Who publishes 'first-timers?'
As a writer, I often get asked the same question by people just getting started in the field - "how can I get my work published?" When you get asked this question, what do you tell them?
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As a writer, I often get asked the same question by people just getting started in the field - "how can I get my work published?" When you get asked this question, what do you tell them?
Answers (1-10)
The competition is so fierce today that I would recommend self-publishing. It's much easier and less expensive than it used to be and if you can build a track record of sales, that makes you much more attractive to mainstream publishers. In either case--self-published versus mainstream publishing--you will still need to sell yourself and your books to make any money. So you should also plan to sell them off your own website whether you have self-published or gone through a mainstream publisher. There are lots of resources on line for first time authors who want to break into the market. Check them out!
First, don't self-publish. You want someone to pay you for your work, not you having to pay someone to publish your work. Second, if your work has an appeal outside of a family or other small audience, look for an agent. An agent can open doors for you. Third, look at all options. If you graduated from or worked at a university, remember most of them have publishing arms. A university may want to publish your work if it meets its qualifications. Finally, remember there are more media than traditional books. Perhaps you can establish a Web site to publish your work. Just as it takes knowledge and imagination to create the work, you may have to use your creativity to determine how it is shown to the world.
I read all the comments below, and I can assure you that all are valid and very good pieces of advice. Find a small publishing house, self-publish, contribute articles to magazines, or simply begin by writing a blog. Everything and anything can work these days. Of course, first things first. Make sure whatever you are putting out there is your very best work. Then, build a following!
Today, self-publishing on Amazon is the easiest way to go. It's pretty simple and fast. If you want to find a publisher, not much has changed other than electronic submissions. You need to get WRITER'S MARKET from Writer's Digest or the guide to literary agents, prepare a really good pitch and then be prepared for a lot of work contacting, submitting and revising.
After approaching different publishers after mine went out of business, and a few new agents after mine had to take time off I made the decision to self-publish through Create Space. There are many self-pub options and I'm satisfied with mine. Its a good fit. I can't stress enough: Know your genre, and write what you know. Promote your novels/books based on your established skill. Best of success to you.
Usually, it's little-known outlets. A good example is GoodLifeReport.com. Great site. If only more knew about it. But a few months going through the editorial process and honing your skill will get you ready for the big guys.
Do you want to write articles or books, screenplays or poetry? What do you want to write about first? You need to find someone that wants to buy what you want to write. Always start with a query letter to introduce yourself, and writer something, every day.
Study the contests in Poets & Writers. A few are for first-timers, known as 'debut authors' of which more than a few have made it to the best seller list quickly. Read some of those authors - when you check the guidelines for that particular contest, write or call and ask about their publication of debut stories. You may find yourself in their company now or soon. Keep writing!
Despite what literary agents profess in welcoming first-timers, these gatekeepers to the Big Five rarely pass them along. Try querying small indie publishers or specialized genre publishers. You’ll have better luck.
I’m incredibly fortunate. My debut novel is being published by industry giant Macmillan. How did I manage this? My manuscript Murder in Old Bombay won Mystery Writers of America’s award for best First Crime Fiction. That’s a contest for unpublished writers. If you search, there are a Number of good contests that serve as a way to break in.
But I didn’t expect this. The traditional route is to pitch agents. Writers Digest Directory of Literary Agents is a good place to start. Each query must be tailored to the agent and agency. It took me 90 queries to find my agent Jill Grosjean and I’m delighted with her. Each writers path is different. This was mine.