So...You Want to get Published
some info26 total reviews
Comment from RGstar
I loved this, partly because I agree with you, and partly because I have been researching now for a couple of days , both traditional and in view of self-publishing methods and agendas, more for poetry as this is what I concentrate on for my latest work.
You have written a sensible and cohesive write here., Spiritual Echo. Dawn actually told me of this write. Very well constructed.
Well done.
Poetry takes only a small amount of space in any bookshop, if any at all, so one has to be very selective and adhere to the genre of which suits best.
Self - publishing seems to be the answer in most cases. Pamphlets could be a back up as well as entering competitions that might lead to a publication in a newspaper or periodical if targeting a traditional publisher on merits of your work.
A lot of the do-it -for- you publishers will take huge royalties, as well as Amazon who have cut royalties lately, for all seems to lead to them right now so perhaps unavoidable.
I researched ACX as a medium that deals with audio poetry ...a growing trend, and found that even they seem to be geared in making money for the distributor and the publisher with the author or creator receiving the beggars lot. They take in excess of 60% royalties, not counting the other one, two or three percent still to be calculated towards other costs from what is left, so one has to think carefully and choose wisely.
ACX finds Actors to read your work where one can choose the actor and even take part in the narrative... and if we are talking about a novel, that is an extreme work in way of audio and studio time.
On my first publication, I will read my work myself and suffer or rise from the end product.
Like I have done with Fanstory, posting one poem every two or even 3 weeks at times, where I do not look for stardom of any quantity, I look for quality and if it is as long as it takes, then let it be so. Not to say it should be a blueprint for all. Some are much quicker to find the quality they need, and indeed some find it daily. Not I, I need to work with a method i find that gives best results. That is my method
This is the method I will use when publishing. I do not want books on my shelf with nowhere to go. Yes, nice to give to family members and friends as proof of achievement, but I need to know that my work will reach a larger audience, not necessarily to reap in bags of money and fame, though it might not go amiss. The important thing for me is a recognition and validation of my work and the knowledge that someone somewhere would be interested in reading a second or a third work of mine. It is also hoped, financially, the scales weigh a little in my favor, and the clock ticks a little in rhyme with me.
Good luck to you all, for many deserve, as I have seen, to be published in some way or form, just don't sell your soul, keep it and let its harmony be a pleasure to those who will partake of what you wish to share.
My best wishes, and best of luck for there are some super writers here.
RGstar
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2014
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I loved this, partly because I agree with you, and partly because I have been researching now for a couple of days , both traditional and in view of self-publishing methods and agendas, more for poetry as this is what I concentrate on for my latest work.
You have written a sensible and cohesive write here., Spiritual Echo. Dawn actually told me of this write. Very well constructed.
Well done.
Poetry takes only a small amount of space in any bookshop, if any at all, so one has to be very selective and adhere to the genre of which suits best.
Self - publishing seems to be the answer in most cases. Pamphlets could be a back up as well as entering competitions that might lead to a publication in a newspaper or periodical if targeting a traditional publisher on merits of your work.
A lot of the do-it -for- you publishers will take huge royalties, as well as Amazon who have cut royalties lately, for all seems to lead to them right now so perhaps unavoidable.
I researched ACX as a medium that deals with audio poetry ...a growing trend, and found that even they seem to be geared in making money for the distributor and the publisher with the author or creator receiving the beggars lot. They take in excess of 60% royalties, not counting the other one, two or three percent still to be calculated towards other costs from what is left, so one has to think carefully and choose wisely.
ACX finds Actors to read your work where one can choose the actor and even take part in the narrative... and if we are talking about a novel, that is an extreme work in way of audio and studio time.
On my first publication, I will read my work myself and suffer or rise from the end product.
Like I have done with Fanstory, posting one poem every two or even 3 weeks at times, where I do not look for stardom of any quantity, I look for quality and if it is as long as it takes, then let it be so. Not to say it should be a blueprint for all. Some are much quicker to find the quality they need, and indeed some find it daily. Not I, I need to work with a method i find that gives best results. That is my method
This is the method I will use when publishing. I do not want books on my shelf with nowhere to go. Yes, nice to give to family members and friends as proof of achievement, but I need to know that my work will reach a larger audience, not necessarily to reap in bags of money and fame, though it might not go amiss. The important thing for me is a recognition and validation of my work and the knowledge that someone somewhere would be interested in reading a second or a third work of mine. It is also hoped, financially, the scales weigh a little in my favor, and the clock ticks a little in rhyme with me.
Good luck to you all, for many deserve, as I have seen, to be published in some way or form, just don't sell your soul, keep it and let its harmony be a pleasure to those who will partake of what you wish to share.
My best wishes, and best of luck for there are some super writers here.
RGstar
Comment Written 17-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2014
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What a very generous review. not only because of the stars, but also sharing your story and interests. you may want to check the Forum for a post that gives a link to the prestigious contest in the UK with some major prizes for both poetry and prose. It's called Bridgeport.
