How to Establish Yourself as a Writer: 7 Tips For Perfecting Your Craft

Professional writers in every corner of the world have at least one thing in common–we were all beginners at one point. No matter how proud some writers may be, none of them were born with a byline. Some were fortunate enough to get published early on while others have faced the deep pain of rejection over the years, but no matter what the writing journey looks like, we all had to start somewhere.

Whether you craft stories, play with poetry, or enjoy getting your thoughts out in articles, there's something special about the art of writing. But becoming a professional writer is more than just putting your thoughts down on paper and it takes time to build your reputation and portfolio.

If you've ever wondered how to establish yourself as a writer, know that it won't happen overnight. However, there are some tips that can help you move in the right direction. Keep reading to find out what establishing yourself as a writer looks like.

Practice Your Craft: Getting Better Every Day

If you’re a creative person, it may be tempting to only write when you’re “feeling” creative. That may work if writing is only a hobby for you, but if you want to be a serious writer, you have to sit down every day and practice writing.

Would a professional athlete only practice when they feel like it? Of course not. You may have some natural talent when it comes to your writing, but writing is also a skill. That means you need to practice so you can get better. No matter what you’re working on, the first draft might be a bit rough, like a painter's first strokes on a canvas. If you practice regularly and try different styles – you’ll see improvements over time.

Getting Lost in a Good Book: Expanding Your Horizons

Ever gotten lost in a good book? Reading is more than just an enjoyable pastime–it’s a way to come up with new ideas and experiment with different forms of expression. When you immerse yourself in a good book, you read, you explore, and suddenly, you’re seeing your own ideas and writing in a different light.

Becoming a better writer means spending a lot of time reading. Many of us started writing simply because we loved to read. Whenever you have free time, dive into classics, and discover contemporary gems. In a way, it's like expanding your toolkit, and it’s an excellent (and fun!) way to improve your writing.

Embracing Setbacks: They're Just Plot Twists

While you’re working on establishing yourself as a writer, it’s important to know everything isn’t going to go perfectly. Rejections? Yeah, they're a part of the game. Really, your perspective and mindset are what matters when it comes to dealing with rejection.

Think of it like facing a plot twist in your favorite book – unexpected, but also a necessary part of moving the plot forward. Your writing isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you keep being persistent, you can turn your setbacks into comebacks. If you truly have what it takes to be a writer, your persistence will pay off in the end. Some of the most famous authors were rejected plenty of times before getting published and they have plenty of encouraging words to share when it comes to rejection.

Getting Creative: Building Your Idea Toolbox

Aside from your actual writing skills, you also need creative ideas in your toolbox. This is true no matter what kind of writer you are. Part of building your idea toolbox is ensuring you hold onto creative ideas when they come to you.

Since ideas can show up at the strangest times, it’s helpful to keep a journal with you whenever you can or even have a specific app on your phone that you use for writing notes. Jotting down your writing ideas is like gathering building blocks for your writing adventures. Once you have all the blocks, you’ll be able to start building.

Editing: Giving Your Words a Makeover

Once you start to get some creative ideas down on paper, it’s time to start practicing your editing skills. Editing is like giving your words a makeover. You're polishing, refining, and turning your piece into a masterpiece. While you may work with a professional editor in some cases, it’s also important to know how to self-edit your work to bring your words to life.

Editing isn’t about fixing mistakes–it's about enhancing what's already there. When you come up with a creative idea, sometimes you have to just get the first draft down and bring it to life in the editing process. 

Connecting with Fellow Writers: Find a Writing Support Group

Writing might be a solo gig, but you're not alone out there. The truth is, without a group of writers in your life, it can get pretty lonely. The best thing you can do as a writer is build community and join a writing group.

Whether you join a group that critiques your work or one that holds you accountable, it’s important to meet like-minded writers you can connect with. Writing groups give you a place to exchange ideas and share your struggles.

Embracing the Long Game: Every Step Counts

If you’re serious about becoming a writer,  remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Establishing yourself as a writer means you’re in it for the long haul. The best thing you can do is set realistic goals for yourself, celebrate small wins, and keep going, even when it’s difficult.

Every word you write is a step toward your writing goals and an opportunity to perfect your craft. Even the most well-known authors had to start somewhere and there’s nothing wrong with being a beginner.  

How to Establish Yourself as a Writer with Hire a Writer

If you’re determined to become a professional writer, you’re not alone. While a writing career isn’t for the faint of heart, it is possible if you’re willing to work hard to get there. You might want to establish yourself as a content writer or you might have more lofty goals of becoming a successful novelist. No matter what your writing goals are, we would love to help you get there.

At Hire a Writer, we don’t just create content for some pretty awesome brands, we also help writers like you hone your skills and tap into your creativity. As an aspiring writer, you definitely should practice your craft, dive into good reads, and remember that setbacks are just part of the adventure. But you should also take time to learn from people who have been there–like us! Subscribe to our blog to learn just about everything you need to know to start writing.