From: How I Got Published.
- Join a critique group.
- Complete your manuscript and your query letter and at least one synopsis.
- Edit it until it screams.
- come up with a gripping title (and incredible concept).
- Enter writing contests (gets you meetings with agents/editors).
- Research Literary Agents and agencies (so you know what they like to represent and can personalize your query to them – and so you know what their submission guidelines are).
- Go to Conferences (fish where the fish are biting) and make yourself known to the agents and editors so you can open your query with the line, “When I met you at the blah, blah conference you said I should send this to you.”
- Develop a submissions schedule and mail queries out every week; log your responses. Your critique group can help you perfect your query letter and synopsis.
- Develop a thick skin. Remember, how you handle rejection is a matter of attitude.
- NEVER GIVE UP.
What’s your opinion on self publishing if one has tried literally hundreds of times to find a publisher? Is it worth a shot, or should I not even consider it?
Henway´s last [type] ..Cameras
Henway! Dudage! Hundreds of times? Oy. Yup, give the self publishing thing a shot. What could it hurt? That’s the short answer my friend. The long answer is, have you been doing all the things necessary to make your book the best it can be? Then, how do your query letters look? Then, are you sending the MSS to pub houses that accept unsolicited MSS, and if so is it the correct genre?
I’m assuming you’ve got all the right stuff in place so check out the self pub routine- and do go with the first house you look at!
George
Self-publishing is a viable option today in the publishing spectrum of options. Not to suggest a fall-short effort on your part, but did you get your proposal inspected by someone? Many authors send out the same query and proposal time after time; it’s not the number of proposals sent out, but the on-target pitch made. After reviewing over 20,000 proposals, I’ve seen really good ideas buried in a wide-range of proposals. I’d be happy to give you a quick review and 30-minute evaluation by phone.
Hey Henway! Check it out. This offer from MyLiteracyCoach seems pretty cool.
Hey Literacy. Thanks for offering to help out. You rock.
George
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George, I really like this list. Joining a critique group 20 years ago was crucial for me in getting my first book accepted by a publisher. I strongly suggest that writers find a critique group with talented and supported writers, preferably in different niches.
We had one woman writing a mystery novel, another writing a travel book, and one man writing his memoir of World War Two.
John Soares´s last [type] ..3 Reasons Why You Should Co-Author
Hey John.
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the comment. Interesting to hear how well the critique group worked for ya. Sometimes they do wonders for folks and other times – not so much. I love the idea about different genres in the group. Nothing like a new perspective to help wash away the ruts of the genre bound.
George
George, I was also fortunate that two of the writers were English teachers, one at the local high school and the other at the local community college.
And thanks for the retweet yesterday!
Hello George!
Thanks for coming up for air from Nano. I just know you have a humdinger up your sleeve!
Let me extend a big LongShortStories outreach to all your readers regarding your #5, enter writing contests. My Web site runs TWO short fiction contests each year and we offer some VERY nice prizes for sensational work. AND worldwide Internet exposure if you win.
There is NO entry fee and there is one heck of a nice guy (me) who will personally read your submittal with all the care and respect a budding writer deserves. I have been there myself.
Go to http://www.LongShortStories.com and click on Contests for all the rules and prize offerings. And then send me your best work. NOT your mediocre work, filled with typos, grammatical gaffes, or timid story lines.
We want your genre-busting, atomic-powered, mind-bending best from that imagination of yours that you have thus far been afraid to release upon the bored and jaded reading public. NOW IS YOUR MOMENT!
Do you have what it takes? Let’s find out, once and for all.
I dare you!
Wayne C. Long
Writer/Editor/Digital Publisher
http://www.LongShortStories.com
Where the short story LIVES!
Okay readers. Let me plug the plug. Wayne is about the coolest short story writer around. I’m serious. Go check out his stuff. Wildly creative and guaranteed fun each time. Go sharpen your writing chops with a few entries over at Long Short Stories – it could be the best thing you ever did for yourself.
George
Great tips! I’m working on my first manuscript right now (MA/YA book) and hope to have the first draft completed in the next month. I’m trying to figure out what would be the best approach/way when I get to the editing/revision process (never done this for a novel-length work). Any suggestions?
Carrie
Carrie´s last [type] ..NaNoWriMo Week Two Update
Hi Carrie,
Well, first and foremost, Congrats. Sure feels special, don’t it?
I think that the most important first thing is to print out the entire document, then put the thing in a drawer for a month and try not to think of it at all. That way, when you go back to it you’ll be fresh and things that may not have been apparent before will be easier to see. The cooling off period allows you to step back from the work a bit. From there give it an initial read through making notes on any of the big things that immediately stand out; typos, grammar, those kinds of things. If any plot holes become evident make margin notes. Same with any revision ideas such as adding a scene or deleting parts.
Ultimately you will devise a system that works best for you. I’d say to keep plugging at it until you find the groove that’s right for you.
Let me know how it goes for you!
George