Five Ways to Prove You are Ready to Be an Author

So, 2011 is the year you plan to turn your words into a published book.

If that’s on the agenda as part of your New Year’s resolutions, it’s absolutely possible if you’re not just ready but also committed to turning this dream into reality.

Part of your plan is to include several items on your agenda that both first-time and long-time authors perform consistently.

If you see yourself doing the following tasks, you’ll soon find your book available on store shelves, online, and at events where you autograph copies to fans who’ve waited for your book to arrive.

1. Start and commit to writing a blog. This element of writing is open to you through a self-hosted, paid option or through a free source such as Blogger.com and WordPress.com. Add an entry at least twice weekly.

Quick Note: This blog has experienced a short-term transition, and in case you’re thinking I don’t practice what I preach, I maintained other blog sites at:

2. Read every day. There arenewspapers, magazines, books, and other publications to invest 20 minutes of time reading each day whether done online or through the text version.

3. Write a letter to the editor. If a newspaper or magazine article encourages you to share your views, send the editor your thoughts in the manner explained within that publication (Email or direct mail is usually preferred). Such views include a counter opinion or another side of the issue.

4. Consult spell check and grammar check before you press “send.” No spelling and grammar check device is flawless, but both can help you share ideas and information in a manner that makes you look good during the initial presentation.

5. Review books in the 808 section of your local library. This is the area where the writing books are housed. Depending on your library’s collection, you’ll find grammar, get published, and similar books written by authors sharing their experience.

Now it’s time to plan your calendar, first deciding your deadline for sending book proposals to publishing houses and putting the objectives to action to get the contract and bring your book to the public.

Which of these five plans will you launch first?

December 29, 2010 · Filed Under Setting Goals, Writing Basics

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