How to get Published |
This article is intended for potential authors. We hope it may help the talented and determined author to find a publisher for his or her book. We also hope that it will reduce the number of disappointments caused by rejection slips. Like the acting profession, one sees and hears of the rich and famous,but little of the thousands who struggle to make a living. The world of authorship is every bit as hard as that of the stage. If this helps you get published while reducing the number of unsuitable works being offered, the book trade will rejoice. If you are serious about getting your work published you must do your groundwork carefully. Two books are an invaluable resource and you should buy, beg or borrow at least one of them. The first is: Writers and Artists Yearbook 2000 Michael Ridpath, now a bestselling author said of the book " I know of no foolproof way of getting a first novel published. But there are ways of shortening the odds and careful use of the Writers and Artists Yearbook is one". Now in its 92nd edition it is a book that has been described as the essential guide to markets in all areas of the media. The markets covered relate to: articles and short stories The topics covered include: preparation of materials Two sections of great value to the determined (or desperate). The first explains how Self-publishing works. Apparently some very well known authors chose this route, either because they had been turned down, or their work was technical, or out of fashion, or for many other reasons. This select group includes Alexander Pope, Robbie Burns, James Joyce and a host of others. The second section is just a page, entitled Vanity Publishing. It explains that reputable publishers very rarely ask authors to pay for the production of their work. Put simply, you DON'T pay someone to publish your book. The second book is: The Writers Handbook 2000 This is the eleventh edition of the guide to all markets for creative writing. It's been described as 'a comprehensive map of the literary market place. It covers book and magazine publishing, newspapers, poetry, radio, theatre, tv, video and film, as well as giving information on agents, prizes, writers' circles, associations, festivals and more. If you study and take advice from these two books you will have given yourself the best possible chance of getting published. And if that fails, you can always pay for your own web site! |