Seven Keys for Becoming a Successful Writer

by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

I didn’t know what I was doing when I self-published my first book. My goal for that project was to help raise money for a family returning to the mission field in Mongolia. I thought the book was successful because I’d helped meet the intent, and the family was fully financed to live as missionaries. I had no clue about the impact of book launches, street teams, and utilizing social media to promote my book. 

I also thought it’d be easy to get an agent and have my book sold to a traditional publisher. But, when I attended a writer’s conference shortly after my book’s debut, I discovered I was wrong, and I’d done almost everything backward. A few weeks after returning home, I received a rejection letter from a well-established literary agency who’d expressed interest. The main gist of the letter was I had no platform. I still use that letter as a blueprint for becoming a successful writer. Over the years, I’ve also discovered seven fundamental keys for accomplishing this feat.

7 Fundamental Keys to Become a Writer

• 1. Be your best: Becoming a successful writer requires tremendous effort, hard work, and dedication. We should put forward our best work, whether we plan to self-publish or find an agent or traditional publisher. This means editing and formatting our work appropriately, creating an intriguing blurb or synopsis, and designing an eye-catching cover to entice readers.

• 2. Be ready: We only get one chance to make an excellent first impression. If we lose a reader or publisher early on, we’ll likely never be thoroughly polished and ready to be presented to the world.

• 3. Be a reader: One of the best ways to improve our writing skills is to read. Reading not only helps us learn new things but also entertains us. It’s a way to support ourselves and other writers. We mustn’t forget to write reviews of the books we read, as this is a great way to connect with other writers and readers.

• 4. Be realistic: It’s important to remember that not everyone will love our work, no matter how much our friends and family may support us. Everyone has different tastes in reading, and we need to be prepared for both positive and negative feedback.

• 5. Be on social media: A social media presence is also crucial for writers. We must ensure people know who we are and where to find our work. Creating a website or blog is an excellent way to connect with potential readers and give them more information about ourselves and our work. We can also use platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, Goodreads, or Pinterest to promote our work and connect with potential readers.

• 6. Be a self-promoter: Marketing ourselves can be challenging, especially if we’re not used to talking about ourselves. However, it’s essential to promote our work through blog tours, interviews, networking with other writers, reviews, advertising, contests, newsletters, giveaways, and book signings. Remember, no one else is going to do it for us.

• 7. Be a student: Mastering the craft of writing is vital. We must know how to combine words effectively, use proper punctuation, and avoid unnecessary adverbs or repeated information. We should also be skilled in storytelling and effectively telling a story. This takes time, practice, and patience.

Start with the basics and gradually build upon them when learning new skills. Whether it’s mastering the art of writing a compelling story, learning a new genre, honing our self-editing skills, or finding the perfect publisher for our work, it’s essential to take our time and go at our own pace. Everyone’s journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning and improving our craft. So, don’t be discouraged when encountering rejection letters, setbacks, or challenges. Stay focused, be patient, and keep working toward each goal. We can achieve our dreams and become successful writers with dedication and persistence.

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Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations.

She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.