The advice newcomers to writing often glean from writer’s newsletters, books and articles, is to develop a specialty or be a generalist. Then write mountains of query letters to markets they’ve researched based on their specialties or interests. The advice is also to sell an article idea before the article is written, that is, write the piece only after you have an acceptance from an editor. It’s common knowledge that the vast majority of markets work primarily with a “stable” of established or previously published authors. These authors have “clips” of their work which greatly aid in showing their skill and in getting new assignments.

With thousands of new writers entering the writing market in a seemingly endless stream the competition is becoming increasingly fierce. Editors are continuously swamped by new submissions. So the problem is that usually new writers don’t get to write much except queries. They often become disheartened, discouraged and may soon just stop writing.

So what’s a “newbie” to do? Get back in the window, please. Don’t jump just yet. Well let’s see, athletes practice, photographers shoot pictures by the thousands, and writers write – it’s what we do. We’ve all heard the old maxim, “Practice makes perfect”. If you really want to write – then write! Yes, do send queries – lots of queries, but for goodness sakes, write some articles. Write a few articles, then post them to a free

I thought you’d never ask.

Here’s why:

• You’ll get much-needed writing practice

• You’ll get published

• Hundreds, nay, thousands will read your words

• You’ll develop that all-important stash of “clips” online that can be shown to editors

• You’ll develop more regular writing habits

• You’ll stay productive

• You’ll have a readily available “swipe file” of seed material useable as rootstock for new articles

• You’ll really be able to call yourself a writer, and direct others (like editors) to your work published online

• You can promote yourself and your writing for free

Is that enough reasons to get you started? By all means follow the gems of advice from experienced authors and editors, just keep yourself from becoming too distraught from all those rejections and deleted queries. Write and post a few free articles on occasion. Your spirits will get a lift. But even more importantly, you’ll keep writing.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is a bi-lingual copywriter, expert author and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines. Free details of his 5-week online course “Develop a Specialty and Get Published on the Web for Fun, Fame or Fortune” and more tips on article writing, public speaking, and mental skills development are online at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

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