Ten Most Important Things To Do To Get
Published © 1. Write what you like to read
Do you love a sweeping Historical? Or a sexy,
fast-paced contemporary? Or maybe an edge of your seat romantic
suspense? How about vampires, ghosts, time travels or a romance
on a new world? Whatever you enjoy reading, that’s probably what
you’ll be best at writing.
Pick up newly released books in whatever
genre/ line you are targeting and read as many as you can get
your hands on. This will tell you what editors are buying. (Or
at least what they were buying a year ago)
Local chapter meetings help you to learn the
craft. You will gain knowledge from speakers and members willing
to share their experience. I also met my critique partner there.
Her help has been invaluable. Not to mention the close
friendship we’ve formed.
I recommend
FirstDraft@yahoogroups.com. This loop sends you 3-4 emails a
day w/ links to articles on the craft of writing and the
business of writing. I learned so much from this loop. And it’s
FREE!!
A good critique group brainstorms plots
together and gives you informed feedback on your manuscript. A
bad one can set you back years in your writing. Visit one for a
trial basis before joining.
Write every day. The more you write, the
better you get at it. Before you know it, you’ll have a
completed manuscript.
Most local
RWA®
chapters sponsor writing contests and the final judge is usually
an editor or agent. It’s a good way to get your work before an
editor, who might even request the full manuscript. Even if you
don’t final, you get 3 great critiques, usually at least one
from a published author.
Workshops on the craft of writing, Spotlights
on what publishers are looking for, networking with published
authors, agents and editors. If you’ve completed your manuscript
and polished it till it shines, you’re ready to pitch your baby
to an editor or agent. Make an appointment and practice your
one-sentence pitch.
You’ve heard the story of Stephen King and
his 1000 rejections. This business is all about rejections.
Don’t give up. Keep submitting your work and most important,
keep writing! Did I mention you need to keep writing? And keep reading. The market changes, trends come and go, but good writing will always sell, and reading a really good author makes your writing better.
LIST OF RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR WRITERS:
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