Sep 21 2008
The Easiest Way For A New Writer To Get Published.
Getting published is not as difficult as one may think. The first step is to write and write everyday even if it’s just a short sentence in a journal. Doing this will allow you to become disciplined and also get you into the, what I call “creative flow”.
Whether a poet, novelist, songwriter or otherwise the fist step would be to buy a copy of Writer’s Market, Poet’s Market or Songwriter’s Market through writer’s digest books. They can be found in your local bookstores and on Amazon.com These are the writers’ bible. They not only list thousands of markets both paying and non paying but also have sections on contests, self publishing, an overview of how to go about presenting a piece of writing for publication etc… These books are a must have for writers of all types. Another point to remember is when you are starting out as a writer non paying markets can help build a bio and portfolio so do not rule them out. You will also receive many more rejection letters than you do acceptance letters. Be aware that many of these publications receive thousands of submissions per year and cannot accept all they receive. Editors all have different tastes so while one may not enjoy your work, there is someone out there who will. Accept rejection letters for what they are and look at them as a challenge.
Make sure when researching publications to read their guidelines and accept them as the law. Many publications will not even read submissions from writers who do not adhere to their guidelines. If a publication specifies they want a cover letter than by all means do so. If there is no specification, a short friendly note always helps. Refrain from sending long bios along with your submission unless specifically noted. Many editors do not have the time to read detailed bios though may ask for a short bio should your work be accepted for publication.
Online publishing has become the way of the future. There are many online publications looking for good writers. My suggestion is submit to as many as you can. First, read there website to get a feel for what they publish. If they are strictly a print magazine buy a sample copy to see if your work is a nice fit, then go ahead and submit to them.
Self publishing is always an option. If you have a collection of poetry for example that you’ve written you can look into publishing a chapbook of your poetry either with your own desktop program or by looking into self publishers such as Lulu.com or Shadow Poetry. A chapbook is an excellent way of getting your work out to not only friends and family but an inexpensive way of presenting your writing to reviewers. Once you’ve self published you can also begin marketing your book by way of the internet, readings and sales of your book to independent bookstores. A website or even myspace pages also helps in displaying your poetry to thousands of people.
The most important thing here is to write from the heart, have passion for what you are writing and be imaginative as far as marketing and selling your work. Believe in your writing!
Hello. The small article is very encouraging. I have been a thinker for years (I wrote at a young age) and I think that your article is very wonderful.
I write as a hobby and draw and want to make music. I have at a young age become a child of God. I would love to hear of what you did to become a self-publisher and if there are any places (companies) to send any work. The thing I am working on has taken many days (I haven’t always been working on it) and I feel that God wants this “Inspirational” but well-meaning story to go out there. . . and not be restricted to one section of a store.
How goes it? I hope you are well and God bless you (just in general).
“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it might benefit those who listen.”
-Ephesians: 4, 29
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words. I think the first thing to do is buy a copy of Writer’s Market in your local bookstore or on Amazon.com and check out the markets for your particular genre and start submitting your work. The key is to get noticed.
The television can be so annoying and so dull sometimes.
One time there was a t.v. news program *that I think discussed “soft news”* and it talked about a music artist’s latest music video. Know what followed? It was an hour news program and they spoke about the musician’s music video. Sometimes I am so glad there is a writer. People have so many interests and it is refreshing that people don’t just watch and stare at a glowing “tube.”
I will look into the writer thing hopefully soon. Thank you.
Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” -John 10:30.
“Blessed is the man (one) who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way (path) of sinful ones or sit in the seat of mockers.” -Psalm 1:1
You seem kind. That is great.
I will look at the big bookstore down the road. Writer’s Market.
Thank you.
I would love to write a blog. The good thing though is to keep good content into it. This one is good.
Keep the postings up. . . God bless
Wondering and nothing more:
Have you read into the writings of Emily Dickinson? She was a poet who ended up living in her room and only wrote and probably spoke to her family. Her work is famous after she left this world.
Take care and always write and keep the mind working.
I didn’t know that about Dickinson. I never researched her background but found her poetry to be styled way beyond her time. A fantastic writer.