Remember When It Was an Amazing Feat to Be a Published Writer?
@mythociate (21432)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
October 22, 2012 5:45pm CST
Remember when it was amazing that a publisher thought your work was good-enough to commit to paper? when it didn't matter what people thought of your writing (as long as the publisher paid you enough pre-print 
)?
And I think there were a few years post-Internet when people saw "being published on the Internet" as something almost-as-penultimate.
That was the time that I felt that people would read my stuff simply because it was available to read---as if hordes-&-hordes of people arrive home from work or -school & just plop down at their internet-connected computer (instead of the TV or radio) & just read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read 
but I guess reality is a little different from that.
How did you adjust to the sinking realization that nobody wants to read your writing?
)?
And I think there were a few years post-Internet when people saw "being published on the Internet" as something almost-as-penultimate.
That was the time that I felt that people would read my stuff simply because it was available to read---as if hordes-&-hordes of people arrive home from work or -school & just plop down at their internet-connected computer (instead of the TV or radio) & just read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read-&-read but I guess reality is a little different from that.
How did you adjust to the sinking realization that nobody wants to read your writing?3 people like this
5 responses
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
23 Oct 12
I started writing seriously around five years ago, and like you, I thought I'd earn quite a bit from people reading my stuff. When the bucks didn't flood in, I was really disappointed, but I just kept working on improving my writing, and researching what people wanted to read.
Now, I get a lot of page views for my articles - I have about 1800 published online - so I earn quite well on that. I also pull in a lot of freelance writing gigs, so I guess I can safely say that these days, people do want to read my articles.
1 person likes this
@anklesmash (1412)
•
23 Oct 12
You may be able to get your writing out there more easily than when we just had paper publications as an option.In those days you would only get published if you were sure to sell due to the costs of publishing. Now it doesn't cost anything or at least a fraction of the amount to be put on the web.Whilst it is easier to be published it doesn't mean you will be a successful writer.You still need to be a good writer to get people to read your work and need to be lucky to be noticed out of the large number of people writing online.
@mythociate (21432)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
13 Nov 12
But back then 'being published' meant "you're as good as you need to be." Now what's the mark of a good writer, getting your book made into a movie?
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
23 Oct 12
If they knew what I was writing about, many would!
What's needed is advertizing, but most of us are not very good sales people! I tried communicating with publishers the old fashioned way, but it seems to me it's harder to pierce through and get to a publisher than it is to write a book!
What's needed is advertizing, but most of us are not very good sales people! I tried communicating with publishers the old fashioned way, but it seems to me it's harder to pierce through and get to a publisher than it is to write a book!
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
23 Oct 12
Maybe it's my age talking, but the whole "nobody wants to read you writing" has just been a fact of reality for me. I never started out writing with an idea in my head that people would want to read what I write just because it was available. Even when I was writing lengthy works at 12, I was operating under the assumption that I would have to win readers, not that they would just flock to me because my writing existed.
That's how the world of writing kinda works. You have to win followers with your ability, your ideas, and maybe some marketing. Hardly anyone is just going to hand you their loyalty.
@katt442 (2)
•
23 Oct 12
I would consider a couple of things. Could it be possible that you have not identified the readers who are interested and can appreciate your writing? Have you thought about publishing your own material? You could also have your own marketing event by renting out a place and sending invites to other literary folks who might be interested in your work. I've done this before and the response was great. Good Luck!
