On The Books: "Fanfiction to Pro Fiction"

Dragon-Award winner and nominee Brian Niemeier presented a new episode of "On The Books" this past Wednesday. He has on author Lucas Flint, and they spent the episode talking about the transition from writing fan fiction as a hobby to writing professionally as a fiction writer.

Those who wish to make that transition will find it easier to do so now than at any time previously. While the necessary requirement to develop professional-grade skills at writing still exist, and the increasing need to develop related skills in marketing and book development (editing, etc.) are complicating things, once you have something to put to market you are able to do so without needing a publisher thanks to Amazon (and others).

This is not to be dismissed lightly. Every time I talk about forking Star Wars (or, as Seth MacFarlane has done, Star Trek), that's a clear signal that there is an opportunity for fan writers who are ready and able to make that jump waiting to be seized and exploited.

I can't say that there's a similar rise in opportunities for doing Work For Hire on those franchises you write fan fiction about, as I'm not as tuned into the Work For Hire scene, but if you're willing to play the Hired Gun game then have at it. Just don't get an ego about it, like Karen Traviss did; it's rumored (which means "Some blather on the Internet", so don't get your hackles up) that the new Star Wars canon change of Jango and Boba Fett to be merely pretenders to being Mandalorean is to undo that damage.

What I can say is that this is a fantastic time to be a professional writer, be it of fiction or non-fiction or both, due to that lack of gatekeepers choosing winners and losers for any reason other than commercial viability. (Looking at you, Big 5.) For any of you looking to make your writing pay some bills, making that leap is easier now than ever before. Even if it just covers what you spend on groceries or the water bill, you're already ahead of the game and success as a professional writer. Go for it, and don't be shy; you'll find friends and allies along the way willing and able to help you succeed.