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Sample idea: Time to change your job?
If you want to be a published writer, are you already working
in the publishing industry? If not, have you ever thought of
changing jobs? Many well known authors cut their teeth as editors,
journalists, agents, or assistants in the book, magazine or newspaper
industry.
There are many other jobs that will get you more closely involved
in the industry and allow you to develop contacts with people
who could be extremely useful to your career.
How about working at a printing plant, even in an administrative
role. Or you could become a layout artist or cover designer.
Isn't that better than being stuck in an office job you don't
really care about? If you dream of escaping and becoming a full-time
writer, this could be a fairly painless first step. You'll still
have a job, so you'll still be earning money, but you'll be working
in the publishing industry, doing a job that's much closer to
what you really want to do, and making useful connections, without
having to sacrifice your pay or wait to be published the more
traditional way.
This applies to any other sort of writing too. If you want to
write stories or articles for magazines, is there a magazine
in your area that you could work for, even if it's only part-time?
Is there a film production office or agency near you? If you're
considering a career as a screenwriter you could do far worse
than to spend a year or two working there, picking up experience
and making industry contacts. Or how about contacting your regional
arts centre or local theatres to see if they have any jobs? If
not, ask them if they would consider you for any jobs that come
up in the future.
In the case of travel writing, you could work for a travel agent,
or as a tour guide or courier, or in your local tourist information
office. You could even give guided tours around your own town.
How about TV or radio? There are production companies, broadcasting
networks and all sorts of things in every region of the country,
providing both local and national programmes. And there are radio
stations in every city. They all need admin staff, managers,
journalists, reporters, writers and technicians, as well as presenters.
Could you get a job in any of those?
Any job you can get in one of these companies will be a way
into the industry - and a big step towards getting your name
known and your work published. Even if you have to start at the
very bottom, doing the filing and photocopying and making tea.
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