Smashwords seems to have a good reputation for self-publishing, but I have no experience with the site, but I firmly believe there are so many E-Zines that will publish and many pay. getting literary credits really does help and I
d keep an eye on the two sites I mentioned in my essay for places to submit. Thanks for the terrific feedback. ingrid
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Yes, thank you for the information in grid. I will be looking at the above mentioned.
Best wishes,
RG
Comment from Loren (7)
I've never had the "dream" or even desire to be published. I enjoy reading and do wish at times that I could have "said" that. But mostly writing is like letting puppies out of their kennels and following them just to see where they might wander - or, in my case, to turn the horses out into the pasture and see them move to the music God has put in their souls. Thanks for the article and advise :) Loren
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2014
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I've never had the "dream" or even desire to be published. I enjoy reading and do wish at times that I could have "said" that. But mostly writing is like letting puppies out of their kennels and following them just to see where they might wander - or, in my case, to turn the horses out into the pasture and see them move to the music God has put in their souls. Thanks for the article and advise :) Loren
Comment Written 16-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2014
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Everyone on FS writes for different reasons. Enjoy the journey.
Comment from Dawn Munro
As always, this is concise and to the point - a well-written essay offering encouragement for those of us who spend too little time submitting and too much time writing, Well done (and for me, personally, a reminder that my portfolio is bulging too - a New Year's resolution sounds like a plan.) *smile*
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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As always, this is concise and to the point - a well-written essay offering encouragement for those of us who spend too little time submitting and too much time writing, Well done (and for me, personally, a reminder that my portfolio is bulging too - a New Year's resolution sounds like a plan.) *smile*
Comment Written 15-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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Thanks for popping in...16 days until the calendar drops over into another year.
Comment from gypsycaravan
Your last paragraph struck home with me. I, too, would rather write than seek stardom. I wonder, if I had started writing when I was younger if that would have been my choice. Now, I don't want to expend the energy I know it would take to do the research and market the product. Thanks for writing and posting this insightful article. It kind of gave me the feeling it's okay no to be rushing my "babies" to fame. Ha
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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Your last paragraph struck home with me. I, too, would rather write than seek stardom. I wonder, if I had started writing when I was younger if that would have been my choice. Now, I don't want to expend the energy I know it would take to do the research and market the product. Thanks for writing and posting this insightful article. It kind of gave me the feeling it's okay no to be rushing my "babies" to fame. Ha
Comment Written 15-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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Glad you replied In doing so you acknowledged your own talent and goals. You know, Colonel Sanders was 64when he brought his chicken recipe to the world and you and I are not too old to be dream and be published.
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I have this poetry magazine that I get every two months on my Nook and at the end it has some contests available that give you money, air trip, etc if you win. It's cool. It has information about writing retreats (which I want to do sometime) and success stories that only came after many rejection letters. The keep going no matter what. It's amazing and I find myself so energized about writing and getting published after reading it. I'm not published yet but hopefully when I do I hope I do everything I can do to make it is accessible and not gonna clean out my bank account and take an arm and leg. Good luck in your journey friend
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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I have this poetry magazine that I get every two months on my Nook and at the end it has some contests available that give you money, air trip, etc if you win. It's cool. It has information about writing retreats (which I want to do sometime) and success stories that only came after many rejection letters. The keep going no matter what. It's amazing and I find myself so energized about writing and getting published after reading it. I'm not published yet but hopefully when I do I hope I do everything I can do to make it is accessible and not gonna clean out my bank account and take an arm and leg. Good luck in your journey friend
Comment Written 14-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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Go to the forum and share the web site with others. It will have an impact and you ill make a difference.
Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin
Hi, S/Echo,
This was great! I like your helpful hints along with a great sense of humor! Nice and refreshing.
This should be helpful to many. I self-published through Createspace for nothing. Marketing is what I need to do. However, I just LOVE to write, so I'm not worried about being the next Danielle Steele.
Good luck on your future endeavors.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*,*)
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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Hi, S/Echo,
This was great! I like your helpful hints along with a great sense of humor! Nice and refreshing.
This should be helpful to many. I self-published through Createspace for nothing. Marketing is what I need to do. However, I just LOVE to write, so I'm not worried about being the next Danielle Steele.
Good luck on your future endeavors.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*,*)
Comment Written 14-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2014
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What you are doing, few know about. Do share in the forum or write an essay.
Comment from Sasha
I wish you all the best. I have no doubt your books and name can and will eventually become household words. Marketing is clearly the key to success and the hardest part (next to editing, of course). I am currently researching my marketing possibilities and have to admit I am getting lost in the quagmire of so-called marketing sites. Like so many, I cannot afford to purchase a marketing package. Besides, after reading what some have to offer, I doubt they would be of much use. I agree with what you say, we need to be careful and read the fine print. I am thinking about taking next year off and focusing on marketing my book, Celebrate the Dandelions...wish me luck.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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I wish you all the best. I have no doubt your books and name can and will eventually become household words. Marketing is clearly the key to success and the hardest part (next to editing, of course). I am currently researching my marketing possibilities and have to admit I am getting lost in the quagmire of so-called marketing sites. Like so many, I cannot afford to purchase a marketing package. Besides, after reading what some have to offer, I doubt they would be of much use. I agree with what you say, we need to be careful and read the fine print. I am thinking about taking next year off and focusing on marketing my book, Celebrate the Dandelions...wish me luck.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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Check out Smashwords. They seem to have a good reputation and several of their self-published authors have made it to the NY Times list.
