A Different Type of Marketing

It’s good to prepare your own private workspace with a "Writer’s Write" sign hanging on the wall above your computer screen. And let’s face it, you do write! You submit manuscript after manuscript, only to have each one followed by a form rejection letter. It’s frustrating, but it’s okay. After all, you are working. And aren’t you told it’s all part of the process to help you become a full-fledged, published writer? I mean, aren’t you doing everything that you’re supposed to do? What more can be done?

Well, let me ask you a question. Do people know you as a writer? Sure, your family and closest friends do, but what about the people in your community? If not, what are you doing about it? Did you know that it is just as important to learn how to market yourself as it is to market your manuscripts?


Read Your Local Newspaper

There are several ways to market yourself within your community. Start by subscribing to your local newspaper and studying it for content, just as you would study a magazine. Does it have a section with requests for stories from the community? Who are the guest columnists and what do they do? What do they write about? Who is writing the book reviews? Is there a children’s book review section? If not, maybe you could send the editor a proposal to write one. Read the letters to the editor. What types of letters are printed? Look for areas where you can contribute and start submitting.


Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteer to work for local organizations. When you meet the representatives, let them know that you are a writer. Tell them that in addition to taking care of the duties you have volunteered for, you would be willing to help them with any writing needs they may have. They may not take you up on your offer at first, but eventually they will have needs—and there you will be, close at hand and willing to help. Once they become more familiar with you, they won’t think twice about asking for your help.


School Presentations

What about school presentations? Have you ever considered doing one? It may sound scary at first, but so was submitting that first manuscript. Besides, if you have small children, grandchildren, godchildren or even nieces and nephews, you already have one foot in the door. Elementary schools generally schedule one week for study about the local community. During this week, the principals or teachers ask parents and relatives to speak to classes about what they do. Sign up and give a full-blown presentation about the craft of writing, from brainstorming to publication. You can be sure that word will get out that a writer lives in the community. Invitations to give more presentations won’t be long in coming.


In Conclusion

All of these endeavors will help you become known as a writer. They are a bit like public relations work, so you won’t get paid at first. But you will gain experience, clips, and credibility. As a writer, you will create ties with people in your community, and the more you are known, the more work you’ll receive. Editors will take note of your experience in your cover letters. You create a win-win situation.

So instead of spending endless hours only writing in your workspace, get up and get out! Do your writing in the community and begin to market your most valuable asset--you!

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