So...You Want to get Published
some info26 total reviews
Comment from forestport12
Amen. You nailed it. It is easier to get published. What is holding so many talented writers you and I have known along the way is A. They are waiting for someone to discover them and tell them they are the best thing since sliced bread. B. They only take the old-fashioned route sending queries to traditional publishers when most are circling the wagons. I came oh so close to getting Child Bride published with a traditional Christian publisher through this particular agent but close only counts in horseshoes and Molotov cocktails. Page and Spine, blogs, creative venues through e-magazines etc.....building a portfolio will help. I've recently gone through a period of depression feeling I have exhausted myself, but those who succeed write more and put out something new that will suddenly catch fire. Above all, if I've learned anything, a writer can't hide from the world.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
  |
Amen. You nailed it. It is easier to get published. What is holding so many talented writers you and I have known along the way is A. They are waiting for someone to discover them and tell them they are the best thing since sliced bread. B. They only take the old-fashioned route sending queries to traditional publishers when most are circling the wagons. I came oh so close to getting Child Bride published with a traditional Christian publisher through this particular agent but close only counts in horseshoes and Molotov cocktails. Page and Spine, blogs, creative venues through e-magazines etc.....building a portfolio will help. I've recently gone through a period of depression feeling I have exhausted myself, but those who succeed write more and put out something new that will suddenly catch fire. Above all, if I've learned anything, a writer can't hide from the world.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
-
Almost is still closer than what many experience. At least you were and have been close enough to smell the fumes. I'll PM you. Thanks for the stars.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Excellent advice, Ingrid. And thank you for the plug. Research is what separates the serious writer from the talented amateur. You're right. You'll save time and tears if you take advantage of the free help avaliable on various sites.
One question: I always thought a person was a "who" and things were "that"s. Are you sure you got it right?
Great essay. :) Nancy
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
|
Excellent advice, Ingrid. And thank you for the plug. Research is what separates the serious writer from the talented amateur. You're right. You'll save time and tears if you take advantage of the free help avaliable on various sites.
One question: I always thought a person was a "who" and things were "that"s. Are you sure you got it right?
Great essay. :) Nancy
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
-
You clever wench, always asking the question when you know full well it's an error. Correction made, Thanks for the stars.
I
I'm trying to bring focus to P&S and soon my own web site where I hope to offer a mentoring program.
Comment from mikemagine
Thanks much Spiritual Echo for your very well written essay on the market. Part of me wants to go for publication yesterday, but I'm hesitant. I know rejection is a strong part of life, but I don't always handle it well.
Still, I prob. owe it to myself to try. Then too, am I READY to go for pub'n??? If not, when will I be??? I've simply got to take a stand!
Peace!!
Mike
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
 |
Thanks much Spiritual Echo for your very well written essay on the market. Part of me wants to go for publication yesterday, but I'm hesitant. I know rejection is a strong part of life, but I don't always handle it well.
Still, I prob. owe it to myself to try. Then too, am I READY to go for pub'n??? If not, when will I be??? I've simply got to take a stand!
Peace!!
Mike
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
-
Lets test how thick your skin is and how well you can handle criticism. Send me your best story--one you're proud of--to me by PM or my personal E-mail...Ingrid.thomson2000@gmail.com and I will give you a very honest opinion and the feedback that is difficult to receive here on site.
-
Alright, Ingrid. I will pick one and send it to you very soon. Makes sense. Better to know what's wrong before trying for pub'n.
Thanks big time for being willing to go through the story!
Peace,
Mike
Comment from nor84
Good post. There's nothing here I recommend changing.
The part about POD publishers charging extra for editing isn't completely accurate. Showboat's site ( G & J Publishing, Palm Springs, CA) wasn't taking submissions the last time I looked, but I know they don't charge extra for basic editing because I've worked for them. Editing is required and is included in the package, as is the book cover designed by Gayle's husband, Jeff. I was paid a flat rate, not 5 cents a word, and the editing didn't cost the author.
Self-publishing is supposed to be easy with Smashwords or with Amazon. I don't know -- haven't tried it yet. Writers Digest announced early this year that they have a self-publishing program, somehow affiliated with Book Baby.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
|
Good post. There's nothing here I recommend changing.
The part about POD publishers charging extra for editing isn't completely accurate. Showboat's site ( G & J Publishing, Palm Springs, CA) wasn't taking submissions the last time I looked, but I know they don't charge extra for basic editing because I've worked for them. Editing is required and is included in the package, as is the book cover designed by Gayle's husband, Jeff. I was paid a flat rate, not 5 cents a word, and the editing didn't cost the author.
Self-publishing is supposed to be easy with Smashwords or with Amazon. I don't know -- haven't tried it yet. Writers Digest announced early this year that they have a self-publishing program, somehow affiliated with Book Baby.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
-
All this is excellent information and tragically the writers here starting out don't know the steps or where to look. Smashwords has an excellent reputation and in fact, they've had self-published writers on the NY times best seller list. But there are a lot of scammers and I've heard some sad stories where members have paid thousands and have a pile of books in their closets without knowing the right steps.
