When you write with the goal of publication, you're writing something you hope people will pay money for in the future. Whether it's an inexpensive ebook or a hefty collectible hardbound edition is up to you (or your publisher) but one thing remains the same: If you want people to pay for your writing, you need to make sure they're getting their money's worth.

Think of your writing as a meal at a restaurant. Most hardback books cost $20 and up, so you're looking at a decent steak dinner or at the least a fancy hamburger and appetizer combo. If you ask people to pay that $20 and then serve up a dollar menu item what will your readers think?

They'll complain about the meal, they'll tell their friends, and they'll never come to your restaurant again.

Fast food is popular with consumers because it's less expensive and consistent in size and quality, but you never hear people raving about it to their friends. Bargain books are formulaic and forgettable, and no one remembers the authors behind the words. What readers rave about is the chef-prepared meal from the hip new bistro in town. Wouldn't you rather have your readers raving? Again, if your goal is to make a living from your writing, you need to have the skills to stand out from the fast food assembly lines and get readers talking.

As Julia Child taught home cooks, you can prepare fine French cuisine at home without a degree from culinary school but you need to learn some basic techniques and pay attention to the recipe. Purchasing a cookbook and a good chef's knife never hurt either. Few people assume they can whip up a cheese souffle without any instruction but many writers assume they can write a novel without any preparation or practice. Having a sweet tooth does not make you a pastry chef any more than knowing how to speak English makes you a writer.

How do you improve your writing?

Step 1: Learn some basic skills.

The internet is full of tutorials and lessons on writing, so there's no shortage of free information. Sorting the good from the bad is a little harder but starting with a trusted source can help. We have an extensive archive of articles and blog posts exploring points of writing craft. Click the "resources" link above or explore some of the blog tags to the side of this post. Editor Peter Gelfan also has a stellar guide to turning a brilliant premise into a riveting plot.

Step 2: Practice, practice, practice.

It's good to know how to do something but unless you're actively doing it, what good is that knowledge doing you? You might be able to explain effective characterization to a friend, but are you using it in your writing? What about proper point of view? Or the ever-popular "show, don't tell"? When you've brushed up with free tutorials, consider picking up a book like Self Editing for Fiction Writers or Steering the Craft and start applying what you've learned to your own writing.

Step 3: Get feedback.

Going back to the cooking analogy, you might think you've mastered a particular dish but the true test is serving it to guests and gauging their reactions. Get out there with your "cooking". Let a trusted friend or family member read what you've written and ask for feedback. Stew too salty, or meat cooked unevenly? Time to brush up on your skills some more. A critique group is a great way to get yourself in both the habit of writing regularly and the art of reading critically. Consider it a potluck of amateur chefs who swap recipes, share techniques, and encourage each other to advance their craft.

Step 4: Out into the world.

When you feel you've mastered the basics, and when you've exhausted the reach of your critique group, it's time to take the plunge and get your writing out into the world. For people seeking traditional publication, this is the time to research agents and publishers and learn the fine art of querying. For self-published authors, it's time to put a final polish on your writing and trust that it will appeal to paying customers. It's also the best time to seek out the services of a professional editor. Agents and publishers aren't interested in a work-in-progress. They want your best, most polished effort. You wouldn't serve an undercooked roast to company, so why would you send a "raw" novel to a publisher?

Similarly, if you're self publishing, your work needs to be print-ready before it reaches a reader's hands. We created our Introductory Critique to help writers at this stage. (Isn't it worth $35 to make sure you're making the right impression?).

No matter where you want to go with your writing, you can't go wrong by striving for excellence. Start learning your craft, stop overbeating your batter, and take your writing from bargain combo meal to fine dining!