Writing Not Working Out? Join The Club
If things haven’t been working out for you in your attempt to get your novel published or your screenplay produced yet, I completely understand.
You see, things were like this for me as well. Thinking that working on my writing craft was the key to getting both done, I dived right into it. I devoured every resource and freebie I could find to write the BEST novel or screenplay.
Well, my writing craft DID get better. But after a year of spinning my wheels, I was left feeling jaded, demoralised, and I didn’t see how I could ever get my stories published or produced. What was I missing???
I found out … So let me tell you why most people don’t end up getting published or produced.
First up, I am not going to lie to you …
… Yes, breaking in IS really difficult
Fact is, the people who are already in the industry DO prefer to work with people they have worked with before. They know those people: maybe they went to uni together, they know they can deliver what they want. So if you have not worked with anyone yet, getting off the starter blocks can be really hard.
Secondly, people generally prefer to work with writers who have agents
Not because writers with agents are automatically ‘better’, but because someone else is willing to stand up and say you’re good. Big difference! So even if you have got books published or credits on movies or TV shows, if you don’t have an agent, sadly you can be at a disadvantage.
Thirdly, the industry is based on relationships
Whilst ‘anyone’ can go out there and network in theory, it’s harder for some people than others. This might be practical, because you have very little money, other commitments like a family, or because you don’t live in LA or London. Or you might have other things to deal with, like anxiety or mental health problems, or a disability that makes access difficult – either literally because so many venues are not great for wheelchair users, or because you have autism.
It is really not your fault, so do not worry or get bitter. It’s just the way things are: because of these three common enemies, MOST people would have issues trying to get published or produced! You are not alone or ‘bad’ at writing.
So that’s the bad news. The good news is, we can challenge these three difficulties. I have navigated all of these obstacles and know what helps and what doesn’t:
If you want to ‘break in’ as a writer? Then check out these articles and the linkage with them
Lots of writers believe they ‘can’t’ get read, or that they have to be ‘picked’. Very few realise we BUILD OUR CAREERS ourselves!
Can’t Get Read? Yes You Can! 16 Tips On Becoming A Writer
THIS Is How You Create You Writing Career
Making It As A Writer: 25 Reasons You Haven’t Yet
If you want to grab yourself an agent? Great! Good plan … But read these first
It’s tough to get an agent, but it’s not impossible. Having a submissions strategy and a plan really help with this.
Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make Trying To Get Agents
29 Ways NOT To Submit To An Agent by Blake Friedmann’s dearly departed Carole Blake
If you want to create some relationships and contacts? Great!
One of the best, cheapest and most accessible ways to do this is via social media as long as you do it the RIGHT way! Treat the internet like you would a REAL networking event and you’ll do well. Here’s how …
Top 5 Networking Mistakes Writers Make
Writers, Everyone Hates Us On Social Media. Here’s Why
5 Useful Tips For Writers To Leverage Linkedin
Last Points
So if things haven’t been working out for you as a writer, consider the following …
- Reframe your mindset – you CAN get read and get the attentions of industry pros
- Submissions strategies are all-important in hooking an agent
- Relationships count in this industry! Start creating some today
Good Luck!
B2W’s Next Workshop Takes Place SOON (Feb 25-26th )
B2W’s course with LondonSWF, BREAKING INTO SCRIPT READING is BACK. It’s on Zoom again, so accessible from anywhere in the world.
The workshop is in its EIGHTH year now. B2W’s proud to have had a hand in training so many new script readers.
But the workshop is not just for wannabe script readers … It’s also perfect for writers who want a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how their writing is judged on the page.
So if you want to ‘reader proof’ your screenplay, you’re welcome to join us too. Don’t forget you get video replay for one year.
CLICK HERE for full details of the course (or on the pic on the right), including feedback from past delegates. We expect it to sell out again, so act now to avoid disappointment. See you there!!!