Two-Fifty Tuesday: Writing Isn’t All About Publication

Writing Is About YOU

I’m an excellent teacher. How do I know? 1) I’ve witnessed improvements in my students’ skills and confidence. 2) My students tell me. 3) Professional evaluations from experts (i.e.: my principal). 

You know what’s not on that list of evidence? Marks. I cannot evaluate my ability to teach based solely on students’ grades. My students’ achievements are a collaboration between them and me. I teach, they learn. Too many factors in a student’s life—their own motivation, skills, home life, parental support, etc. play into their success. The teacher is one factor—important, necessary—but still only one. 

I’m an excellent writer. How do I know? 1) I’ve witnessed improvements in my own writing skills and confidence. 2) My readers tell me. 3) Professional evaluations from experts (i.e.: my book coach). 

You know what’s not on that list of evidence? Publication. I cannot evaluate my ability to write based solely whether an agent or publisher chooses my work. Publication is a collaboration between agents, editors, writers, booksellers and more. I write. They publish. Too many factors in a publisher’s business—profit margins, similar titles, market conditions—play into how they choose their titles. My writing is one factor—important, necessary—but still only one. 

What this means for you: You don’t need to be published to be a good writer. You just need you to keep working at your craft. Thankfully, that’s in your control. And then? Own it, whether you’re published or not: “I am a great writer.”