This week: What Are the Odds? Edited by: JACE  
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Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. Join me as I take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings. 
Your Noticing Newbies Newsletter full-time Editors:
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You're a writer.
At least you purport to be. Isn't that why you joined Writing.Com? I'm sure the reasons to join WDC are as varied as there are members.
You want to improve your writing skills. You wish to become a best selling author. You want to leave something for your children and grand-children but don't wish to sound illiterate doing it. You just want to express yourself better.
 What are the odds of you succeeding as a writer? Let's check ... uh, Google.
Depending on the source you select, the odds are very long indeed. Some equate them as long as winning big in the lottery.
Most have heard the oft-repeated story that Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, was rejected 30 times. He finally threw it in the trash. His wife fished it out, encouraged him to submit it again, and it sold. Forbes estimates King makes $40 million per year. He's published 57 novels, all of them best sellers, selling more than 350 million copies of his works.
Most major best selling authors wrote for years before hitting it big. But, they persevered.
 What is a best seller?
To get on the New York Times best seller list, you must sell 9000 copies in the first week. The Wall Street Journal list only requires selling 3000 copies in the first week. Some estimates place that of the 1.2 million books published in one year only 25,000, roughly 2 percent, sold 5000 copies or more. Most books sell fewer than 500 copies.
 How many writers are there in the US?
The Bureau of Labor maintains there are some 280,000 employed Authors, Writer, and Editors. Which leaves the remaining many millions of folks who enjoy writing as employed by other means unrelated to writing. It's probably true that most of us like our current situations and enjoy writing on the side. It's also true that some of us wish to write full time and be supported by that writing.
BUT, you also have something as do those best selling authors that helps lower those odds to succeed--desire. Of course, desire alone will not make you successful. Without it, however, you will never succeed. What should you do?
Decide what level of writing success you wish to achieve. Choose to learn the basic rules of writing. You already know much of this from school. Find a writing buddy on whom you can bounce ideas and stories, someone who can help keep you grounded, and vice versa. Join a writing group, folks with similar writing interests and styles. Review other people's work. Finally, write!
All these will help move you toward your goal of becoming a successful writer. People beat the odds against this or that every day. Why not you?
May you enjoy the best in all your writing endeavors. Write on!
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Check out these Newbies (I've selected folks who have filled out their Biography or something in their Bio-Block). Take a moment to review something in their Port ... or just say hi.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Thanks for spending time with me today. If you liked what you read (or if you didn't), please take time and drop me a line. I'd love to hear your ideas.
First, some old business: Last month, I asked readers to complete a survey about using Writing.Com 101. I was hoping for a bigger statistical slice than I received--which numbered two replies, one Newbie and one more established member. Both respondents have used Writing 101, one daily (Newbie), the other weekly. Thanks for your participation--your merit badges are on their way. 
And now, from the mailbag:
From hbk16: This is an important issue. Someone's portfolio should be well emphasized. These are helpful advice indeed.
Only you can put your best foot forward.
From Dave has company  : "Newbie Welcome Wagon" has been resurrected by River  and is now open for business again.
That's good information to know. All you Newbies, take notice--this is a great resource.
From Stellar Empress  : Wow. Thank you for featuring me in the editor's pick.
You're welcome.
From Norbanus : For Newbies, eh? Well, I'm sure glad you didn't bar the door to those of us who are still staggering around, trying to find our way after years of peeking under the rugs, into every corner and are lost. Nicely done,
The funny thing is that I often find some little nugget of useful information I'd forgotten or never knew while researching these newsletters.
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Noticing Newbies: April 24, 2019 Issue [#9507]
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