Be a Generous Writer

The law of prosperity is generosity. If you want more, give more.”

Bob Proctor

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

2 Corinthians 9:6

One of the best ways writers can grow their platform and their influence it to be consistently and intentionally generous. Generosity is strategic: it fosters cooperation, strengthens connection, and develops trust. Generosity is also good for us, because helping others boosts our happiness and enables us to make a difference. Here are some ways you can be generous in your writing life.

Be generous with your content

• Offer free materials on your website.
• Include some freebies that come with no strings attached.
• Give away free copies of your books whenever it makes sense
• Share blog content on social media. Don’t just advertise your blog posts, but share a point of two of your content with each pin, tweet, or post.

Be generous with your time and expertise

• Give free advice to those who ask. Even if you sometimes are paid to teach or edit, be willing to answer short questions or follow up questions without charge.
• Volunteer to be a judge for a writing contest. You don’t need to be an expert to help with some contests. Large organizations like ACFW are always looking for judges to read manuscripts in the First Impressions, and Genesis contests. They also need readers to rate published books in the Carol Awards
• Volunteer to give a talk at a local group, book club, or library that doesn’t have the funds to pay for it.
• Offer a free webinar or ebook about the craft or business of writing.

Be generous in supporting other artists

• Leave positive reviews
• Purchase their products
• Share their work within your network
• Recommend other artists on your social media and pass on their special offers
• Attend the venues where artists share their work: conferences, workshops, concerts, art shows.

Be generous with encouragement

• To those who are learning: This is your chance to pay it forward by passing on the nurture and encouragement other writers have poured into you.
• To your peers: Think of them as teammates not competitors. We’re all more likely to succeed if we work together.
• To your mentors and role models: Even those who seem to have succeeded need encouragement.
• To your audience: What message do you give your readers? Are your words filled with hope, even if your topic is heavy?

Be generous with those outside the writing world

• Give your time and resources to organizations that matter to you.
• Use your writing talents to benefit groups and individuals.
• Don’t resent the time you devote to the important people God brings into your life. Who knows when an experience will inspire a fantastic story idea or lead you to the the answer you need to get out of the corner you wrote yourself into.

Final thoughts

• Make sure what you give is appropriate and useful to the recipients.
• Make sure what you give fits with your brand and values.
• Accept thanks with humble grace.

How can you be intentionally generous this week?

What is one act of generosity that significantly impacted your life?

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.