Do take constructive criticism. If an editor or agent is kind enough to review your work and offer comments, for Pete’s sake, listen! He or she is a professional who knows the industry you’re trying to succeed in. Don’t take criticism personally or try to defend your work. Just listen and take advice to heart. Be willing to rewrite something a thousand times if need be. Your work will become better, and you’ll continue to evolve as a writer with each revision.

Do hone your skills. Continually striving to become a better writer is one of the most essential things you can do. Look for writers’ networks or clubs in your community where you can meet with other aspiring writers to give and receive advice and encouragement. If you can’t find any in your local area, look online. The Internet is a great place to meet up with other writers trying to improve their craft.

Do remember to network. In publishing, as in many artistic pursuits, it’s not always what you know, but who you know. Go to writers’ and publishers’ conferences for a chance to rub elbows with agents and editors who may be interested in your work. Join writers’ networks where you can meet already published authors for some free advice and perhaps a good word with a specific agent or publisher. Think about your audience – are you writing about becoming a firefighter or the lives or WWII veterans or how to build the best jeep for off-road enthusiasts? Find out where these people hang out and if they have regular meetings, and try to attend. The best way to make your name known as a writer is to network, network, network.

Don’t give up. Persistence is the key to succeeding in publishing. Many well established writers had to endure hundreds (sometimes thousands) of rejections before anyone would give them a chance. Keep trying, and don’t be thin-skinned about rejection. While your work may not match one publisher’s needs, it may be perfect for another. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Never never never never never never give up.”