Author or Writer, Which Do You Want to Be?

Many writers I know struggle with the idea of calling themselves an author. It sounds so official, like something that must be earned. That's because it is. There is a distinct difference between writing for fun and writing for a career. That is the difference between a writer and an author. What if you are one attempting to become the other, as so many of us are? Then you are an aspiring author.

There is much more to being an author than just a title though. The bottom line is professionalism. If you want to make writing your career you must be professional. Don't worry, this doesn't mean you can't have fun and be yourself, it just means you have to understand that everything you do and say could some day be under the public eye. With search engines like Google out there agents and editors have access to almost everything you've ever said or done on the internet. You want to be sure what they find doesn't give them a reason to reject you.

Part of being a professional is also ensuring that your work is the very best it can be. Don't finish in a hurry so you can start submitting as soon as possible because you have a hot trending topic or theme. When we rush we make mistakes and mistakes are what get us rejected. Part of taking your time is personalizing each and every query as if that agent is going to be The One. Make sure you carefully read and follow each agent's guidelines. Failure to do so is the quickest way to be rejected.

Be thick skinned when it comes to rejections and try not to take them personally. Learn from every tidbit of feedback that is given to you. Don't forget, many great authors like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling were rejected numerous times before they became successful. Use rejection to fuel the fire of determination. Learn, grow, and improve, that is the path to becoming an author.

For more useful tips on how to succeed check out this post by Writer's Digest: 10 Commandments of Fiction Writing. Best of luck!

~Heather

Don't forget to enter to win a copy of Flight For Control at this link. 

Winner of Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes

The time to announce the winner of Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank has arrived! First I want to say thank you to everyone who read about her novel, entered, and supported her. I'm thrilled to report that reviews are rolling in and they are absolutely glowing! 

But I won't keep you waiting any longer. The winner of a paperback copy of this fabulous book is: 

Ansley!

Congratulations to Ansley, an email has been sent. If you didn't win don't worry, next month the Critique Sisters Corner is taking part in my Tour Of Secrets and you'll have a chance to win one of three fantastic prizes, including my debut novel, The Secret Of Spruce Knoll. Until then, feel free to order yourself a copy of Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes, you won't be disappointed. To check out the Tour Of Secrets or even get in on it, click here. 

~Heather

Query Letter Critique Winner

In celebration of Jessica Subject's one year blog anniversary the Critique Sisters participated in her massive giveaway and offered up a query letter critique. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us and stopped by Jessica's blog. She is an amazing, giving person that is always the first in line to help someone else. It was an honor to be able to give a little back to her.

The winner of the Critique Sisters query letter critique is...

Amie Kaufman!

Congratulations to Amie! I'm happy to report that when I contacted Amie she said the timing couldn't be better for her as she is getting ready to start querying next week. I love it when a giveaway comes together like that. For those who didn't win don't worry, we'll be doing another query letter critique very soon. This time a drawing perhaps... So if you are getting ready to query be sure to check back next week, we'd love to help you polish that pitch up!