I have reinvented my writing self multiple times. First there was my stint as an equestrian writer. When my publisher shuttered the magazine, I pivoted to book reviewer. As those pay checks became fewer and farther between, I briefly wrote testing materials before moving on to writing how-tos for my fellow writers. Then I started writing activities for teachers to do with their classes and parents to do with their children. Then came the school library market.
But that market is under attack by book banners. There is even speculation that this may be why Penguin Random House announced the closure of its Dial Books imprint. I reached out to the school library packager that I work through and . . .
Nothing.
If it turns out that the assistant who is my contact left and someone else reaches out to me with an assignment, I’ll say yes. But in the meantime, I’ll be looking for work elsewhere. I could apply to work with other school library publishers and packagers, but I’ve decided to try other things.
I don’t remember dreading my earlier reinventions this much. My husband says I have a highly selective memory. Pfft.
Fortunately, just as I admitted to myself that I need to start looking at markets, the latest WOW! Markets Newsletter came out. The first market of interest was Mental Floss. “Looking for voices to write about the diverse verticals.” What? I know terms like reading level and AR and ATOS, but verticals? The next market I spotted was Elle. “Looking for freelance writers to contribute to the culture section’s main verticals…” Oh, come on.
I may have stomped through the house grumbling about jargon and nonsense. “Oh, you’re on that point in the learning curve.” Can you guess who said that? When did my husband get so cheeky?
But he’s right. Every reinvention has been accompanied by a steep learning curve. Like earlier ones, this one involves new-to-me jargon and the need to write original samples of my work. None of the clips I have match the markets I am planning to approach.
That’s okay. Write what you like to read. I can do that. I just need to learn a thing or twelve first. Maybe this go round I’ll be an online nonfiction writer specializing in science and pop culture. That sounds like an interesting combo.
--SueBE
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Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 80 books for young readers.
- To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog.
She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:
