The Age of the Renaissance Author
Being an author isn’t just about writing anymore. Sure, it’s critical to have a solid grasp on grammar, plot structure, and character development, but these days the profession demands other skills. Many of which don’t come naturally to writers, or at least to this writer. Here are some of the random things I’m learning, and why the Beatles said it best, I get by with a little help from my friends:
Technological savvy Maintaining a website is really challenging. I’m not a PHP or HTML programmer, so what might seem like a little change usually involves hours of quality time with Google. Or begging my husband for help (thanks, honey!).
Graphic design I have so much respect for brilliant graphic designers (Teri, that’s you!). Their eye for color, texture, and leveraging space can take an image from ordinary to extraordinary. I especially admired this talent while cobbling together an image for my cozy mystery (you can check it out on my homepage if you’re curious… just don’t look too closely).
Creating a platform Admittedly, I’m still learning what a platform is. But it seems to be about connecting with your target audience via various social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc.) or through things like Blogs, Vlogs, and Blog Hops (see my post next week!). I’ve found sessions on leveraging social media and self-promotion to be immensely helpful, especially Bree Ervin’s RMFW workshop last fall.
Being a Salesperson This means attending writing conferences and other author events, and being *gulp* outgoing. Writers are private creatures. It’s hard for us to socialize, to talk about what we’re working on, but it’s part of the job. What’s taught me the most is observing other authors, what works, what doesn’t, so I can leverage their expertise later.
Reading First off, I fully believe you have to support the industry you want to be a part of. That means buying books, reviewing books, and supporting other authors. Secondly, writers have to read A LOT to become masters in their respective genre. Plus reading critically, analyzing what moves me and why, helps make my own writing stronger.
Expert on Topic Matter If your main character is a cab driver, financial analyst, teacher, whatever, you have to be an expert. And Google can only help so much. Sometimes it takes working in a given profession or learning from an expert, someone kind enough to share their insight (see my post from last week about homicide detectives).
Writers, what skills are you learning?
What I’m reading: The Light Between Oceans by R.L. Stedman (Book club pick! So far, I’m digging the Australian setting)
What I’m listening to: The Beatles – With A Little Help From My Friends
I’m definitely finding that, agent or not, you have to be on top of what is happening in the publishing industry. It’s changing so quickly these days that, even though we’re not writing for the market, it’s still so important to know what’s going on so you can approach marketing (when the time comes) knowledgeably. Great post! I agree with everything you said here and, luckily for me, I love doing all of it! Can’t wait to jump in!
Great point, Jamie! With or without an agent, these skills are a must (especially self promotion & marketing). I’m enjoying doing all these things too — guess that means we’re in the right, or should I say write, profession 😉