| |
| |
|
Writing Information |
|
|
|
Mission Possible: Get Published with Goals, Guidance, and Persistance
You send me an e-mail. You tell me you've written over three hundred poems since you were 16 (in your teenage angst stage). You mention the novel you've completed and it's really good (it really is!!!), and the novel-in-progress. You mention how the International Library of Poetry has published one of your poems. (But, whom haven't they published?) However, all your work is stored away, hidden from the public eye on a black little disk. You have one mission: Getting published. "How do I get published?" you finally question at the end of the e-mail. At times, I ask myself the same question. Is this mission impossible? To many, it seems that way. If you stick with me, I'll make the publishing process slightly simpler. On this mission, you'll need three things: Goals, Guidance, and Persistence. An unmentioned New York City college (as well as other schools, I'm sure) offered a course on "How to Get Published". Various bigwigs from major publishing houses in New York City were guest speakers on many occasions. A writer-friend of mine felt it would be a great opportunity to network and finally understand how to get her works published in magazines, and various books. I was hesitant, and suspicious of the course's objectives, so I didn't follow the friend's lead. I was far from disappointed about my decision. You'll soon discover why. Getting published isn't as hard as you think. But, when you're a beginning writer getting published seems as difficult as James Bond jet-skiing along the River Thames with five barges heading his way. As a beginning writer, I feel, the main priority should be getting your name out there in the public's eye. Understand that, at times, you'll have to accept the free issues instead of cash payment. Before you consider publishing though, you should reassure yourself a rejection slip won't lower your self-esteem and cause you to never pick up a pen, or stroke another key at your keyboard. Hey, trust me, rejections happen to everyone! Here are a few suggestions to better your chances of getting published: If, for some reason you DO get a rejection slip. So what? Just think of it like this: Perhaps the publication wasn't right for your writing. Better still, everyone has his or her own opinion, so the editor simply didn't favor your particular style. Someone else out there probably appreciates your style of writing. Perhaps your submission was received past their deadline. Big deal. Send it somewhere else! Remember, though, writing can always be improved. Now that you've read this, let me tell you something. This is everything my writer-friend learned from the writing course. Seems simple, eh? And, what's even better, unlike my friend, you didn't have to pay a course fee! This mission doesn't seem so impossible now, does it? Grab the goals of getting published, the guidance I just gave, the persistence with mass mailings and get yourself published. Good luck with your publishing endeavors! About The Author Stephen Jordan, a medical editor, has five years experience within the educational publishing industry. Stephen was a freelance editor with such educational foundations as Princeton Review, The College Board, New York University, and Columbia University. Away from the office, Stephen promotes his creative writing with his home-freelance business OutStretch Publications and his artwork. Stephen holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in writing and literature from Alderson-Broaddus College of Philippi, West Virginia.
MORE RESOURCES:
Writing - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Getting To Know Your Characters Interesting characters that readers care about are the most important 'ingredients' in your novel.That might sound like a fairly sweeping statement, but think about it. Italics Part 1 - Do You Need to Use Italics? Next time you're tempted to use italics for emphasis.. Which Comes First - Short Story Or Novel? A writer writes. Bet you've heard that one before. The Hard Facts About Editing Whether you're interviewing for a new job, trying to woo a love interest on a first date, selling your work on the Internet, or submitting a query to an editor, you can never make a second first impression. It's true. 8 Ways to Write a Winner Book Fast! Have you given up on getting your book out of your heart into the hands of your readers? Don't give up. There's an easy way to do anything and a more difficult way. How To Write Cover Letters That Work Sometimes there is confusion about the exact meaning of the term "cover letter".That's because when most people use that term, they don't realize that there are two main types of cover letters. Should You Hire a Ghostwriter? Have you heard the term 'ghostwriter' and wondered what they do or who they work with? Although it sounds mysterious, ghostwriting is actually a very simple agreement where an individual or company hires a writer to create a work that will be owned outright by the buyer. The buyer is not required to give credit to the writer and is even allowed to claim authorship. Overcome Writers Block with Snake Dancing Writer's block! Even columnist Dave Berry has it. He admits that at least 30 times a day when writing his humor column, he gets up from his computer to sip his Pepsi to divert his attention when he can't think of what to write. How to Create Stories that Sizzle How to Start Your Story with a BangThe purpose of creating a story is to create a world that will draw the reader away from their own. In order to do this one must create suspense, drama and mystery. How To Avoid Viewpoint Slips Sit back, and imagine what it feels like to be you. Now that shouldn't be too hard - you've lived in your own skin for a long time. Why Researching Is Good, And A Failure To Do So Is Not What a lack of research could do to you.When creating an ebook how well do you research the topic before hand?It's absolutely crucial that you research what problems your target market is having and what they're spending money on. Publication Road The journey to having my first novel for children published has been riddled with road blocks and shonky bridges. The good news? At every rickety stage I've picked up tips (and anti-tips) which I'm happy to share with everyone. Be Concise Concision. (Sounds like I made up another word. Writing Secrets You Must Know Writing better is critical for students. But it's even more important for business communicators. Win More Clients, Projects and Freelance Jobs By Making Three Small Changes I�??ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers about how they choose a freelancer for a job. Whether they were reviewing job applications or considering project bids, they all had one thing in common. Sick of the Traditional Publishing Path? A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was getting sick of traditional publishing because of so many costly requirements and so little payoff. Do you feel the same way?Fifteen years ago, I worked hard on a 60-page proposal for a top agent and after a year got "approval" to be his client. Three 30 Day Journaling Ideas Here are 3 journaling or diary ideas that can contribute to, and enhance your life. You can use a notebook, The 5 Year Journal, a blank book, even a computer. Talent or Toil As in all endeavors, toil is necessary to succeed and more so in writing. Work or its habit is the mother of talent. Six Tips for Creating More Lifelike Story Characters Working on my first humorous novel, I started with a single character. I followed suggestions in writers' reference books for developing story characters. Editorial Freelancing: 5 Must-Know Tips to Getting Your Foot in the Door So, you want to freelance as an editor, writer, copy editor, copywriter, graphic designer, proofreader, etc.? But, how do you go about it?My mother was fond of saying, "If you want to know something, go directly to the source.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
