Profitable Writing

Profitable Writing
By Don Terrill (c)2005

Before writing one single word, ask yourself this question; will people physically get money out of their pockets to read your material?

I have learned that most people want to write about their lives - their experiences, what they've learned.

Do others really want to know more about you? I highly doubt it.

Charlie Hayes, who I interviewed for Speed Talk, said it best; "To the rest of the world, there is no you." Boy, is he right on about that. I liked the comment so much that I've quoted him dozens of times since.

So, if people don't want to read about you, what do they want to read about? Again, what will people physically get money out of their pockets to learn or read?

The biggies:

• How to lose weight
• How to make money
• How to be happy

To find other subjects:

• Search Amazon for subjects that sell
  
• Ask yourself, what would I pay to know?

The majority of submissions I receive at Writers Wanted are about life stories. I know it's their favorite subject, but the painful truth is no one cares.

If you want to write about yourself, write a journal; if you want to get paid though, think about the reader's hand as it moves toward the pocket.