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Write A Play And Get It Performed: As a career

by Lesley Bown and Ann Gawthorpe

If you enjoy writing articles and have begun to have some success, then you may want to make it your full-time occupation. Before you take the plunge, there are various things to consider.

You will need to be healthy, motivated and willing to take on pretty well any writing work, however tedious.

You will also need to cope with financial uncertainty. Work out all your outgoings over the previous year and see how many articles you would need to sell in order to pay your way. Try to put some money by before you start, enough to live on for at least three months, and preferably six.

You will need to spend time establishing contacts, getting to know editors and generally making yourself known in the magazine world. Never turn down an invitation and always keep a supply of your business cards to hand. Whenever you make a new contact be sure to follow it up with a friendly phone call or email.

Don’t forget to organize yourself with regard to taxes, pensions and insurance. Make a business plan and create a proper system for invoices.

Above all, don’t lose sight of why you wanted this career – because you enjoy writing.

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