Don't think so far ahead. Just make daily promises to yourself and try to do them.
Comment from sibhus
A well written piece that is not only filled with information, but also a offers a light at the end of the tunnel. Something that we all could use. A possibly a hope of doing something other than wallowing in the superficial reviews for fanbucks in Fans little make-believe world Great piece and thanks for sharing..
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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A well written piece that is not only filled with information, but also a offers a light at the end of the tunnel. Something that we all could use. A possibly a hope of doing something other than wallowing in the superficial reviews for fanbucks in Fans little make-believe world Great piece and thanks for sharing..
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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It's sad to accept, but the 'business of writing' takes more time and is not as pleasant as writing. Keep slugging, but treat FS like a practice field, not an end destination.
Comment from judiverse
How great to see an encouraging article about getting published! Good point at the beginning about having to take the product out of the warehouse and show it off. I'm guilty of writing it and forgetting it, although I know of a publication that will usually publish my articles and poetry. Also encouraging is your comment that it's easier to get published than one might think. With the e-publications and self-publishing trends, it is possible. You also have helpful suggestions on where to find guides to get your work published. I think I'm going to join you next year in trying to get work published. judi
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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How great to see an encouraging article about getting published! Good point at the beginning about having to take the product out of the warehouse and show it off. I'm guilty of writing it and forgetting it, although I know of a publication that will usually publish my articles and poetry. Also encouraging is your comment that it's easier to get published than one might think. With the e-publications and self-publishing trends, it is possible. You also have helpful suggestions on where to find guides to get your work published. I think I'm going to join you next year in trying to get work published. judi
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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Just think how it will ease up the terrible burden of 'writer's block,' although I suspect you're a lot like me and can write about anything, anytime. But the next time you feel uninspired, use the time at the keyboard to look at the 'business of writing.'
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Getting your work out there can be as challenging as doing the actual writing. I see some of our local authors busily doing book signings and giving talks etc. to sell their books. That's time consuming! judi
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Getting your work out there can be as challenging as doing the actual writing. I see some of our local authors busily doing book signings and giving talks etc. to sell their books. That's time consuming! judi
Comment from Dean Kuch
I agree wholeheartedly, one-hundred percent with everything you wrote here, Ingrid. Just because a big, huge conglomerate like Random House Publishing does not want to take a chance on your book doesn't mean that no one else will. The great Stephen King tossed his manuscript for "Carrie" into the garbage, and it took his wife Tabitha to dig it out and resubmit to a few more lesser known (at the time) publishers before anyone decided to pick it up. And, we all know the story from there, don't we?
Great advice for anyone trying to publish their book, Ingird. I was luck enough to be spotted by Samhain Publishing, a local small publishing house in Cincinnati, Ohio, that specializes in dark Gothic and horror fiction. Maybe I'll make the New York Times Best Seller list one day, who knows? But, if you feel you have something to give readers that they'll want to read, then it's a sin not to try.
Great work!
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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I agree wholeheartedly, one-hundred percent with everything you wrote here, Ingrid. Just because a big, huge conglomerate like Random House Publishing does not want to take a chance on your book doesn't mean that no one else will. The great Stephen King tossed his manuscript for "Carrie" into the garbage, and it took his wife Tabitha to dig it out and resubmit to a few more lesser known (at the time) publishers before anyone decided to pick it up. And, we all know the story from there, don't we?
Great advice for anyone trying to publish their book, Ingird. I was luck enough to be spotted by Samhain Publishing, a local small publishing house in Cincinnati, Ohio, that specializes in dark Gothic and horror fiction. Maybe I'll make the New York Times Best Seller list one day, who knows? But, if you feel you have something to give readers that they'll want to read, then it's a sin not to try.
Great work!
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
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If it hasn't become apparent by now, I absolutely think your work will be published and you will go on to horrify millions. You are a very grounded writer, whose ego is well in check, but possess an enormous talent. The combination will allow you to look at the business of writing with clarity and no doubt appreciate the success and the 'lucky breaks' of hard work and persistence.
Didn't you tell me once you have something like 800 rejections? I think I replied that it only takes one acceptance to suddenly make all those dormant stories into hot properties. ingrid
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836 now, Ingrid (LOL). But, hey, we'll never know unless we try, right?
I thought your essay was brilliant, but being Saturday, I was all of of sixes. they simply do not allow us enough of them to go around. I think those who are in, oh...let's say the top fifty reviewers, for arguments sake, should be permitted about ten to pass about. I've pitched that idea, to also help encourage members to review, but haven't heard anything from Tom yet.
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement, Ingrid. I feel much the same about your immense talents as well. :}
~Dean
