Last week was the final week of my writing class at Boston Center for Adult Education, when we talked about where to send the queries they’d been working on. Though there was definitely enthusiasm, I also sensed a lot of hesitation and uncertainty. True, it’s scary sending out your work and possibly facing rejection, but that’s the only way to get started. Editors sometimes offer assignments to established writers without getting a query letter, but most of us have to initiate contact with an editor.
Here are some of the excuses that writers tell themselves, plus the reasons why these excuses shouldn’t hold you back.
1. “But I don’t have a journalism degree.” Neither do I. A lot of successful freelancers started out in other fields and switched to writing later on. That’s not necessarily a liability, because these writers bring knowledge of their previous careers, which gives them lots of fodder for article ideas. Also, many people have an innate ability to write without going to j-school. There are tons of books and classes that can help you bone up on reporting or help you develop a writer’s voice without a traditional degree.
2. “But they already rejected me.” Someone told me this when I encouraged her to submit an essay to a certain publication. Actually, they didn’t reject her, they rejected her essay. But that doesn’t mean she (and all of you) can’t keep trying with different material. Unless you’ve committed some terrible faux pas like facebook-stalking the editor and forcing her to get a restraining order, then she probably won’t even remember your earlier attempts.
3. “But I don’t know anything about X.” Many freelancers are generalists, but that doesn’t stop them from writing about varied topics like crocheting, macrobiotic diets, or, say, nuclear fission. As long as they know where to find research and experts in those areas, in most cases they’re good to go. For more on this topic, here’s a great blog post on what to do when you’re in over your head (hint: most of the time it’s actually in your head).
4. “But I don’t have time. I’ll write when I have time.” Newsflash: that time may never come! Either you’re planning a vacation or getting ready to move or chasing after a toddler. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find time to write. Maybe you can carve out a few minutes early in the morning or in between meetings. If time is an issue for you (as it is for most of us), then I highly recommend the book Time to Write: Professional writers reveal how to fit writing into your busy life.
5. “But I don’t know what to write about!” I admit this can be a challenge. You don’t want to query with an idea that just appeared in the publication, but you also don’t have to wait until you find the most brilliant, original idea of all time (chances are, it’s been done before, too). I’m often surprised to recieve a rejection for an idea that felt really fresh and original (to me, at least) or get an acceptance for one that I wasn’t 100% sure about. Querying is a numbers game. You want to get as many ideas circulating as possible and not get too invested in any single idea. Ultimately, it’s up to the editor, so keep sending those ideas and let them decide if it’s a fit for their publication. Here are some ways to kick-start your brainstorming for query ideas.
What about you? Are there other issues that prevent you from sending a query or sitting down to write? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
Flickr photo by FotoRita [Allstar maniac]
Susan, this couldn’t come at a better time. I have a friend who just this past week told me she wasn’t entering a high-profile contest because “They rejected me last year and I’m still angry with them.” First off, they didn’t reject you – they simply chose someone else. Second, it takes a large ego to think that of the 20K applicants they singled you out as the one to reject. Third, anger at their choice without knowing the winning entry, the process, or anything other than it wasn’t you is just plain pointless. And childish – did I mention childish?
Sorry – had to vent there.
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Amen, Lori! I tend to prefer querying over entering contests, but the same logic applies. In fact, with a contest, they’re probably even less likely to remember her, because in many cases the judging is blind and they don’t see the writer’s name.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the students who make these specific excuses usually don’t want it enough to actually get around to writing.
They like the idea of being a writer, but don’t want to put in the effort.
It’s sort of a natural way of culling the herd.
Every once in awhile you’ll get someone with one of these fears who actually wants it badly enough to do something about it, with a little encouragement, but this is the typical list of “cop out excuses” — and I, for one, quickly lose patience with those who use them more than once.
OK. I have to admit. I’ve always said to myself “You can never make a living writing true freelance writing. You must be a copywriter instead.” This has always held me back from querying magazines because I can’t believe how low the rates are. However, with the recent downturn in the business world, magazine writing is starting to look attractive again. How insane is that? What’s even more crazy? That I’m actually thinking about getting back to the kid’s novel I’m writing. I guess the recession is good for some things after all.
@Devon: I have to admit I sometimes find myself falling into these traps, especially the time trap. But as you say, those who want it badly enough find a way to work through it.
@Janet: I’m hoping to dust off a novel idea, too. This could be a good opportunity for both of us!
Janet and Susan — the last couple of months, I’ve made more money from my fiction and plays than from business writing. I juggle all of it, but always MAKE the time for the fiction, and it pays off.
I recently went on a magazine rant, mostly about how I’ve dumped most of my subscriptions because the editors water down writers’ voices and everything sounds the same.
But, when you find the right magazine gig, not only does it pay decently, but it’s a lot of fun, because you’re paid to follow something that fascinates you.
Landing a good magazine gig requires a lot of aggressive pursuit on the part of the writer.
Janet and Susan — the last couple of months, I’ve made more money from my fiction and plays than from business writing. I juggle all of it, but always MAKE the time for the fiction, and it pays off.
I recently went on a magazine rant, mostly about how I’ve dumped most of my subscriptions because the editors water down writers’ voices and everything sounds the same.
But, when you find the right magazine gig, not only does it pay decently, but it’s a lot of fun, because you’re paid to follow something that fascinates you.
Landing a good magazine gig requires a lot of aggressive pursuit on the part of the writer.
very good post full of good advice. Everything you wrote here rings true. I will share it with my writing buddies! Thank you thank you.
I’m with you on all these, but particularly number four. I put off starting my blog for months because I felt I hadn’t got the time. But actually, I just wasn’t making time. Just do it!
I know the possibility of rejection is never fun, but I don’t understand why that stops people. We all get them. It means we’re working. If you never have a rejection it’s unlikely you’ll ever get something accepted.
What a handy list. These links are definitely some gems that I really need to keep my blog and other writings going. Thank you!