By Janice Dick
As writers, we have a lot of jobs to accomplish:
- observe life
- collect ideas
- write first drafts
- edit, re-edit, re-edit
- polish
- publish
- market
- repeat
How do we find time to wear all these hats, and do so efficiently and effectively?
I think one answer may lie in the realization that we can’t do it all. Not perfectly. Not on our own.
These days the big wide world offers endless options to help us achieve our goals. We can hire help in various areas where we either don’t have the time or the ability to accomplish the task. For example, I have no skills with visual arts, so I must hire a professional cover designer.
But that leads us to the fact that most of us aren’t raking in the dough, so we may not have the cash to spend on the things we can’t or won’t do ourselves. Also, we don’t always have time to complete all aspects of publication and marketing on our own.
What about trading skillsets? This is not a new thing, but I have been adjusting to independent publishing and I also have a difficult time asking for help, so it’s taken me a while to get to this point.
I have read the work of other authors, I’ve edited, written up endorsements, drafted reviews, sent out or reposted Facebook articles for their work, told friends, and attended presentations and book signings. I’ve done these things gladly because I want these writers to succeed.
So, why wouldn't they do these things for me as well? Of course they would, but I have to ask. There are virtual bulletin boards for listing the skills we offer and the ones we are looking for.
Let’s continue to support each other in every way we are able. I think favors in kind is one of the best methods out there.
