what does it take to succeed in life as a writer?

Answer 1

I fear friends in publishing!! Aah, this is one of life's mysteries, my friend. Had I known though how difficult it is to get even a teensy smidgen of feedback from these over-loaded publishers and agents facing thousands of submissions a day, I doubt I'd have ever written a book! Perseverance, self-belief (hoping you're not deluded!) and ruthless editing and a thick skin. Keep on scribbling!! Maybe some published author will be able to answer this one but I fear it is impossible to answer. Certainly not talent considering some of the books I've read recently. Seems the only books selling these days are trash about celebs so maybe you could do something scandalous and apply for the next BB and plug your wares? Just a desperate suggestion!

Answer 2

Few writers make a living on their writing. Most have "regular" jobs. The reality of writing is this:

It takes you two years to finish your manuscript.
It takes you another year to find an agent, and from their find a publisher.
You get a $5,000 advance. Sounds like a lot of money? 10-20% goes to your agent. Then you pay taxes. Whatever is left over is yours.
A year later, you start seeing royalty checks. If the book is a flop, there is no second printing. Even if the first printing sells out, there is no guarantee a second printing is ordered unless there is a huge demand.
Typically, an author will see between $10,000-$30,000 in profits on their book. That works out to $3,000-$10,000 a year for your time. You can't live on that.

But the good news for writers is that most don't write because they expect to get rich. They write because they love the written word. They enjoy having people read their work. They want to share ideas with others. It's a good feeling when someone says to you "Hey! You're so-and-so! I loved your book!"

So in order to "succeed" as a writer, you need to define success a bit differently.

Answer 3

I like the way you have articulated the question. To succeed in life is one thing and to succeed as a writer in life is altogether a different thing. So, if you are a writer and want to succeed in life then you need to be practical and not so much of an idealist. And to be successful as a writer in life you need to live life to it's fullest because all literature comes from life itself. As a writer your technical expertize is not as much important as your understanding of the life. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I think every person who has succeeded in life as a writer has done it a different way. I think the best advice is persistance. If you keep a schedule of writing and keep trying to get your work out there, whatever way possible (published, blogs, local papers, etc), then you are going to do two things: get lots of writing practice and get your work and name out there. Even if you don't hit fame through your writing, you will be able to say you gave it effort and you'll have plenty of pieces for your portfolio. Just stick with it.

Answer 5

The dedication to write AND revise AND submit (takes a lot of discipline and tenacity) PLUS a spouse with a really good income.

You'll never get rich writing and worrying about money will get in the way. Marry well.

Answer 6

A Room of One's Own

Answer 7

I would say that you would need a vivid imagination unless you are writing a book that just requires researchable facts. Good Luck!

Answer 8

an imagination, pen, paper,and a good plot, make sure you send it to a good publishers otherwise your books not going to get very far? look at you plot and plan out every bit before even picking up a pen to begin writing it, good luck!!!!

Answer 9

Well, you have a good title, now write the rest of the book.

Answer 10

Patience Patience and more patience. If at first you don't succeed try and try again.