Writer's Tips

I often get asked by aspiring writers how to get published. There is no best answer to this question. Every published author has their own story about how they finally got their work recognized by a publisher. That said, I do have a few basic cautions I'll share with those who hope to join the ranks of the "published".

1. Write the best book you possibly can and don't submit it to potential agents or publishers until you've gotten some honest critiques. If several people tell you it's not ready for publication, listen to them, but don't lose heart. Continue working on the manuscript until it flows like a river on a balmy summer day.


2. Write, write, write. What does a writer do? Write. Try to write every single day. (No, the grocery list doesn't count.) If you want to be a published author, you will have to mine through a lot of rock to find the gold nugget that is the story you want to share with the world. There are going to be days when you feel you're first-grade niece could write a better sentence, but, if you keep at it, there will be days when Hemingway might be jealous of your tight, witty prose.


3. Learn everything you can about the publishing industry, especially what's happening in your genre of choice. Let's say you want to write a romance novel. You must have a good knowledge of what's already on the market and what trends agents and editors are watching such as romantic suspense, the paranormal, etc. Subscribe to at least one writing magazine. I found "The Writer" and "Writer's Digest Magazine" both very helpful in terms of writing and publishing advice. Join writers' groups as they are wonderful opportunities for networking and keeping abreast of what's happening in your chosen field. I belong to Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, both of which are outstanding organizations with long histories of helping mystery authors reach their goals.


4. Be prepared to not only sell your novel, but yourself as well. In today's publishing market, you will be the primary person responsible for getting the word out about your work. Expect to spend a good portion of your advance on marketing, which includes targeted advertising, conferences, touring, press kits, a professionally-designed Web site (a must-have), etc. Don't expect that once you turn your novel over to a publisher that your work is done. It's just beginning. But don't forget to have fun. This is your chance to enjoy the spotlight!


5. Don't get too hung up on finding an agent. There are lots of legitimate independent publishers that accept unsolicited, unagented manuscripts and provide excellent avenues for new authors to get their careers off the ground. Spend most of your energy on perfecting your writing.


6. Be realistic about your expectations. Yes, it would be great to be able to get a million-dollar advance, quit your day job, buy a mansion on a hill and do nothing but write. Just remember that such fantasies only turn into reality for very few authors. Most of us continue to slave in the salt mines to pay the mortgage and still write because we love to write, not because we love to cash big checks (who doesn't?).


7. Look out for the con artists. There are lots of unscrupulous agents and print-on-demand publishers who are intersted in one thing -- seperating you from your hard-earned money as quickly as they can. This is where having a solid knowledge of the publishing industry comes in very handy. Keep in mind that no legitimate agent charges a reading fee and no legitimate publisher makes you pay them to see your book in print.


8. Even if you never get published, keep writing. I guarantee someone will appreciate your efforts, whether you're writing for the church bulletin or chronicling your family history. The ability to write a good paragraph is a divine gift.