Comment from rjpurdy
An excellent and encouraging essay Spiritual Echo. The information you provide is invaluable for those of us who to publish but don't know where to start. I am bookcasing this as a reference resource. It will also bloster my resolve during those times of discouragement, and for me, there are plenty of those. Thank you again for this fine essay.
~Peace & Grace~ Rod
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
|
An excellent and encouraging essay Spiritual Echo. The information you provide is invaluable for those of us who to publish but don't know where to start. I am bookcasing this as a reference resource. It will also bloster my resolve during those times of discouragement, and for me, there are plenty of those. Thank you again for this fine essay.
~Peace & Grace~ Rod
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2014
-
Thank you for the glitter. It's a shame we don't have a place on this site to share potential publishers where we have been successful, but I hope the three web sites I indicated in this essay. They are great resources to point you towards opportunity. Oh, you can check out my novel being published on Page and Spine.com The title is 'Measuring Time' by Ingrid thomson
-
I will indeed check out your novel. Rod
Comment from maggieadams
I wrote a long review on the new site and pressed save...did not send or save. Anyway, thanks for inspiring us and encouraging us to take the next step. 30 hours straight...impressive.
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
|
I wrote a long review on the new site and pressed save...did not send or save. Anyway, thanks for inspiring us and encouraging us to take the next step. 30 hours straight...impressive.
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
-
I just couldn't let it go. It was my Christmas story and came in at around 3,000 words. I hope the three web sites help.
Comment from boxergirl
Thanks for the informational post about getting published. We can all dream, right? It is on my bucket list but I'm not sure where my bucket is at this time. I'm learning but I know I have a ways to go. 8)
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
|
Thanks for the informational post about getting published. We can all dream, right? It is on my bucket list but I'm not sure where my bucket is at this time. I'm learning but I know I have a ways to go. 8)
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
-
There are a lot of sites that accept submissions. It's worth a shot.
Comment from Veeb
This is a very informative and well written essay. You've written this from your own perspective, and yet sharing valuable information for anyone who desires publication. Now that everything is online, I predict that within ten years all books will be self-published. I think the 'big houses' will white knuckle it for a couple of decades, but the bottom line is that the ball is in our court, which is now an online game, and it'll be up to us whether or not we want to play. I never dreamed I'd gain anything from an online writing community, but FS has proven me wrong. The future is online now - it's a new day for the writer, isn't it?
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
|
This is a very informative and well written essay. You've written this from your own perspective, and yet sharing valuable information for anyone who desires publication. Now that everything is online, I predict that within ten years all books will be self-published. I think the 'big houses' will white knuckle it for a couple of decades, but the bottom line is that the ball is in our court, which is now an online game, and it'll be up to us whether or not we want to play. I never dreamed I'd gain anything from an online writing community, but FS has proven me wrong. The future is online now - it's a new day for the writer, isn't it?
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
-
You are so right that the future of publishing is changing, just as the music industry needed to shift gears when the net started making it easy to become a star on UTUBE. Thanks so very much for all the stars.
Comment from Julia.
Some interesting thoughts in this essay. I'm pretty sure it's not true that "a huge majority of books on the New York Times best seller list, started or continue to be self-published." However, I do agree that it's relatively easy to self-publish today if you are reasonably competent in Word and can follow Amazon's and Smashwords' style guides. Self-published ebooks tend to sell much better than self-published physical books.
I also want to second the Duotrope recommendation. I've been a member of that site for about 4 years now, and I love it. I've discovered many new markets for my poetry.
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
|
Some interesting thoughts in this essay. I'm pretty sure it's not true that "a huge majority of books on the New York Times best seller list, started or continue to be self-published." However, I do agree that it's relatively easy to self-publish today if you are reasonably competent in Word and can follow Amazon's and Smashwords' style guides. Self-published ebooks tend to sell much better than self-published physical books.
I also want to second the Duotrope recommendation. I've been a member of that site for about 4 years now, and I love it. I've discovered many new markets for my poetry.
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
-
Thanks for response. Smashwords takes credit for a fair number of self-published authors making it on the list. And who can forget 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'
As you are published, you may consider adding your own two cents worth as far as advice. Putting tips on your profile page may draw more people to your site and in turn, you might sell more books
Comment from DALLAS01
Your essay here is full of some good info. Even if one isn't interested in publishing today, doesn't mean they won't be interested tomorrow. I have surfed the web and know that there is a ton of info out there.
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
|
Your essay here is full of some good info. Even if one isn't interested in publishing today, doesn't mean they won't be interested tomorrow. I have surfed the web and know that there is a ton of info out there.
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2014
-
There really is a lot of info and a lot of sites that are paying 'ordinary' writers for their submissions.
