A Writer Does More Than Write

You're a writer, but writing involves a lot of other jobs connected to the actual act of putting words together to make sense enough to appeal to readers.

Consider those sub-headings for you as a writer:

• You're an artist. Writing is one of the creative arts, so you are every bit as much of an artist as the person who stands before an easel and paints a picture.
• You're the Grammar Guru. To be successful in the business of writing, you must be well-versed in the grammar world. Not many kids like learning it and many learn enough to pass the tests in school but don't always come through with flying colors as adults in the real world. As a writer, it is absolutely necessary that you are up to date on grammar and punctuation. There are charts and books online to help out if needed.
• You're the Punctuation Pro. The do's and don'ts of punctuation are necessary for a writer to learn. Punctuate a sentence incorrectly, and the entire meaning can be changed. 
• You're a publicist. Few writers have publicists. The novelists who are on the bestseller lists do, but most of us must be our own personal publicist. A publicist arranges interveiws, book signings, and tv appearances. Self-publishing is growing and, therefore, being your own publicist is, too.
• You're a marketer. It's up to you to find a market for whatever you have written. This is easier to do today than in the past. The internet is our best friend when we're searching for places to publish our writing. 
• You're the submitting expert. You must learn to send in submissions that an editor or publisher will consider. It's not a matter of merely sending a story or poem. You want to send it the right way, and you can do that by following the guidelines to the letter. Editors get so many submissions that they feel no need to consider the ones that don't follow the guidelines they have carefully prepared for writers. To be an expert at submitting, you must be professional. Don't do cutesy things that you think might draw the attention of an editor. It might but in a negative way. 

The photo above shows four people but I've listed six sub-headings to describe your job. If you want to add 'writer' to the list, you're one person with seven responsibilities. Wow! You should be proud of yourself, but you must also work hard to do your very best at all seven. Go through the list and decide which are strengths or weaknesses for you.