How Do I Get Published?

Question

I have a very active and creative imagination and I have stories half-written and even a couple finished. I also have a ton of storyboards written-out and locked in my head.

How do I go about searching out a publisher that would actually be interested in a new author?

Answer 1

First you have to finish writing and editing the stories. Make sure each is the absolute best you can do before you start trying to submit it.



You will want to research journals and magazines that publish in the same genre as your story-- really look for things that print similar works. Each publisher will also have their own length guidelines-- some publications can support much longer pieces than others, so look for one that matches this as well!



To begin your research, take a look at the current edition of the book "Writer's Market". It is a fairly comprehensive listing of locations to submit work. Then, head down to your local public library and see if you can track down copies. Make sure it is appropriate or it will be a waste of time and postage to submit.



Each publisher has different submission guidelines, so make sure to research the specifics. Oftentimes, they are now on the web so it's much easier. Most only want you to submit one story in each submission package, and they generally have length guidelines as well.



Do not submit your story to multiple publications simultaneously unless you specify it in your cover letter and you are sure that the particular publishers accept simultaneous submissions.



For formatting your story and manuscript, see if you can locate a copy of "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" (which is actually published by the folks at Writer's Market). It's my favorite reference for all sorts of literary queries. I write poetry primarily, but my submission package generally includes a cover letter introducing myself and the work that I have enclosed, plus my poems (each page having my name, address, and the page number at the top). Like "Writer's Market", many public libraries have this book in their reference section!



It could take a long time, and be prepared for multiple rejections. Such is the life of an author! But, if you are persistant, you will find a home for your story.



Let me also suggest checking out the website http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ to help you avoid other scams in every aspect of writing. It isn't the absolute authority, but it can be very helpful for research.



As far as novels go, different publishers specialize in different things, and fiction is a broad word. If you try to sell a fantasy novel to a publisher that only works with romance, you are going to get a rejection no matter how good your writing is.



So do your homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer's Market"... or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".



I absolutely suggest getting an agent instead of approaching publishers directly. I'm assuming you are not a contract attorney, so you will need someone to look over any offers and to guide you through the publishing world.



Also, you will not be seding your manuscript to agents unsolicited! Send them a query letter and see if they ask to see a partial, then a full. If you send the whole thing, it will just get you a form rejection letter. Research each agent's specific submission guidelines and follow their rules!



Here are four websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research!

http://misssnark.blogspot.com/

http://www.agentquery.com/

http://www.publishersmarketplace.com

http://www.absolutewrite.com/



You will face a lot of rejection, but if you really want this then keep at it! Work hard, and good luck!

Answer 2

#1 First finish the book---make sure it's absolutely the way you want it.



#2 Make sure to copyright it. You can do a poor man's copyright which is just as easy as sending the manuscript or a disk/cd that the book's saved on to yourself. It'll hold up in a court of law.



#3 Depending on what genre it's in, find a publishing company. A lot of them don't like new authors but keep searching and applying to publishes until you find one who's willing to take a chance.



#4 Do some research about the place, read submission guides that sort of thing.



#5 Locate the correct address and correct editor to send the book to.



#6 most Publishers do NOT want you in send in an unsolicatated manuscript so it's recommended to send out a query. (look here for advide of queries http://www.charlottedillon.com/query.html). Your basic queries should contain a short synopsis and maybe the first chapters of the book. Make sure it's spotless, no errors whatsoever.



#7 Say a prayer and send out the letter. I'll tell you right now that you need to proper yourself for rejection. It's the writer's life. If the editor sends by a rejection letter, don't take it personally. It's not because your story or writing is bad, it just means it wasn't what they are looking for or couldn't accept it at this time. If they send advice, take it to heart---they KNOW what they'll talking about.



#8 Most importantly, don't give up. Stephen King was rejected by 11 publishers. They'll kicking themselves now.



And then, there's always the route of self-publication. If it's a Christian book try Xulon Press---they'll by far the best. If not, do some research to find another self-publishing company.



Best wishes,

Just-Another-Wanna-Be-Writer

Answer 3

I believe that we won't simply be speaking approximately Teen's Getting Published right here, I believe we must introduce the subject of Bad Writers Getting Published often. Of path I agree that young adults most often do not need adequate existence enjoy to write down a correct e-book. But there are lots of released authors (I use authors loosely) who're missing that existence experiance additionally (I do not care what you assert, a few children cross via so much worse than so much adults do). There are young adults I recognize (on account that I am a youngster author - I use author loosely - myself) who wish to get released and are not able to style a correct sentence, however there also are adults who are not able to write effectively both. Now, permit's suppose a youngster does write a e-book that's extremely good, whilst an grownup writes one that is similarly extremely good. Both manuscripts are provided to a writer, who can simplest prefer one. Who do you believe gets released? The writer may have the affect that the Teen's is worse BECAUSE they're a youngster. The writer might be biased over age and the Adult's e-book might be in retail outlets via the following month. This is a gorgeous a long way fetched story, but if first-rate IS viewed and the e-book is fine, that is what's definitely to occur. I'm wholly agreeing with you that the majority Teen writers don't seem to be expert adequate to write down a super novel. Still, you're being biased via pronouncing that ONLY young adults are missing the existence experiance and don't seem to be expert adequate to be authors.

Answer 4

I am sorry to inform you of this dear, but half written stories and a creative and active imagination do not an author make. When you have a completed work that has been through two or three drafts and perfected is the time to be considering a career as an author and seeking a publisher/agent. Keep plugging. Pax-C

Answer 5

Submit to agents first. Because these days, 80% of the mainstream publishers require that you go through them.



They don't take unsolicited manuscripts or query letters any longer.

Answer 6

Check out Writers Market either online or in a library.

Answer 7

You may approach Cyberwit Press

www.tajmahalreview.com