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Getting Started as a Writer
by Katie Gustafsson

The Ailment: I would love to be able to call myself a writer and use my skills with words to make a living, but I don't know how to get started. Do you have any advice for a wanna-be writer?

The Cure: You don't say what area of writing you would like to concentrate on and so this is your first priority. Do you want to write fiction or non-fiction?

To make a living as a fiction writer isn't easy. It can be some time before you see any financial success for your efforts but can be rewarding to you in other ways. Non-fiction writing for books and magazines can be a more financially viable proposition if you are interested in some particular field. Check out the current Writer's Market by Writer's Digest Books, and read through the various sections and find out what areas of interest you have that coincide with publications seeking articles. You may be amazed at how many publications are published about subjects you are experienced to write about.

Another area you might like to consider is copywriting. This is where you provide the writing for things such as marketing brochures, information packs, business letters, presentations etc. Once you can establish yourself as a reliable writer who can deliver what’s required this can be a very lucrative career for a writer. If you are interested in this kind of work, check out The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman and I’m sure you will soon be inspired to follow your dream of a writing career.

Good luck!

Copyright © 2001 Katie Gustafsson

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