Tip #1 from How to Increase Your Chances of Publication
When I first encountered this tip, I thought it sounded too technical. I thought: “Bah-humbug! A great artist-writer will get published no matter what.”
Yes, a good writer will definitely get published. But, not without doing one’s homework first.
Are you looking into publishing your poetry? Your stories? Your ‘How to be A Good Mommy’ article? Then, go ahead and zoom in at the right market. Collect writers’ guidelines. Yes, print them out if they’re on the web or email. Don’t forget to read issues of that magazine or web site. Check out what the editors like. Do they prefer love stories, friendship poems, or true confessions?
You see, no matter how good your work is, the editor won’t be interested in publishing it if it doesn’t meet their publication’s requirements.
Here are some places to look for writers’ guidelines:
* Writers’ Digest - http://www.writersdigest.com/
* Freelance Writing - http://www.freelancewriting.com/
* Worldwide Freelance Writer - http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/
* Writers Weekly - http://www.writersweekly.com/
Do take note that these are some of the more popular sites for writers. So, expect to compete with thousands of other writers wishing to get published. Just remember that these are not the only places to get writers’ guidelines, though. Keep hunting around for them!
In my case, while I do collect guidelines from these sites and follow some of the leads, I get most of my writing assignments through local web sites and publications. The good part about ‘going local’ is that there are less competition and more chances of repeat assignments.
Your Assignment: Collect at least three writer’s guidelines today. You may choose to visit the sites I’ve mentioned or some of your local publications. It’s best to write for publications that you regularly read or visit. So, do check which ezines, web sites, or newspapers that you are already subscribed to. Are they open for submissions? If guidelines are not readily available, you always have the option of writing to the editor.
Over the past years that I’ve been working with writers of every kind, I’ve often encountered the question: How do you write and get published?
Every published writer will probably agree with me when I say that there are no hard and fast rules. But, there are some basic guidelines that each writer can try to work with.
Whether you’re a beginning writer trying to get your first writing job or a seasoned writer looking into expanded writing horizons, I plan to share some guidelines and exercises that you might want to look in to in this series.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Study Your Market
- Fatten Up Your Writing Portfolio
- Learn the Art of Writing Queries and Cover Letters
- Be a Networking Writer
- Create an Awesome Total Package
- The More You Write, The More You’ll Write
I’ll be explaining each point accordingly and sharing some “assignments” for you.
A writer’s life is a frustrating life — so why do we keep at it?
Write a short personal essay about “What Keeps Me Going,” and send it over so the rest of us can relate.
A writer’s life is not only frustrating and full of rejection, it is lonely.
I have been writing for a little over a year, and for the first time in my 55 years, I feel my dad is really proud of me.
I have a 2-page published story in an anthology, and I recently won a poetry contest on the Internet.
I love to hear my dad boast about these accomplishments to his friends and family.
Of course other things keep me going, but that is the one that means the most.
- Jill Davis
Have you ever watched a child run?
I don’t mean during the times you are trying frantically to find him or her as they scurry about in a mall or screech through a busy parking lot.
I mean watching them chase butterflies and grasshoppers in a meadow on a summer day.
They can run for hours. They are meant to.
It’s innate.
For me, so is writing.
You see, all of us are created with a purpose.
For some of us, that purpose is writing.
We create far away places and exotic individuals because we were given the ability to tell the tale, to bring someone into a world that they do not know and allow them to live there for a time.
Because I have placed my faith in the One who created me, I must also place my faith in the fact that He knew what He was doing when He gave me the ability to bring people along with me through the simple use of words.
I just have to believe.
All it takes is a little bit of faith.
- Carron LaForce
Continue reading ‘What Keeps You Going? : Writer’s Life Essays’
Based on this writing prompt, here are what some writers have to say:
“Flirting is the art of lying without moving your lips”. - Kari Hayes
“Poetry is the art of speaking even if you get rejected.” - deborah hale
“Wealth is the art of having five cars on the drive when you’ve nothing in the fridge.” - John Dunne
“Faith is the art of believing without seeing, hearing or touching.” - Bill Lewis
“Research is the art of plagarizing everyone.” - Michelle Wiggins
“Wisdom is the art of knowing when to keep your opinion to yourself.” - Michelle Wiggins
“Celibacy is the art of setting off the fire extinguisher every time someone raises the alarm.” - Debra Heal
“Popularity is the art of knowing when to keep your mouth shut.” - clea
“Love is the art of compassion and forgiveness, patience and persistence, sacrifice and faith.” - Tina L. Miller
Not all books on writing are real. Well, of course, since they’re published and sold in book stores, technically, they’re “real.” But, if you’ve acquired a room full of writing books and/or you’ve camped out by the shelves of your local library or bookstore, you know that not everything is palatable to the writer’s taste buds.
And then, there are books that stand out as if they were wearing neon jackets in a formal dinner party filled with ‘black-tie’ books. They seem to light up, explode, and draw you in. And, they become writers’ best friends - all ragged, dog-eared, marked, and highlighted.
Often, you will find yourself back to it again and again - like a real best buddy - when you feel stuck, needing encouragement and inspiration, wishing to find a companion in an alone journey. A good writing book does all that. Maybe even more.
Continue reading ‘What Makes A Writing Book A Real Writers’ Book?’
(?) Question from Jill:
How much time should a person devote each day towards writing, and what basic things should be focused on?
(!) Answer from H.D. Lail:
There is no standard amount of time per day. It varies with the individual.
The most important thing to remember is that you are writing EVERY day.
Some people only have a few free minutes a day, while others write on a full-time basis. If you work WITH your particular schedule instead of AGAINST it, you will get more accomplished.
Rather than obsess over the amount of time spent writing, set a goal for the amount of words written. This way, you aren’t sitting there watching the minutes tick by.
Some people set goals by the page. Others do it by the word. Whatever you do, make sure these goals are realistic.
This unsolicited testimonial came from a student of the online writing course, Snippets and Stories: Writing Creative Nonfiction:
Dear Shai:
Thank you for being my instructor. In every teacher’s life, there are students whose life she touches in ways never know to her. This is why I am writing to you, so I can tell you what you did for me.
You brought me from “thinking I might be a writer” to knowing I am a writer, by teaching me what is required to be that, right up to the query letter.
It was your emails to me, about each lesson, that gave me the encouragement to go on to the next one.
This course was a very good investment for me and having you as an instructor, just perfect.
Thank you for issuing the three certificates for my work. I have sent for all three of them and will put them in my achievement book.
My next step is to learn Travel Writing, and have enrolled in a course for that.
I found your personal website and will keep it in my favorites, so when I start selling my work, I will let you know.
Thank you once again.
Dr. Lynne Goodwin
This course is currently ongoing at UniversalClass.com. Find out more about Snippets and Stories: Writing Creative Nonfiction.
“Intelligence is not enough without inspiration.” (paraphrased from a car commercial, I forgot which!)
What is it that inspires you as a writer? List three sources of inspiration. You may or may not share how and why these things inspire you.
