Selling Your First Piece of Writing

Ever since I took up writing seriously last summer, I decided I would pursue publishing opportunities much more seriously. When I realized how slow the turnout was for publishing short stories, I decided I would give writing articles a shot. I never thought I would get paid for a writing gig especially for writing articles. It wasn't my niche.

An established writer and editor encouraged me to try writing about family simplicity for a well known ezine. I saw this as a fantastic learning opportunity.

After carefully following their submission guidelines and studying their writing style, I spent an entire Friday morning writing and rewriting it.

A month later, I added yet another rejection file to my folder. This time I received word that it wasn't suitable for their editorial needs. It was back to the drawing board.

One day I wrote to my writing group sharing my frustration of receiving so many rejections. One established writer and editor offered to read it and give feedback. Again, it was a rewarding opportunity to learn from the experts.

I had read this writer's work before in previous publications. Her articles sounded fresh, clean with energy. I had wondered why mine always sounded bland with strict ordinary prose. She suggested I chop away chop unnecessary words, tighten up phrases and sentence structure. I reread my final version and I was pleased with the way the writing flowed. Could it be then I had a whole new and clear writing style?

Sometimes rewriting articles and sending them off again is a matter of cutting away with words and rearranging sentences. Other times it is about experimenting with a writing style. It pays to send it to a few expert writers who have been in newbie shoes to give expert advice and opinions.

For my final version of the same article, I had a new and different layout with bullets, subheadings, and headings. I had sentences with varying lengths. I had cut out unnecessary words. But it was nothing like the first version. I felt much more comfortable with its sound and style. It is important for a beginning writer to find his/her own writing style before sending finished pieces out.