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Question
QUESTION: Hi. Is it possible to have a writing career and only write essays? It seems like most writers who do collections of essays also write novels as well. Thanks
ANSWER: Hi, Danielle!
There are a few essayists who have made a career in that field. But most started as newspaper columnists or with pieces proposed to magazines (like the "My Turn" section in mags like Newsweek/Time and such.) Satire and humor do well as essays, as do political. Erma Bombeck made a nice living as an essayist about family humor, and Patrick McManus as an outdoor/sporting humorist. Dave Barry also, and many others. George Will is a columnist. None, with the exception of McManus, have written novels.
Does that help? :)
Cathy
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So, the best way to get started is to pitch essays to magazines?
That can be a good way to start, provided your essay is targeted toward the viewpoints of the readers of a particular magazine. It would do no good, for example, to pitch an anti-gun essay to a hunting magazine. And, you'll want to read an issue or two of the magazine to see if they even publish freelance essays. Not all do. Many essays are written by paid staff members.
Still, if you take a little time to research, you might find a good home for an essay. Then, you'll have a writing credit to apply to other magazines.
It takes a little patience, but can be worth the time. Good luck!
Cathy
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Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
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