This is my own theory one I've developed and produced myself. It reflects my own approach to writing and to the marketing of writing. I've seen other writers speak of some of the individual approaches I'm discussing here, but none to my knowledge have worked it into a formulation for success such as I use.
I call this the M.O.R.E. theory of writing successfully for money. I have used these four points of "attack" when writing for money in my own businesses, and without fail, the use of these have paid big dividends.
My approach stems from four distinct points that should be met in all our writing, no matter what market we're seeking to reach:
1. M: Motivation: Definition according to Webster's: The act of impelling. This simply means that when we see a subject that we feel needs writing about or addressing, we take the initiative and just write about it. At this point, I seldom worry about the market it will reach or even IF there is a market. I find that if I have "thought" of this others have as well, and therefore will welcome my "take" on a subject (eventually).
2. O: Origination: Definition according to Webster's: The act of bringing or coming into existence. This is the actual writing of the piece. This is the first time I take into consideration the actual market and I try to write "to" this perceived market throughout the piece.
3. R: Rejuvenation: Definition according to Webster's": The act of making as if young again. This is where I market the piece as if it were the only piece of its type in the world, even if it is not. I show great faith that others will accept that my "take" on things, if not entirely original and that they will consider something worth "purchasing" (my favorite part).
4. E: Exploitation: The act of utilizing or turning to one's own use. Let's face it, much of what we write is not accepted by the first publication or market we approach. I then market it to what I consider "lesser publications", or "lesser markets" or I use it myself, in my own publications, and sell reprint rights.
In a nutshell, I believe that any subject, at any time, has great possibilities. I also believe that some day, somewhere, no matter what I have written, eventually I will find an audience for it (a case in point is a report I did for a police department, which ended up YEARS later in a newspaper). I continually regurgitate my work, either into samples, into reprints, into rewrites, into anything and everything that sells.
Nothing is wasted with me, and nothing is ever considered "sub par" writing. Using the above formula has kept me on the track to monetary gains and I hope by sharing, it will help struggling writers everywhere.
