Writing Personas: Ready Riley!

Here at Bardsy, we tend to ruminate about the many types of writers we encounter. What makes them, them? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What about their goals? And most importantly, what do they need in order to reach their goals?

As we’ve reviewed Will.Power assessments recently, we’ve come across more and more writers with their sights set on author development. In short, they’re ready to take the plunge.

Allow me to introduce our latest writing persona: Ready Riley.

Many writers who fit this persona have been published, whether traditionally or via self-publishing. If not, they typically have a manuscript complete, or are nearly there. Either way, they possess the drive and discipline to see a project through. That’s one of their greatest strengths. As a result, improving their writing practice isn’t their primary focus.

Instead, they’re focused on everything else it takes to be a successful author—namely: the business of writing.

If you ask Riley what they need help with, they might say:

I’d like to build a network of other authors in my genre so I can find opportunities and keep up with industry trends.

I need to figure out how to promote my book effectively and increase my online presence.

I have a complete manuscript, but I don’t know how to find an agent or write a query letter.

I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: being a writer entails much more than actual writing. In reality, “writing” encapsulates a range of efforts other than putting words on the page. To be a successful writer, you need to spend some time developing yourself from a professional standpoint. Not only does Riley recognize this, but they are fully prepared to move forward!

Ready Riley may remind you of two other personas that refer to serious writers—Publication Pat and Career Cary—but Riley is a persona all its own.

Like Pat, Riley may value publication, but they won’t be content with just being published. Their goals extend beyond publication, to areas like promotion and marketing.

Some Rileys aim to make writing their career, like Cary, but this does not apply to everyone. For example, they may simply want to spread a message (in which case they are also part Message Morgan!) and could use some support in finding and reaching their audience.

In a nutshell, Ready Rileys have done the writing. Now their focus is on making it as successful as possible by finding an audience, promoting themselves, and identifying - then implementing -everything else that comes with "establishing" themselves as authors.

“Not all marketing people are writers, but all writers must learn to be marketers.”
― Joanne Kraft

Navigating the post-writing process, from query to promotion, is a challenge. It can feel like you need a four-year degree just to decipher all the marketing jargon. What Ready Riley really needs is guidance from a professional they can trust to lead them in the right direction. There are scores of people masquerading as professionals out there. A mentor backed by industry experience is crucial for a writer like Riley.

That’s why we offer one-on-one personal coaching both as part of our Elite package, and on an à la carte basis. With Bardsy, you can trust that you are receiving guidance from a successful author who has a track record of helping many others find their success too. We’re ready when you are!

A mentor is imperative, but that’s not the only contact you will need. Networking is necessary in most any industry, and especially in publishing. With writing being such a solitary endeavor, though, it can feel impossible to meet others such as yourself.

Many writers do not realize that, in addition to providing all-important feedback, a writing workshop provides excellent networking opportunities. It can be a fount of meaningful, mutually beneficial connections. There’s no telling what your group could lead to, and what doors it could open. Our facilitated workshop groups are about more than developing your writing: they’re about helping you develop as a writer.

Finally, whether you are a Riley or not, you need a website dedicated to your writing. As we've discussed before, your website is a place to establish your credibility, build your platform and promote your work. We'll be launching our new easy-to-build author website soon.

Are you ready like Riley? Get to know yourself as a writer—and find out what you need to succeed—by taking our free Will.Power assessment. Not only will you learn about your mix of personas, but you’ll also receive a personal success plan. Are you ready?!

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Writing Personas: Ready Riley!

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level?

“Not all marketing people are writers, but all writers must learn to be marketers.” ― Joanne Kraft

“Not all marketing people are writers, but all writers must learn to be marketers.”
― Joanne Kraft