Message 543: Publishing...eeeeek!
EnchantedWords
Mar 19 1999 12:01AM EST
Publishing...eeeeek!
Way back when I mentioned in this forum on what it takes to publish your work. For the most part
The Writer's Market, Poet's Market(condensed of what is inside Writer's Market), The Writer's
Handbook, all give good instructions on what and what not to do. If one was to write poetry, there
are numerous markets to have your work submitted to. Get the Guidelines from wherever your work
is going and follow them as close as possible. Edit and edit some more till you have the correct
format of words needed to be 100% sure that is what the poem, novel, short story, is to be sent out
as. Editors don't like lousy reading of manuscipts. If they can't be relaxed while reading the first page,
it's history. I believe most people will pick up a book and determine by the first page whether it is
readable. Sounds negative but that's the way it is.
My poetry has been published in five Anthologies, several Zines, on the Internet, and was not all that
difficult to bring about. Getting a book on poetry which I have two going, plus two other books of
short stories and a novel, will not be so easy. The bringing about what an Editor wants, the
style(genre) which people are reading, editing, rough draft, first copys, then putting everything
together so the Editor will take it off the slush pile...it's tough. Writing though is the reason for one to
become a writer, not the existence of being a "published" writer. Everything words are, the way one
can make magic happen through them, is a wonderment and gift. People within society assume if your
not the big buck writer, then you aren't a writer. WRONG! Each and everyone of you who put
words down on a piece of paper, give it 110% thought and spirit, are every much a writer as any of
the top names out there now. So don't forget that...one lives to write for the soul, not the
pocketbook.
I'm way off the path here, I'm lecturing again...hehe, I do that, typical male, ya know. Anyway, Use
the resources that are out there. The Internet, B&N, Borders, have books to show you exactly how
to be published. Poets and Writers, Writer's Digest, Writers' Journal magazines are great information
tools to find how you can have your writing published. Be patient, thorough, and follow the rules
outlined by whom your work is going to. Hopefully it will turn out that you can get something out
there in print. I wish all good luck and good writing. Smiles to you...
One other thing. Writing for the local papers, Articles (Got one of those too), is a very good way to
be published. The article can be used in the Query or cover letter as leverage. The more of those you
have, gives a slight edge on your ability as a writer. You can go to an Agent also. Remember, they
get 15% plus of your money made from the published work. Some wouldn't work without one, many
have no use for them. So that avenue could also be looked at.
smiles again...
crowstouch
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