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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9507-What-Are-the-Odds.html
Noticing Newbies: April 24, 2019 Issue [#9507]




 This week: What Are the Odds?
  Edited by: JACE Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Hi, I'm JACE Author Icon.

Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. Join me as I take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings. *Smile*

Your Noticing Newbies Newsletter full-time Editors:

   Tornado Dodger Author Icon,   Sara♥Jean Author Icon,   JACE Author Icon


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Letter from the editor

You're a writer.

At least you purport to be. Isn't that why you joined Writing.Com? I'm sure the reasons to join WDC are as varied as there are members.

You want to improve your writing skills. You wish to become a best selling author. You want to leave something for your children and grand-children but don't wish to sound illiterate doing it. You just want to express yourself better.

*BulletG* What are the odds of you succeeding as a writer? Let's check ... uh, Google.

Depending on the source you select, the odds are very long indeed. Some equate them as long as winning big in the lottery.

Most have heard the oft-repeated story that Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, was rejected 30 times. He finally threw it in the trash. His wife fished it out, encouraged him to submit it again, and it sold. Forbes estimates King makes $40 million per year. He's published 57 novels, all of them best sellers, selling more than 350 million copies of his works.

Most major best selling authors wrote for years before hitting it big. But, they persevered.

*BulletB* What is a best seller?

To get on the New York Times best seller list, you must sell 9000 copies in the first week. The Wall Street Journal list only requires selling 3000 copies in the first week. Some estimates place that of the 1.2 million books published in one year only 25,000, roughly 2 percent, sold 5000 copies or more. Most books sell fewer than 500 copies.

*BulletR* How many writers are there in the US?

The Bureau of Labor maintains there are some 280,000 employed Authors, Writer, and Editors. Which leaves the remaining many millions of folks who enjoy writing as employed by other means unrelated to writing. It's probably true that most of us like our current situations and enjoy writing on the side. It's also true that some of us wish to write full time and be supported by that writing.

BUT, you also have something as do those best selling authors that helps lower those odds to succeed--desire. Of course, desire alone will not make you successful. Without it, however, you will never succeed. What should you do?

Decide what level of writing success you wish to achieve. Choose to learn the basic rules of writing. You already know much of this from school. Find a writing buddy on whom you can bounce ideas and stories, someone who can help keep you grounded, and vice versa. Join a writing group, folks with similar writing interests and styles. Review other people's work. Finally, write!

All these will help move you toward your goal of becoming a successful writer. People beat the odds against this or that every day. Why not you?

May you enjoy the best in all your writing endeavors. Write on!



Editor's Picks

Check out these Newbies (I've selected folks who have filled out their Biography or something in their Bio-Block). Take a moment to review something in their Port ... or just say hi.

 Clear Skies Are Gone Open in new Window. (E)
When the day is dark and the skies won't seem to clear
#2188738 by AgentPebbles Author IconMail Icon

 Summer at the Beach Open in new Window. (E)
A young girl spends the summer with her Grand Mother on Cape Cod
#2188663 by Kathy Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2188387 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2188533 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2188695 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2186364 by Not Available.


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

Thanks for spending time with me today. If you liked what you read (or if you didn't), please take time and drop me a line. I'd love to hear your ideas.

First, some old business: Last month, I asked readers to complete a survey about using Writing.Com 101. I was hoping for a bigger statistical slice than I received--which numbered two replies, one Newbie and one more established member. Both respondents have used Writing 101, one daily (Newbie), the other weekly. Thanks for your participation--your merit badges are on their way. *Wink*

And now, from the mailbag:

From hbk16: This is an important issue. Someone's portfolio should be well emphasized. These are helpful advice indeed.

         Only you can put your best foot forward.

From Dave Author Icon: "Newbie Welcome WagonOpen in new Window. has been resurrected by River Author IconMail Icon and is now open for business again.

         That's good information to know. All you Newbies, take notice--this is a great resource.

From Stellar Empress Author Icon: Wow. Thank you for featuring me in the editor's pick.

         You're welcome.

From Norbanus Author Icon: For Newbies, eh? Well, I'm sure glad you didn't bar the door to those of us who are still staggering around, trying to find our way after years of peeking under the rugs, into every corner and are lost. Nicely done,

         The funny thing is that I often find some little nugget of useful information I'd forgotten or never knew while researching these newsletters.


*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94

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