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More tips for new writers, this time useful advice on getting published...
Tips On Getting Published (from someone who knows)
1. You have your story in mind. Know who you’re writing for. Fix your audience in your head and write exclusively for him/her. If you recognise your intended reader, then a publisher might too and the person who buys your book will also recognise him-/herself.
2. Most writers need to write and, most importantly, rewrite. Keep on revising until you are confident that your writing says what you really want to say. You won’t be there to tell a commissioning editor (or reader) what you really meant to say.
3. Consider creative writing courses or joining an effective writing group in order to get other opinions about your work and to see what else is being done creatively. Read extensively. Read the latest bestseller even if it goes against everything you stand for; read advertising slogans; read newspapers, journals, magazines, anything and everything-there may be insights to be gained even if it’s only to entrench your determination to be innovative, daring and unique.
4. Read and re-read your writing or get someone else to read it before submitting it to a publisher. Simple grammatical, typographical or spelling errors give the impression that you cannot be bothered to read your work. If you can’t then why should a commissioning editor? Try reading your work aloud to get a sense of the rhythm, music and poetry of your writing.
5. Research potential publishers. Go to the library and get hold of the latest edition of the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook or the Writers’ Handbook. Visit bookshops and find the publishers who publish the kind of work you’re writing. Of course, your work will be unique, but there’s no point in sending your erotic short story to a children’s publisher. Or your political treatise to an erotic publisher. If a publisher doesn’t publish, for instance, poetry, it’s usually because they don’t have the expertise to do so and your submission is unlikely to alter that.
6. Read the publisher’s guidelines (often available on their websites) and follow them. If they say ‘no unsolicited manuscripts’, they usually mean it. If they say ‘send a synopsis and sample chapter’, then don’t send a whole novel - especially if you expect the publisher to return it to you and haven’t sent an SAE.
7. The all important SAE-stamped, (self-)addressed envelope… If you want your typescript returned, then please include one (or an International Money Order overseas). Otherwise, you might not get your work sent back to you.
8. If you are offered a contract, then please do read it very carefully. Every publishing company will have a different contract. If you don’t understand anything then do ask the publisher or preferably, take independent advice.
9. If your work is rejected by a publisher and you are given a reason, arguing with them is unlikely to produce dividends. Please don’t take criticism personally. It’s usually intended to help - take it constructively if possible. And don't give up, you are absolutely free to try other publishers.
10. Consider why you want to be a published author. Is it the fame, an unquenchable desire to tell a story or pass on a message, or the money? If it’s the latter, you’re very likely to be disappointed. Writers who get six-figure advances are few and far between. The vast majority of writers don’t survive on their writing alone. It’s worth being very realistic about the financial rewards.
11. Repeat, don’t give up. Just because a particular publisher has turned your work down it doesn’t mean that it’s unpublishable. However, if you have received feedback from a publisher, review it honestly and take what’s useful from it. If you’re confident about your writing, pursue your efforts to get published. If you’re committed and confident and talented enough, you’re bound to succeed.
© Vastiana Belfon, 2005 - 2006 (all rights reserved)Comment, Answers, Feedback WriteIn or email editor@unheardwords.com