Monica Valentinelli: Author, Game Designer and Consultant

Posted on May 23, 2007 - by Monica Valentinelli

Freelance Writing Tip #18: Unpublished? Unread

Whether you freelance write as a hobby or professionally, when you’re a novel writer, your business model is based on attracting and retaining readers. Simple, right? You’d be surprised how many “new” novel writers state that they are “holding out” for the best deal–no matter how long it takes. Unfortunately, when you’re an unknown author, you don’t have as much leverage as an established one.

Think about that for a second. As an unknown, you don’t have a track record with any publishing company to prove that your books sell. The more unpublished work piles up on your computer, the less people are reading it–and the less you are getting paid. Subsequently, if no one is reading your novel, the less chance you get for developing fans who will look for your next piece or start to recognize your name. Then, the chance of you reaching your goals of becoming a full-time novelist get pushed back even further.

Related posts:

1. Freelance Writing Tip #22: Marketing and Writing go Hand-in-Hand
2. Freelance Writing Tip #35: Be Inspired by Others’ Success
3. Be Political, but Be Smart: Freelance Writing Tip #35
4. Marketing 101: What has Changed for Novelists Selling their Books
5. Freelance Writing Tip #10: Understand Your Market