We all know
familiar adage "if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck..." it's nearly always a duck. The same is true with image, particularly when it comes to images we portray of ourselves as writers. My e-book "Articles That Sell", teaches how-to's of effectively marketing your business by writing and publishing articles. These ideas will help you literally take your marketing act to street by presenting yourself as a professional writer.
A professional writer? Of course...the last image that you want to convey is that you're an amateur. If you want to brand yourself and your business professionally, then you've got to conduct all your marketing efforts with perspective of a skilled and accomplished pro.
First, you'll need to erase any stereotypical images of writers. They aren't all philosophical types in glasses and black turtlenecks. Writers are real people, just like you. They come from all walks of life and have their own mortgages to pay. Very few writers are able to boast successful careers based only upon words they have authored. In fact, most of prominent writers we read today all have certain elements in common.
What are marks of a professional Writer?
Business Cards - Does yours make any mention of fact that you're a writer? If it doesn't, then you're sending an alarming signal that you write as a hobby.
Resume - Does yours note names and dates of publications that have featured your work? No listed works, no credibility. Portfolio - Do you have a beyond-your-hard-drive collection of articles you have written? All writers should have a hands-on cd or floppy portfolio. If possible, you should also have a physical portfolio containing your work, particularly any work that has been published in print.
Current Contact List or Database - Can you put your hands on a complete list of contact information? We're not talking sticky-notes here. This should include names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and web site addresses of any publications to which you have submitted an article. Ideally, you should also include contact information for any new publications about which you learn. Make certain to include name of article you have submitted and whether it was published. If you sold an article, list price for which you sold it. Review your information regularly and follow-up with each publication periodically.
