If you’ve been wondering whether you’ve “got what it takes” to be a successful writer (meaning, to earn a lucrative income from the craft), there are several issues that demonstrate aptitude. For example, if you’ve always disliked reading or writing, this might not be the industry for you. Becoming an author doesn’t necessarily require being publish-ready from the start. You can learn how to improve your skills.
There are a few things to ask yourself, however, before taking the plunge, such as leaving your current career to fulfill your dream of becoming an author. If you don’t answer every question in the affirmative, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue your dream. You should, at least, feel connected to numerous items on the list, which are typically common among prolific authors.
Becoming an author might be an option for you
Review the following list to determine whether you possess the attributes necessary for becoming an author:
- You are an avid reader, including a variety of genres in your regular reading habits.
- As you grew to adulthood, people often described you as having a creative imagination.
- You have a strong desire to write.
- You’ve always been curious about the people and things around you.
- You have keen observation skills.
- Constructive criticism is something you welcome or, at least, can accept.
- You consider yourself a person who rises to a challenge to see a project to completion.
This list is by no means extensive. There are many other characteristics that demonstrate the potential for becoming an author. If you answered “yes” to several or all the descriptions above, you could definitely add “becoming an author” to your “new career ideas list.”
Tap into available resources to help launch your new writing career
Even the most successful, prolific authors will tell you that they received many rejections before hitting the best-seller list. The desire to be a writer is like a seed. It’s up to you to plant it in fertile soil, then nurture it to reap a fruitful harvest. To “test the waters,” so-to-speak, you might try writing a few short stories. Pass them around to trusted family members and friends who are willing to offer honest feedback. You might also want to attend a few writing workshops or join a writers’ group in your community.
Also, never underestimate the benefit of taking formal writing classes. This is especially helpful to improve mechanics and skills, such as punctuation and grammar. Editors will be on hand when the time comes to bring errors to your attention, as well as to recommend revisions to help polish your manuscript. However, improving your own skills will save the editors a lot of time, which could save you a lot of money. Becoming an author is a worthwhile goal. If you think you’ve got what it takes, go for it!
