Definition Of A Writer
I admit I’m not a fan of the term pre-published. Frankly, I don’t think it really means anything. You’re either published or not. But, as Melissa Banks points out in November’s Writer’s Digest, being a writer is a different thing:
Young writers are always dying to be published because that’s the way the world tells you you’re a writer, and you feel desperate for that kind of affirmation. But publishing doesn’t prove anything. What makes you a writer is that you sit down and write.
I was rejected everywhere for the first 10 years. If I’d listened to those rejections, I wouldn’t still be writing. It’s good protection once you do get a book published because your own opinion is the one that matters. Whether you get great reviews or terrible reviews - what sustains you is that sense of being a writer.
I’d disagree in that I do think being published means something - it means someone is willing to pay you to be a writer, and that has value other than the obvious. So, maybe the distinction - to the extent we need to set this stuff out - should be between writer and published writer.
October 24th, 2005 at 10:22 am
And I would say that even though pleasing ourselves is really the most important thing, becoming published is pretty much the only way to validate yourself in the public’s eyes. As far as everyone is concerned - even my loved ones who know me best - writing is simply my “hobby” until I get published. Once I have a book with my name on the spine, then I’ll be taken seriously. It’s when I have a book on the shelves that I can tell the world that those hours I spend in front of the computer are working hours and they might actually believe me. I think it’s that whole “show me the money” at work. Until what you do brings in the dough, it’s not legitimate to anyone other than yourself. Sadly.
October 28th, 2005 at 10:20 am
HelenKay - yep, you make the right distinction - between writer and published writer. I’m a writer (ok, technically as I’ve had articles/reviews and reviews published, I’m published) of romanctic fiction. NOT pre-published. I HATE that term.