1.  Give it away for free.

Pick a few pieces of your writing, or create a few just for this purpose, and post them for people to read.  Yes, publishers are still a little picky about stuff that has been posted online.  Unless your posting it for free takes it viral, it might be more difficult to find a publisher for it afterward.  But so what!  Your not giving away the entire ice cream truck–just a few Popsicles.

2.  Create something bigger than yourself.

There are a lot of ways you can do this.  Start a local freewrite group and create a resource for other writers, hold a benefit function that supports a cause, create a newsletter, etc–something that has absolutely no reward other than the pleasure you get by helping others.  Considering how “me-centric” my advice usually is, it may surprise you to learn that I thoroughly believe the best way to receive success in this life is to give without expecting anything in return.

3.  Ask for testimonials.

There is nothing stopping you from having a testimonial page on your website–a shrine to yourself.  Give people a few pieces of your writing to look at and ask them to write you a review or testimonial.  And it doesn’t have to be a thumbs up from the most prominent writers and critics in your genre either.  Start with the easy one–start with your mom then work your way out to family, friends, co-workers and finally random strangers.  Just let your visitors know that other people have enjoyed the things you have written.