How To Get Serious About Your Writing Career

Many people dream of being a writer. They see the romanticized versions of writers on television and in movies and think of living in a mansion, laying by the swimming pool, and making millions of dollars. But, if you really want to succeed as a writer, you have to treat it as a business.

The first order of treating it as a business is to start to keep regular hours. Most people who draw a salary have to work a certain number of hours a day. In addition, they have certain times at which they are expected to be in in the office or on the job. Generally, they are diligent about getting to work on time and working their allotted hours because they have a boss or manager watching them. However, writers, who are self employed, have to manage themselves since they generally have no boss to report to.

The second thing that you are going to need is a place to work. Most likely you don't ave an office to go to, so you are going to have to set up a private space in your home or apartment that will serve as your writing space. It should be furnished with all the necessary tools to make writing more convenient for you. Things such as a phone, writing desk, computer loaded with a word processor or writing program and any other tools of the trade that you need.

As a writer, you will find that you naturally spend a lot of time sitting and typing. Consequently, if you have the money for it, it is well worthwhile to invest in a well made ergonomic adjustable chair in which to do your work.

And, the same is true of your keyboard. Choose one that will let your hands and arms rest naturally, comfortably, and without strain. And because so many people who spend large amounts of time at the keyboard are especially prone to developing repetitive stress syndrome, it is also a good idea to invest in a pair of wrist supports or guards.

Another good idea is to open a separate business checking account to keep track of your financial affairs. Plus a credit or debit card that you can use solely for your business. You will discover that, as a business, you are suddenly eligible to deduct possibly thousands of dollars from your income for tax purposes. Because you keep your writing expenses separate from your personal expenses, you will be able keep your financial dealings in order more easily.

And, unless you have a super agent, all of your time can't be set aside for writing. You should set aside a chunk of each day towards searching for new job prospects and following up on contacts that you have made to publishers, possible clients, and so on.

By: Martha Liu

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