do it.
How about you, can you add any more
reasons not to become a novelist to my list?
Edie
Melson—author, blogger, and speaker is a prolific writer with years of
experience in the publishing industry. In addition, her popular blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands of
writers each month. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the social media
director for Southern Writers Magazine, and the Senior Editor at Novel Rocket. You can connect with Edie through Twitter and Facebook.
Edie, all so true! #10—i LOVE designing (interior design)—but it doesn't come close to how i love love love writing! if i did have a career as a designer, i'd still be writing! #gottawrite
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