Why Do You Want To Be A Published Author?

This is a spin-off of the "How Do They Get Away With That?" in the Writing Novels forum. We've all seen authors, some famous and some not, that break "the rules" of writing that unpublished writers have drilled into them. (Show, don't tell and use of passive voice, for example.)

In the end, publishing is a business and publishers will buy what they believe will sell well. We all know the ultimate mantra: Great writing trumps everything.

I wanted to do a poll to learn the MAIN reason writers on AW want to be published. We all have our reasons for wanting to write, but why do you want to be published? Everyone will likely have more than one reason, but, if you had to choose one reason that tops them all, what would it be? If your exact answer isn't listed, please choose the one that comes closest to your main reason and then tell us about it.

Results are anonymous and NO ANSWER IS A WRONG OR SHALLOW ANSWER.

To be famous or well-known, like King or Rowling. (Status)
I want to write a really great piece of literature that becomes an enduring classic.
I want to make great money so I don't have to work a 9-to-5 anymore.
To make a little money. I don't expect to get rich from it.
I'd love the adoration that comes from fans and fan clubs.
I want to educate, teach, inspire and instruct with my ideas.
I love storytelling and want to see my book in print. I don't care about money or fame.
It's my ticket to Hollywood-style celebrity and all that it entails.

IdiotsRUs said:

This one

What I always find weird is that with other creative pastimes ( say painting ) people don't expect to have an exhibition. But when you write, it's almost like it's not worth doing unless it gets published. Maybe that's the family / friends influence - they think it can't be good unless it's published, whereas a painting they can like or dislike all on their own Being puiblished is like someone patting you on the back and saying 'you know, you're not too shabby at it after all'

I write because I love to - but being published - icing on the cake.

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I finished the poll, IdiotsRUs, so be sure to come back and vote. Thanks for responding!

Same here, SPMiller.

I enjoy WRITING because I love imagination. I love being told, and telling, stories. I like the way they evoke and stir emotions in people. Books can take you anywhere. That's remarkable to me and I enjoy being a part of that.

I want to be PUBLISHED for the money. I hate working a 9-to-5. I have no problems keeping my butt in a chair and writing for 8 hours a day. I want to be in control of my own time and not have a company that doesn't care two hoots about its employees telling me what I need to do for them. Most people spend the best parts of their lives working for companies with very little return for their time. Yes, there are those who enjoy their jobs and their companies treat them well, and I'm very happy for them. It's just not the case for the majority of people.

Sorry. Show me the money. I don't need to be endlessly wealthy, but if I could make even $50,000 a year from my writing, I would be pleased and content with that.

kuwisdelu said:

A mix of:

I want to write a really great piece of literature that becomes an enduring classic.

and

I want to educate, teach, inspire and instruct with my ideas.


I like telling stories. Writing is very important to me on many levels. I want people to read and enjoy my work. I write about a lot of tough topics. I write about the ugly side of life. Partially to entertain. But mostly, because my biggest goal as an author, is I know what it's like being part of that ugly side, feeling very, very alone, and I want someone else to read what I've written and say "hey...that's me." To remember they're not alone out there. Someone understands. I want other people to understand. Literary merit is important to me, too, of course. I'm very selective about what I read, and I want to write a great novel. I want to write great stories. I'm not sure whether I'll have kids or not, so at this point, it's the little part of me that will always be, I hope. That will live on.

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I'm not surprised by your answer in the least, kuwisdelu. It comes across in all of your posts. It's admirable and I respect people with these ideals. I wish you every success.