Should I or should I not?

Question

I am currently a junior in college as an English major. Throughout my whole life, english teachers have harped me to publish my writings as they think I have the potential to succeed. Everyone else I know thinks after college I should make a career out of creative writing. Should I? I just think it's very risky and I might end up flat on my face. I've published things in newspapers and won writing contests, but is this enough?? I recently read an article which said that a man basically copied a novel by a notable Victorian author and sent it to publishers, only to be denied numerous times! That shows just how demanding publishers are.. Should I take the plunge, or settle for a career as a professor or working for a publishing company?? Thanks in advance!

I'm sorry, there may have been confusion. What I meant about the article is this man purposely did this to show that a celebrated piece of literature would not even get published in today's publishing world. And if you're wondering, most of the publishers did not recognize the work.

Answer 1

Ms. Lady, I am myself a published author and have a new book coming out in October. Creative writing usually does not provide one with sufficient living earnings because the movie industry has dominated reading audiences. Most people who write do so for the pleasure of it and only extra income. I made only $26,000 my last book, but with my job that pays $42,000, that took me to $68,000 for the year. So that is normally how writers depend on such money. That man who copied the book may have been denied for two reasons. 1. what he did is plagiarism and the publishing companies may have picked up on that 2. I don't even think Jane Austen herself could publish a Victorian novel today because styles have changed and society has changed and readers are interested in different genres today. So do not let that discourage you...keep writing, enjoy what you do, and have fun with the extra money.

Answer 2

I am 15 and have been writting eversince I was 11. Before then I was painting and I was a hell of a good painter, I've won contests just as you did and people told me I should consider a career in painting. I thought I would too but of course I was too young than I started writting poems during my free time, then it came to short stories at 11, then longer stories which I had no use for. I discovered I enjoyed it but I told myself I wouldn't make a series. Now 5 years later here I am and I have written 4 novels, am finishing up my 5th one, I have planned out the 6th one and the 7 the and the 8th and I'm starting on a trilogy too. So the point is who knows, I may have been a child but one thing I knew things don't last forever, I still draw but I believe I found my passion but I know there are other things that are out there. The only person that can decide what to d ois YOU!

Answer 3

First, what that fool did with Jane Austen's work was a fraud. Only one publisher ACKNOWLEDGED that he knew the author was plagiarizing Austen. The others probably noticed it and simply rejected the work as yet another hack that is trying to rip off the industry. Many publishers now use the same software colleges use to identify plagiarism. Contrived articles like that do more harm than good, because they reinforce the erroneous notion that publishers only publish "bestsellers."

Second, few writers make a living with their writing per se. That said, strong writing skills are a boon in corporate America, as most people sorely lack them. You may want to supplement your writing courses with business and marketing coursework. I too was an English major. After school I worked in public relations for local government, and later worked in direct sales and marketing. I now run my own small (tiny...itsy bitsy) press, Bards and Sages. While it is not my full time job, it turns a profit and allows me to work in the industry on my terms.

I would hardly consider being a professor or working in a publishing company "settling" by any means. Both fields desperately need good people, and are challenging and rewarding. Plus, they allow you to put your literary talents to practical use regularly.

Answer 4

You can always get a 'real job' and still submit your work. That way you have your safety net so you don't fall on your face.

And, pubishers are looking for new styles. The Victorian style of writing is not "hot" right now. All you can do is try. Many authors are turned down consistantly until one publisher gives them a shot, then the book becomes hugely popular. Good luck.

Answer 5

If you love to write you must do it weather you fall on your face or not. Think about what success means to you and weather you want to look back in 10 years ans say "i wish i had..."

Also - do we know the details about the classic being submitted? Was an agent used? How was it submitted.

If you truly want to write go after it! Find yourself a good agent, a good editor, and take some marketing/publishing classes to understand how the industry works.

You are young - use your head, find a job to support you monetarily, keep writing, and go kick some butt...

Answer 6

Why can't you do both for the time being? Find a regular, steady job, and write in your spare time and try to get it published. It sounds like you've already got quite a bit of material to fly with, so what's the harm in trying?

Answer 7

agrees with another answerer...i'd do it as a sidebar. interestingly enough, the times you've already been published and the contests you've won will go a long way in getting attention from a literary agent...include every accolade in your query letter. as far as multiple turn-downs...that's just a part of the game...you have to accept many no thank yous before you receive your first please.

Answer 8

It depends on what your financial needs are. If you can afford to flop once or twice go for it , but if you need a steady dependable income just keep on freelancing on the side until you can afford to take a risk. Good luck!!!!!!!

Answer 9

You'll never know what'll happen unless you try. It sounds like you might have a good thing going. Life won't end if it doesn't work. Good luck!

Answer 10

Don't stop writing, but find a steady job until such time as your writing makes that other job unnecessary.