Building a career in writing after first publication

The dream of any struggling writer is to replace the word 'struggling' with the words 'working' or 'published'. Rejection letters, slow responses and lack of public interest would all become unpleasant memories, or so one might think.

The reality for most writers, however, is that one publication success does not automatically equal a successful career. That first short story or technical article may give you a name amongst the readers and staff of that publication, but you are still a long way from achieving the illusive goal of mainstream writing success. True success in the writing business requires perseverance and an extraordinary amount of self-promotion and sacrifice. It is not enough to have a publication credit or two beneath your belt. In order to survive in the sometimes cutthroat world of writing, you must have a solid plan from the first publication success through the Nobel prize for literature.

1. Think sequels or other installments. If you found your first publication success with a novel or short story, you might want to expand on those characters in a sequel or some other form. Take one character out of the first story and create a backstory or a different adventure for them. Out of one successful story you can create literally dozens of spin-offs. Many famous authors spent their entire careers writing sequels and follow-ups to their first successful series of books. Audiences enjoy reading more about their favorite characters, and publishers are much more receptive to proven storylines.

If you have success in a non-fiction field, use this same philosophy to your advantage. If a magazine buys your article on repairing lawn mowers, they may very well buy your next articles on repairing motorcycles, cars, airplanes or boats. You may even become a regular columnist or contributor, which can mean a steady paycheck while you work on other projects.

2. Always include publication credits in cover letters and introductions. Editors receive thousands of unsolicited queries and manuscripts every year. One of the elements an editor is looking for when wading through the slush pile is writing history. No matter how small the circulation or how limited the audience, always mention your previous credits in a cover letter. Some editors specifically ask that you not overdo this step, but primarily they are referring to authors who overemphasize their educational or publication background in lieu of quality submissions. As long as you remain truthful, even a single publishing credit can give you an edge with editors. Most editors are writers themselves, and understand all too well how much work may have gone into that one publishing credit.

3. Be prepared to self-promote your work. If you have a collection of poetry or a novel that has just been published, plan your own version of a book tour or public reading. Unless a miracle occurred and your first manuscript was published by a major publishing house like Random House or Brown Little, you'll have to do a lot of promotional work yourself. This means finding bookstores that will allow you to do book signings or readings. Get out the phonebook and start making phone calls. Depending on the number and caliber of bookstores in your area, you may have to plan some travel time as well. No, the experience won't be enjoyable and the sales may prove disappointing at first, but you are at least doing something proactive for your future career. Occasionally, word of mouth advertising reaches the ears of a larger publishing house, who may reconsider promoting your book after learning of your dedication and determination.

4. Find a reputable agent and be prepared to work.

Locating a good agent who believes enough in your book to sign you as a client is difficult at best. Having an initial success will at least get your foot in the door. Along with a copy of your first publication, include a letter of introduction that shows your willingness to work hard for your future success. Describe any ideas you may already have for future projects. If you are primarily a non-fiction magazine writer, you'll want to get a few more clippings to your credit before approaching an agent, but you'll want to draft the same sort of introductory letter. Agents who take a genuine interest in your work are worth every penny you may owe them. They are the ones who will pitch your work to the major publishers, and they are the ones who will encourage your best work in the future, even when you don't believe you have what it takes.

Your first publication credit can either be the beginning of a lucrative writing career or the only one of its kind left in the world. The choice is strictly up to you as a working writer. The longer you wait to follow up on your first success, the harder it may be to generate interest in your next project. Strike while the iron is hot for best results.