Ten Steps to Stardom

Ten Steps to Becoming a Literary Star
Are you Ready?

 By John D. Evans

1. Understand the significance of your craft. Know the history. Be aware of current trends. What will your contribution be?
   
    
2. Think outside of the box. Originality and personal style are the two unique gifts that you bring to your work. You may borrow some of the techniques of others, but eventually the finished product will be yours. What will your music be?
   
    
3. Demonstrate commitment to your passion. If writing is your passion, take out the time to write on a regular basis. How much time do you have?
   
    
4. Continue to study your craft and audience. Seek feedback and constructive criticism from persons in your target market (those likely to be interested in your work). Are you prepared to make your work better?
   
    
5. Save everything that you write on a hard drive or computer disk. If a computer is unavailable, paper is still our best friend. Use folders and a filing system to keep yourself organized. Are you interested in professionalism?
   
    
6. Acquire credentials. People are more inclined to listen to authorities. The product will speak, but so should the writer. Continue to make yourself a marketable product. What will you say?
   
    
7. Build alliances. We can write alone, but we cannot publish alone. When something is not your expertise, create a working relationship with people who are knowledgeable and get your manuscript edited, marketed, and published. Are you willing to work with others?
   
    
8. Research pays. There are countless publishing companies offering a variety of publishing packages and deals, but know the companies and the people that you are dealing with. If you hire a company to provide a service, make sure that the work is being done. Are you willing to research and to follow-up?
   
    
9. Become your own boss as soon as possible. Self-publish until you are picked up by a traditional publisher. “Unknown” writers face difficulty in landing traditional publishing contracts and, for poets, the difficulty is much greater. Introduce yourself to the literary world through self-publishing. Offer your audience a glimpse of you until they are able to see you on prime time. Are you interested in becoming a star?
   
    
10. Never give up. Some people will tell you no up-front. Some people will wait weeks or months to say no. Some people won’t even respond, but you can never give up. Keep locating your muse. Remain inspired. Are you ready to become a literary star?