What I’ve Learnt from a Decade as a Writer
By: Kelly Eden
Tags: Writers On Writing, Freelance Writing, Writing Tips, Writing, Writers Life

Each Area of Writing is Hard to Break into

Getting that first paid writing job can be difficult. It can even take years — many frustrating, rejection-filled years — before you finally get to see your first pay check. Once you get that first break, writing jobs come easier and easier but there’s a catch — you’ve only broken into one writing arena.

Success in writing is very genre specific. If you manage get an article accepted for a health magazine, then you’ll probably get more jobs writing articles for magazines. This doesn’t mean, however, that you’re any more likely to get your children’s book published.

Each area of writing needs a different approach. Science-based article writing requires quite a different style to personal non-fiction essays. Writing for very young children is different than writing for teens. To perfect each form takes work, research, training, practice and time.

It’s tempting to dabble in lots of different writing styles. I often meet new writers who have a number of projects on the go. They have a half finished adult novel, a children’s picture book they’re working on, a few feature articles sent off to editors, and a book of poetry. I think it’s great to do this to some extent. I do it: writing is my job, but it’s also a hobby I enjoy in my spare time. When I’m working I write non-fiction articles, but I also love to create adult short stories, poetry, and children’s fiction (I’ve just published my first children’s fiction actually!).

Writing in different forms keeps you creative. When you’re trying to break into writing as a career though, it’s good to decide on one area and make it your focus.

Get a mentor. Pay someone to assess your manuscript or get a developmental editor that will work alongside you to develop your work. (I’ve had two mentors and they were invaluable.)

Pay someone to assess your manuscript or get a developmental editor that will work alongside you to develop your work. (I’ve had two mentors and they were invaluable.) Attend classes. There are some great online courses on platforms such as Coursera (free) and Skillshare.

There are some great online courses on platforms such as Coursera (free) and Skillshare. Join a specific writing group to get feedback. Most towns/cities have a local writer’s group, there are also plenty of groups online — many Medium publications have one, or you could start your own.

to get feedback. Most towns/cities have a local writer’s group, there are also plenty of groups online — many Medium publications have one, or you could start your own. Look out for opportunities to learn such as workshops, mentorships, community courses, and scholarships.

such as workshops, mentorships, community courses, and scholarships. Read books on how to write in that field: whether it’s picture books, mystery novels, memoir, etc

on how to write in that field: whether it’s picture books, mystery novels, memoir, etc Really push into the area of writing that you want to succeed in. Don’t quit at the first hurdle. Writing success takes time.

When you invest yourself fully into one area you’ll find success comes much more quickly.