02/09/2026
Characteristics of a Successful Writer
By Bobbie D.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
You say you want to be a successful writer? You're having trouble getting from, "I'm doing okay." to, "I'm a SUCCESS!". Here are some KEY things that you need to do:
1. Determination-- If writing is what MOVES you; it gets INSIDE of you, you MUST be determined. No matter how old you are, no matter if you have a family, you must find the time to practice your craft. And not only that. You must
2. You must have an idea of the marketplace--
You need to have an idea of what's 'hot', and what readers are willing to buy.
3. Meeting necessary deadlines-- A BIG, important concept to understand.
4. A Professional attitude toward your writing-- I know how it feels. You write something that YOU think is the GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL. And you haven't done any proofreading, no editing etc. And you think that it's PERFECT without ANY of that stuff. "This is the GREATEST work since Shakespeare! My writing is FANTASTIC! No one can find ANY problems at all!" And you (begrudgingly) decide to let a friend or family member give it a 'look over', just in case you are missing something. but, there's no way you could have missed anything; it's perfect! Then, the friend/family member GUTS your piece! They find grammatical errors, proofreading errors and any other error you can think of! And you are BEYOND crushed! You're also frustrated and offended! I know it! I've been in your shoes. But, if you are looking to ACTUALLY publish a book, you have to be willing to hear the good with the not so good. You MUST have a professional attitude toward your writing; good, bad or otherwise.
5. Willingness to learn about the Publishing business-- Start with the basics; then go from there! There are A LOT of ins and outs of the Publishing Business. As "old" writers and new publishers, we are still learning! There's always something NEW to learn!
6. Helping to promote your own book-- This is another BIG, important idea! The Publisher can, and will do everything they can to promote your MASTERPIECE. But, you too have to do some promoting on the side. It really, REALLY helps your revenue!
