By Harriet Hodgson
Last week I received an email from someone who had read an article of mine. She writes poetry and her goal is to be a published author. In preparation for the meeting, I printed out an article from the Internet and compiled this list. Our meeting went well and she identified the tips she was going to work on first.
1. Write ezine articles
This is one of the best ways to get published and garner publicty. Authors write the articles for free and anyone may publish them for free (electronic and print) as long as they follow the publishing guidelines.
2. Write for online support groups
Many groups and foundations offer reliable support. Find one that matches your interests and write for it. You may choose to write for several groups.
3. Submit work to magazines
Many journals and magazines do not pay for submissions and your “pay” is the publicity you receve. This writing helps you garner name recognition and often leads to additional work.
The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual
4. Write for your religious community newsletter
This will help you to sharpen your skills and garner more name recognition. If you are adventurous, you may offer to edit the newsletter.
5. Join a writing group
Learn about the group before you join. Log onto the website and talk with some of the members. Make sure your writing is a match for the group.
6. Join a specialized group
Specialized groups understand your work, provide customized tips, resources, and conferences. Think of the dues as an investment in yourself.
7. Invest in writing resources
I have found the “Associated Press Style Book and Libel Manual” to be extremely helpful. “Writer’s Digest” books have helped me as well. Over the years, I have put together a small library of writing resources and use them all the time.
8. Learn how to write a query letter
Many books offer tips on this skill. Good query letters take lots of time and practice. Personally, I do not think a query letter should be longer than one page.
9. Learn how to write a book proposal
This skill also takes time and practice. Your proposal should be concise, neat, and meet the submission guidelines.
10. Beef up your resume
If you have not written a resume before, find out how to do it. Stick to the facts and leave out the hype. Revise your resume regularly to see the progress you have made.
11. Learn about potential publishers
Before you send anything to a potential publisher, learn about the books they publish, best sellers, and any awards they have received. Keep a file folder on all of your submissions, when you made them, and the responses you received.
12. Challenge yourself
Keep a running list of article and book ideas. Pick a promising idea and start working on it.
Breaking into the publishing business is not easy, especially in this economy. A logical, organized approach may tilt the publishing odds in your favor.
Copyright 2010 by Harriet Hodgson
Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for decades. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of Health Care Journalists, and Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, “Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief,” written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from Amazon.
Centering Corporation has published her 26th book, “Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life” and a companion journal with 100 writing prompts. Hodgson is a monthly columnist for “Caregiving in America” magazine. Please visit her website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.
Courtesy: www.ezinearticles.com
