Being a writer these days requires much of us. We are to be:
– writer
– researcher
– editor
– formatter
– cover designer
– marketer
– promotional expert
– and so on
There are some who manage to carry it off, but for most of us, doing it all is more than we can accomplish.
How can we handle the pressure? What do we do when we don’t know what to do?
These questions bring to mind the TV show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. Contestants are asked a series of questions, and they have several lifelines: opportunities to ask for help if they don’t know the answers. One option is to phone a friend, another is to ask the audience.
I think we can apply these ideas to our writing when we are unsure or unqualified to complete a specific task.
Most of us are aware of our strengths and weaknesses. For example, I am certain I don’t have a knack for cover design. I’ve played around with it, but wouldn’t want to stake my book sales on a poor cover. However, I enjoy editing, so I do much of that myself, although for my latest two books, I’ve hired or traded editing with someone I trust in that area.
We don’t have to do it all. There are very likely individuals within our sphere of writing who have the skills we don’t have. There are also many and varied companies that offer packages to fit our particular needs.
My story in a nutshell:
– I hired an experienced cover designer who happens to be in my extended family group
– I hired a formatter for my last two books and will do so again, to save my brain cells
– I exchanged editing with a trusted friend who operates a small publishing company
– I still write my own stories <grin>
– I’m looking into a company that specializes in book distribution
What are your strengths in writing? What are your weaknesses?
Janice L. Dick writes historical and contemporary fiction, inspirational articles and book reviews. She also edits and presents writing workshops.