Writing Wednesday

Wednesday is the day I like to share information, tidbits I picked up along my journey from beginner writer to published author. Information I wish someone would have shared with me back then.

Establishing Writer/Blogger Credibility

Not unlike other professions, building credibility as a writer/blogger/author can be a long and confusing process. Everyone wants to know what you have published and where. Before I actually got paid to write I did a lot of writing for free. Some of that free ‘stuff,’ I look back on now and want to cover my face in embarrassment because some of it is just plain awful.

If you want to build a successful career in the writing/publishing industry and get paid for your work, the first thing you need to do is assure your customers, editors or publisher that you are an established and respected professional.

To improve your work and gain credibility you need to write everything you write like a professional. That includes Facebook posts, e-mails, tweets, blog posts, text messages, etc…

Publishers, editors and agents want the writers/authors they work with to be credible and to have a national platform. Your blog can be an effective part of your national platform if you have attracted engaged national readers.

How do you attract those readers so you can engage them so you can gain credibility?

It really isn’t about the numbers.

There are some companies out there that will promise you thousands of followers, page impressions, unique visitors and so on and so on but the fact is once you write outstanding content and you build a relationship with your readers the numbers will follow.

A few ideas:

• Write witty opinion pieces or letters to the editor of your local newspapers. Once they print it or post it on their website, you are published.
• Read and leave meaningful comments on as many blogs as you possibly can.
• Engage in virtual conversations on large websites such as the Huffington Post, New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Post and your areas largest newspapers and magazines.
•  A bit of advice would be to think about and edit your comments to be more intellectual than emotional. Try to keep your responses positive.
• Maintain consistency. Post good content on a consistent schedule. (I need to follow my own advice.)
•  Attend workshops and conferences
• There are a lot of bloggers out there looking for guest posts. Write for them.
• When you write, know your facts and back them up with sources if needed.
• We all have our political opinions. Most of us are passionate about those opinions. It is a good idea if you are trying to build credibility to fact check anything political before you share.

• Read more than the catchy headline before you share anything. It is crucial that your readers trust you.
• Get out and meet people in real life. Join or start a writing group. Look for networking opportunities. Hand out business cards with your blog/website address.
• Edit every single thing you write. Read it out loud. (I am still working on this one.)

What have you done to gain credibility?

Happy writing,

Doreen