How Much Do Fiction Writers Really Have to Publish Each Year?
If you envision cranking out a single book that sells well and calling it done, well, let’s get real. You’re likely going to have to write a lot more — and faster — than you thought if you want your writing to be your living.
*Checks own manuscripts that have languished for….years…. Oh. Oh dear.*
The good news? Writers now have better tools and access to self-publishing than ever. You have to be fully committed, but it’s not impossible.
It almost goes without saying that the better organized you are, the easier it’s going to be to meet this kind of publishing pace. I highly recommend outlining and researching for your next project whenever you need a mental break from your first one. That way, you’re productive, but you still get to be creative in a different way that can offer the recuperation that might be necessary here and there.
But you know what’s even more important than good organization? Kick-arse support from people who care about you. You can be the best planner in the world, but if you don’t have others who can ensure that other things don’t rob you of your writing time, good luck. Talk to your family, your friends, those in your writing groups — these are the people who are going to keep the kids in the other room for a hour or let you slip to the library at lunch. They’re the ones who can help you keep your chin up when it all starts to get tiring.