WRITERS INFORMATION NETWORK
The Professional Association for Christian Writers

Evaluate Your Effectiveness Level - Then Make Decisions Accordingly

by Elaine Wright Colvin

After taking this self-test, you may discover that an established routine needs to be changed. You will undoubtedly find new items to add to your career planning "to do" list.

The important thing to remember is: "If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ve always have what you’ve always had." Can you be satisfied with that, or is this your year of growth -- personally, spiritually, and professionally in your writing/speaking career?

1. What did you do in 1999 to stay in tune with trends in the Christian publishing industry, editors/publishers, and to help advance your writing career?

2. Has anything you have written (or proposed) been both essential enough and fresh, new, out of the box material to capture an editor’s attention?

3. When was the last time you rated your writing/marketing skills? Are you intent on discovering ways to raise the quality of your writing and submissions?

4. What goal(s) have you set to raise the bar for your own writing skills in the next six months? By narrowing your work down to the two most promising publications/ publishers, you’ll have time to focus your energy and improve both the quality and quantity of your work for those editors and publishers. It works. It can get you and your talents noticed. It can move you up to the next plateau.

5. Is the Christian book publishing industry still a mystery to you, or are you able to explain to other writers: (a) what there is to understand about book writing and sales? (b) what it takes to break in? (c) what will make you a key player?

6. How well do you score on the Personal Discipleship Test? Discipleship is all about the way we live with one another. "We define ourselves by our response to human need. We reveal our heart by the way we listen to a child, speak to the person who delivers mail, bear an injury, and share our resources with the indigent" (Brennan Manning).

7. Have you been spinning your wheels trying for an over-published corner of the market? When there is a glut -- only the best survive.

8. Did you move out of your comfort zone in 1999 to attempt something bigger or more challenging than ever before? "God does his best work when we allow him to move us out of our comfort zones."

9. With the rising popularity of self-publishing, have you been tempted to do likewise? Reality check time: Just because we have a need to write -- it does not mean that we should mortgage the house to self-publish a book. Plan to talk to several self-published authors before you take the plunge. Ask the tough questions about marketing, distribution, and fulfillment.

10. Have you been looking for a possible "big name" endorsement for your book? In today’s market, unknown names and small publishers are suspect. Booksellers and book buyers don’t have time to dig out the "good stuff" because there are too many crazy people and crazy ideas out there.

11. Have you created a sales kit -- a package of selling documents to make it easy for an editor, agent, or publicist to present your book persuasively and enthusiastically?

12. What else do you know that you can or should do to invest in yourself and your writing career in 2000? When was the last time you bought a new writing/marketing reference book?

13. Are your self-promotion attempts being counter-productive? The people who influence us the most are not the ones who think they do. Perhaps you’re trying too hard or using the wrong method. Do you need to get advice, change tactics, or pray more and leave it with God?

14. Have you thought through your marketing process lately? (a) What kinds of writing are you most interested in? (b) What age or interest groups are you most qualified for and most interested in writing for? (c) What topics are you most interested in or what topics do you feel qualified to write about? Once you understand your reasons for writing and your strengths as a writer -- you develop more confidence. Confidence helps you build skill in marketing your work and yourself.

15. When was the last time you asked God what He wanted you to be doing? "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts" (I Thessalonians 2:4).

copyright 2000, Elaine Wright Colvin, Writers Information Network