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Tips to Jumpstart Your Writing

Suzan L. Wiener

Rules To Write By

If you're not getting enough acceptances, maybe it's time to review the work you're sending out and look at it through an editor's eyes, not just your own. It may be hard, but you need to be objective, as an editor will be, to see how your work can be improved. Some writers feel every word they put down is a precious jewel, too valuable to ever be thrown out. The thought that someone else might want to change or, heaven forbid, shorten their work, is unthinkable. This is the mark of someone who has never been published, and sometimes the reason they haven't been.

Listed below are rules I follow with my own work, and they have helped quite a lot.

l. Never become complacent about your writing ability. Always look at the world around you for new ideas. The stimulus could be just a conversation with a friend, or a television program. It's important to be alert.

2. Thoroughly check manuscripts for grammar, punctuation, clarity and spelling before mailing them. Hold a manuscript for a few days, then check it again. You'll be surprised how many typos you find the second time around.

3. Never take offense at criticism, especially from an editor, without weighing the merits of the comment. Editors are usually deluged with manuscripts. One who takes the time to comment about even a rejected piece probably felt either the work or you had potential which could be developed further.

4. If you can, join a writing class or a writers' group to get objective, constructive input. While an aunt or a cousin might be kind and not want to say anything negative, this won't improve your writing. There is also a difference between constructive and destructive criticism. After a while, you will learn the difference.

5. Read as many novels and short stories as you can fit into your schedule. Doing so will help you gain new insights and ideas that may spark your memory bank. It can help you get rid of writer's block. I found this to be invaluable and always read as much as I can.

6. Always send for a sample copy and guidelines before submitting anything to a publication. Editors don't appreciate receiving material that is obviously not geared to their audience. It's a waste of good postage that can be put to much better use.

7. Either buy how-to books on writing or check out your local library branch. While writing is creative, there's also a very definite technical side to it. You can learn a lot about outlining plots, developing characters that come across as real people and creating scenes that the reader can see and feel.

8. Keep acceptance letters and check stubs organized, both to know whether you are making a reasonable amount from your writing or just "doing it for fun." Buy your stamps by the book or roll at a Post Office branch and pay for them by check. That way, you have a permanent record of postage expenses for yourself and the IRS at tax time. Don't forget to deduct the cost of any other supplies, such as typing or computer paper, ribbons, copying material or charges. Although it may be a bit painful at first, it's a good idea to keep your rejection slips in case the IRS decides to see what you're taking off is legitimate. This way, you can show them the complete picture of how those expenses were generated.

Following these guidelines should help you succeed. When you find that most-welcomed check in the mailbox, you'll know it was well worth the effort.


About the Author
Suzan L. Wiener has had numerous articles, poems, stories, and fillers published in a variety of publications such as Canadian Writer's Journal, Verses, Impetus, Poetry Press, MetroSeven (Australia) and The Writer's E-Zine. She is in the process of submitting her love poetry collection for publication.