Working to be PRO

“The End.”

Two glorious words that signaled a significant accomplishment for me as a rookie writer. I had finished my first book - a work of art at 400 pages. I sent it out to an editor. Instead of receiving my first contract with pleas for more, I got my first rejection letter.

I was elated! I didn't feel upset - I became a professional writer.

I'm doing well in my new career.

So what's next?

Definitely not sitting around waiting for that contract to come in. Now I have to work for it. And that's the fun challenge.

Don't get me wrong. Plotting, writing, and completing a manuscript is a challenge in itselt. And if all I wanted to be was a writer, well then, I have reached that goal. But I wanted to be more than a writer. I wanted to be a published writer.

So back to the question - what's next to do?

There are a lot of things I, and anyone else who is on the cusp of getting published, can and should do. Here's my to do list:

Continue to learn about the craft of writing. We can never learn enough about this ever-evolving art form. Read books on writing. Attend classes. Hone your skills. And write, write, write.

Keep writing. There can't be too much said about this. To learn the craft of writing, you must write. To develop your own unique voice, you must write. To be published, you must write. If you don't write, you are not a writer. That's the cold hard truth about it. "The most important thing you can do is write everyday. Writing uses muscles that atrophy with alarming speed if not used often. Write everyday, even if it's for 15 minutes or 50 words. Just write," advised Doreen DeSalvo, author of sensual romance.

Send out proposals. Continue to send out query letters to editors and agents. You can't get published unless you get your work in front of those who can buy it.

Enter writing contests. This is your way to get feedback outside your critique group and another opportunity to get your work in front of an editor or agent. And you are building up your manuscript's resume. It is great to announce that your work is a finalist in a particular contest.

Be productive. "The best thing for any writer to do who is ready (and even impatient!) to make the next step to publication is to increase their productivity. The more you write, the better you become. And increasing productivity has the side benefit of producing more submissions -- which in turns increases your chances of selling," advises Suzanne McMinn who writes romantic suspense for Silhouette Intimate Moments.

Join a critique group. If you are writing romance, ideally you should join a critique group of romance writers. I once joined a group of writers from all different types of genres (none were romance writers). I learned different perspectives from this group, but overall I ended up spending most of my time explaining the components of a romance. It wasn't a very good return on my investment. I recommend finding other romance writers to work with. The other romance writers don't have to write in the same romance sub-genre as you but they do need to understand it.

Read and read widely. It is important to read the genre that you are writing in. This is studying the market. Get to know the elements of your genre. Discover what works and what doesn't work. And if doesn't work, but you like that element, find out how to make it work for you. But don't just stick with the romance genre. Read outside it to maintian a broad perspective - and to harvest story ideas.

Be with writers. Attend Romance Writers of America (RWA) chapter meetings. Attend conferences. Join writer's online chat groups. Being with other writers can help you with brainstorming or providing feedback on your work. Other writers are more willing to share business industry information. And they are the only ones who can understand the ups and downs of the work we do.

Volunteer. Volunteer with your local RWA chapter or an online chapter. Volunteering is a great way to meet - and talk - with other writers. This is especially true if you are an introvert like myself. Volunteering also gives back to the chapter. Only good karma could spread when you lend a hand. There can also be more of a payoff. Volunteer to help with programming - you get to decide editors and agents to invite to your chapter meetings which gives you an opportunity to talk with them.

Develop a business plan. Determine what you want to accomplish - in other words, what do you want to be when you group up? Determine your short-term and long-term tasks to reach your goal. Once you determine your goal, stick with it and don't let yourself get sidetracked.

Develop a marketing plan. Determine how you are going to advertise your product and yourself. Yes, yourself too. You too are the product.

Create a website. Editors and agents might want to find out more about your work. They are more likely to check your website than call or write. Less of a commitment there. Also, the most cost effective way to get your name and books publicized is through a website - your website.

Keep up with Technology. To market your product, a web site may not be enough in the 21st century. You need to actively make your presence known by being part of MySpace.com, Facebook.com, SecondLife and other similar web site. You need to talk about your work in blogs, in chat rooms, and whatever new venue will be created in this century.

Study the business. Learn how the publishing business works. Understand the language of contracts.

Find an agent. Start researching agents. Create a list of agents you want to work with and send them your proposals.

Apply for RWA-PRO Status. RWA is developing a great PRO program. Becoming PRO announces to everyone that you are serious about becoming a published writer. Also, attaining PRO status means that you can partake of the special educational programs, online and at National Conference, which are geared toward writers like me - someone on the cusp of becoming published. If you are an RWA member, go to the Members Only section of the RWA Website.

Maintain dedication. Writing is a calling. It is a job that we must do. To be true to ourselves, don't stop writing. "The MOST important thing an unpublished writer should know is that dedication is more important than talent. Never quit," said Robin Owens, author of paranormal-fantasy romance.

This is my to do list. So, what's on your list?