Prerequisites to Writing as a Career -- Writing Ability -- Knowledge of Subject -- Command of the Craft & Tools -- Business Acumen -- Professionalism -- Experience -- Attitude & Other Intangibles -- What It's Really Like -- Working at Home -- Dealing with Ups & Downs -- The Writing Life -- Self-Management Tools for the Writer -- Organizing Projects -- Keeping Records -- Tracking Submissions -- Time Management -- Project Management -- Deadlines -- Workload -- When to Write.
Where & What to Write -- Goals & Measure of Progress -- Getting Yourself to Write -- Finding Time -- Controlling Interruptions -- Avoiding Self-Distractions -- Writer's Block -- Dealing with Rejection -- Motivational Techniques -- Discipline -- Relaxation Techniques -- Are You Ready? -- Six Factors of Readiness -- Skills -- Experience -- Professionalism -- Finances -- Personal Situation -- Attitude -- Self-Scoring Readiness Test -- Financial Planning for Writers.
Household Budgets -- Income Projections -- Preparing for Rainy Days -- Trimming Expenses -- Establishing Credit -- Back-Up Plans -- Making the Break -- Decision or Delusion? -- Decision-Making with a Spouse or Partner -- Seeking Advice -- Telling Your Boss -- Leaving Your Job -- Setting Up New Business Accounts -- Taxes for the Self-Employed Writer -- My Own Story -- Marketing Tips & Techniques -- Scheduling Time -- Identifying Markets -- Web Research -- Publisher News.
Bookstores as Resources -- Studying Magazines -- Studying Book Publishers -- Market List Directories -- Networking -- Writer Gatherings -- Relationships with Agents & Editors -- Do You Need an Agent? -- What an Agent Does -- Q&A on Agents -- Finding an Agent -- Connecting with Editors -- Planning Meetings -- Sources of Extra Income -- Teaching Writing Courses -- Speaking Engagements -- Reviewing Manuscripts -- Freelance Editing -- Consulting in Your Field.
Writing for Ad Agencies & Corporations -- Part-Time Jobs -- On Persistence -- Realistic Assessment of Your Situation -- What to Track -- Considering Whether to Quit -- Contentment & Job Satisfaction.
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