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How to Determine Your Success as a Writer
If Stephen King started writing today, would he be successful?
Before answering, you may want me to clarify if he is using the same methods to promote his work as he did in the past, or if he will be self-publishing his stories. You may also question whether he writes the exact same books from the beginning of his career or if he is publishing his latest novels. We might also have to stipulate whether he has any social media following.
I bet you didn’t immediately respond, “That is a stupid question. Of course, Stephen King would be successful today.”
In your mind, if a talented, business savvy writer as prolific as King is not automatically guaranteed success, what does that say about your odds?
“Good” is not the issue
Securing an agent and subsequent publishing deal is not based on whether the work is good, but if it will sell.
These are two different things.
Even if the writing is solid, it is no guarantee that it will be commercially viable. The greatest poem in the world could be sitting on someone’s hard drive. Agents may not want your magnificent work.
Publishing is a business. Do not confuse this with art.
