Help sought for an aspiring writer....

[crimsonblue]

Last summer, I wrote a novella, and I decided I want to send it to publishers. My question is: How do I go about trying to get it published? I'm not looking for a whole lot of money (not that first time writers ever get much), but rather I want to be able to pay off some of my bills. Any suggestions?

[crimsonblue]

1. thank you all for your great insight.

:sarcasm:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. I wish I had a clue...

Sorry I can't help you out.

I'll bet if you keep this kicked, Oeditpus Rex or Writer or somebody like that will reply...
Good luck with the book!
:hug::hug::hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear crimsonblue...

I am really sorry I didn't respond to your question...

But the truth of the matter is that I don't have any good answers.

I'm sorry...

:-(

[taterguy]

4. First go to a library

Ask the folks there to help find publishers who publish similar works.

Then check that publishers submission guidelines and submit something.

Whatever you do, make sure that you send stuff in packaging that's easy to open. Seriously, don't let your first impression be that you're a pain in the ass to deal with.

It would also be helpful to see what writers networks are in your area. Join the writers networks so you can get to know folks in your field.

Good luck but be warned there aren't many fiction writers who can actually make a living at it.

[Chan790]

5. Go to the library...

ask if they have the Writer's Market 2009. (2007 or 2008 will work as well, they're just less up-to-date) It's nothing but a catalog of publishers, magazines and websites that buy writing sorted by topics and type of work purchased. It tells you who will publish first time authors, who pays and who just gives copies of your work and a credit (For most writers, that's enough for a first work as it's easier to get your submission read on subsequent works if you can say you've been published before.), etc.

If they don't have one (and they should) ask if they can get it on inter-library loan for you...it's not worth buying if you're only going to write a few times a year as it's like $50.

One thing I can tell you is don't hire an literary agent yet...most won't work with a first-time writer and the ones who will are mostly shysters.

[blueraven95]

6. Hi crimsonblue -

May I suggest that you check in with the writing group (found http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=216">here)? I can tell you about the experiences of the authors in my family, but depending on what exactly you've written and the genre and many other factors, those experiences may not apply.


What I can tell you, is that as far as I know, the vast majority of publishers of novels will not accept unsolicited material - which means you would need an agent. The most important thing to know about agents is that you do not pay them any fees. They make their money in commission, and any agent who tries to charge you fees upfront is most likely a con artist.

I would also suggest looking for writer's groups in your area. They often provide invaluable resources and encouragement.


edit to fix link.

[Symarip]

7. There's a guy I know in the punk scene who wrote his own novel

His name is Sab Grey and he basically published it himself. Granted, his subject matter is the type of material no one in the mainstream would ever touch anyways. He claims it was easy as pie.