I've been published a few times, and I'm working on being published a few more. Now I'll share everything I know about making that happen. Everything--or at least try to.
How to be a Published Author
1)There are two types of writers...
Writers who write for fun
Writers who write for profit
As you work to build a career in writing, don’t forget to keep writing fun.
2)What do writers who write for profit do?
-develop their craft
-build a readership
-study the publishing industry
-network with others in the publishing industry
3)There are two types of publishing
self-publishing (authors who publish themselves)
traditional publishing (authors who are published by a publishing house)
4)What are some of the benefits and challenges of self-publishing?
Benefits
You are in charge
You decide who will work with you on your book
(editor(s), book cover designer, printer, etc.)
You decide when the book will be published
Challenges
You’re in charge of financing
You’re in charge of marketing
Marketing is not solely a concern for the self-published. Traditionally published authors are expected to work in partnership with their publishing house to market their books.
5)What are some of the benefits and challenges of being published by a publishing house?
Benefits
-the publishing house pays you and everyone else that is involved with publishing your book
-you work with a team of professionals to publish and market your book
Challenges
-you must send your manuscript to a publishing house and wait for them to decide what they will do with it. They could accept it which is glorious. They could reject it which is painful.
6)How do you decide what publisher to contact?
-look on your bookshelf—what publisher do you read?
-visit your favourite bookstore—what books appeal to you the most?
-visit websites like publishers’ weekly
-read magazines like Quill and Quire: Canada’s magazine of book news and reviews
-network with others in the publishing industry by attending writing events like Word Vancouver
7)How do you know to whom to send your manuscript?
Visit the publisher’s website and read the submission page
8)Should you send the publisher a chapter-by-chapter outline or a synopsis? How many sample pages should you send?
Visit the publisher’s website and read the submission page.
9)What is a cover letter?
A cover letter briefly describes
your manuscript (title, genre, word count, target reader)
and
you (hit the highlights)
10)What is a synopsis?
A synopsis is a summary of your manuscript. A tight focus should be kept on your main character. Show their growth during the story.
11)Keep careful records of where you sent your manuscript and when. I use a binder.
12) How long will you have to wait for a reply?
Visit the publisher’s website and read the submission page.
13)What can you do while you wait for a reply?
-network with others in the publishing industry
-study the publishing industry
-build a readership by, for example, participating in open-mic nights or building a blog
-develop your writing craft by taking a writing course or actively reading a good book
To be an active reader, write a book review of the books you enjoyed reading
-keep writing
-send other manuscripts to other publishers
-send the same manuscript to other publishers
Most publishers allow simultaneous submissions—and I highly recommend it.
This week...
I enjoyed listening to Tom Powers's interview with Henry Winkler this week.
On this Blog in December
Sunday, December 8
Do You Write Every Day? (short story)
Dreams help keep me motivated. This short story was inspired by one.
Sunday, December 15
Playing the Cello (short story)
The cello stands in the corner, waiting to sing her song. Who will help her sing it? This short story was inspired by a friend's relationship with her cello.
Sunday, December 22
Carry Me Home (children's story)
Mitten happily rests beside his brother in the girl's pocket, but then he falls... It's cold... It's dark... Who will help Mitten get home?
Sunday, December 24
Alone for Christmas (short story)
During this time of joy, of merriment... When we gather with friends and family, it's important to remember those who are socially isolated.
Sunday, December 29
Holiday Office Party (short story)
Especially for spouses, Christmas parties can be challenging. What do you say to people you barely know but who may be important to your husband's career?
