Even if you’re self-publishing, it can be pretty
difficult to get your material in front of readers. Publishers, agents, and
editors are overwhelmed with thousands of manuscripts every year. With so much
competition, how can you get your own work noticed, and then published?
1) Educate Yourself
– If you want to publish with a traditional publisher, get your hands on a
current Writer’s Market (there is a general one, and many versions
specific to each genre here) and then review works recently
published by the company, or professional, you are looking into. Another great
source when researching agents, editors, or publishers is Absolute Write.
2) Follow Publishing Blogs
– the metaphor “seeking a piece of the pie” still holds true in the writing
industry, and the best way to do so is by studying those who have already
received a slice. The best advice, lessons, and up-to-date information come
from the people who work in the industry. So find a few favorite agents,
editors, authors, and publisher blogs. Then follow them faithfully, but don’t
allow them to overwhelm your own writing time. A few I recommend following are Rachelle
Gardner, Jane Friedman, Chip MacGregor, The Insecure Writers Support Group,
and Nathan Bransford.
3) Write a Great Proposal and Query – Many
agents, editors, and publishers have specific goals of what they are seeking.
Be sure to research their individual guidelines. However, if you want general
lessons on how to write a manuscript proposal, check out this FREE download
from Noah Lukeman here.
4) Have Your Work Edited –
Not many of us are capable of editing ourselves. So, whether it’s a friend who
was an English major, fellow authors from your writers group, or a select group
of beta readers, be sure to ask at least a few others to review your proposal, query,
articles, or manuscripts. You might even consider hiring the services of a
professional editor. Be sure to check out the free site Preditors & Editors, or the two sources mentioned in #1 so you know you are
hiring a legitimate individual.
5) Consider An Agent –
Most of the larger and more traditional publishing houses will not review work
unless it is submitted by an agent. However, there are many smaller presses,
and open call periods which do not require you to be represented. Consider your
goals for your manuscripts and then review the Writer’s Market or Absolute
Write sites mentioned in #1 before deciding.
6) Consider self-publishing – It’s
not always the best choice, or even the easiest, but there are times when it is
the right choice. For example, if you have a very specific and narrow target
market, or if you just want to share shorter works in between full-length
manuscripts, then this may be the choice for you. Hybrid authors (those who
publish some works through traditional means, and some on their own) have
become the norm. Need help deciding? Check out this article: Should You Self-Publish?
7) Don’t Give Up – Even
the most seasoned and successful authors struggle with bouts of frustration or
self-doubt. We all go through periods of wanting to give up. Numerous
rejections, family and work responsibilities, and so much more can slow down
and interrupt your ability to create. Nothing worth having comes easily. As I
reminded you last week, one of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill, "Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without
thinking about."
What advice do you have for
first-time or struggling authors?
3 comments:
Excellent checklist! You covered all the main points better than some longer articles I've read.
And thanks for mentioning the IWSG.
Brilliant post, and highly informative. A couple of points I hadn't considered, but gives food for thought for sure. thank you for writing this ;)
Very good tips. You're right, don't give up. That self-doubt does creep in all the time.
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