Any published writers out there?

[beckms]

Hi all--

My DH is (IMHO) a very talented writer, and I would love to help him turn it into more than just a hobby. Does anyone have any ideas of where to start? I mean, you can't just start by sending a story to the New Yorker, can you?

thanks for any words of wisdom. :cool:

[foodfiend]

I'm an aspiring writer, but I know a bit about the publishing industry. The way to approach it depends on the type of writing your husband does. If it's fiction, sending stories to the literary journals is one solid route. He should find which journals publishes work he likes and in his style, then submit. The New Yorker is a great mag, but it's a long shot for a newbie to get published.
There are workshops out there about how to get published. He should consider taking them in order to pick up tips. He could slog it out and send out queries and submissions everywhere, but there are ways to cut to the chase.

ETA: Yeah, I have been published.

[tamawrite]

As foodfeind said, it depends a lot on what he writes.

I'm published in nonfiction and am now working (well, slacking at this particular moment :o ) on breaking into the fiction market. I also have a MA in writing fiction, which comes with quite a bit of training in how the publishing industry works.

Post or PM more specifics and I'll try to help. :)

[foodfiend]

tamawrite -- where did you get your master's? Did it help?

As foodfeind said,

Hey, I'm German :D

[beckms]

As foodfeind said, it depends a lot on what he writes.

I'm published in nonfiction and am now working (well, slacking at this particular moment :o ) on breaking into the ficiton market. I also have a MA in writing fiction, which comes with quite a bit of training in how the publishing industry works.

Post or PM more specifics and I'll try to help. :)

Hi Tamawrite--

I'm also interested in what your MA involved and whether you think it is a necessary degree in order to break into writing or publishing.

DH writes fiction for fun. He's written a bunch of short stories. He also likes to write book, movie, and music reviews; he has a blog where he posts these. He loves to read, and then he likes to write critically about what he's read. Same goes for music and movies.

[foodfiend]

One benefit of the MFA is that most colleges require it in order to teach creative writing.

I've heard of good things about MFAs (structure, community, chance to learn) but I don't think it's a necessity in order to get a book published. I had considered doing an MFA, but I didn't like a lot of the writing that came out of the programs. This is really important to consider because the program will influence your writing style for 2 years.

[Natasha]

Hi Rebecca,

I am a published writer but only of non-fiction books. Not sure how much I can help out but I'm happy to try to help via PM if you like. :)

Natasha

[tamawrite]

Hey, I'm German :D

*snort* :o :D

I got my masters from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. They offer a mostly-online (two week-long residencies per year), 2 year MA in Writing Popular Fiction program.

The unique thing about the SHU program is that it focuses not on literary fiction, as most university fiction or "creative writing" courses do, but on popular fiction of the sort most people actually read.

Some of my classmates focused on genre fiction, such as science fiction, mystery, fantasy, horror, or romance. Others, including me, fall into the "general fiction" category. There is also a young adult/childrens fiction thread. Short fiction is not a focus; rather, the program centers around novels. (The two are very different art forms.)

I really enjoyed the program and learned a lot, but I do not in any way believe it is necessary to have a formal education in writing/publishing in order to get published. Much more important are commitment and research. It's easy to make mistakes that will brand you as a novice, and fiction is an extremely difficult market to break into even under the best of circumstances.

There are particularly few markets for short stories, but they do exist. Are his stories literary, childrens', humor? How many words do they run? How serious is he about getting published?

Small "niche" or local markets are often best for getting some clips (copies of your published work to show with future proposals). Clips aren't absolutely necessary, but they will get magazine editors to take you more seriously. Non-fiction clips are not particularly helpful when trying to sell fiction, but they are helpful in selling more non-fiction.

Also, literary agents -- good, bad, and downright cheats -- are out there if your DH wants to write seriously but has zero interest in doing all the nitty-gritty legwork involved with actually selling his work. Finding a good agent can be more difficult than finding a publisher, but once you've found the right person it can make things a lot easier. Never choose one who makes you pay to review your work!

Re blogging: I haven't researched this, but I suspect few editors would be interested in a story that has been posted online. So, if your DH has something he feels is salable, best not to add it to the blog.

[BucknellAlum]

I would get a copy of the latest Writer's Market book. I believe they also have an edition for short story writers as well. These books give great tips on getting published, and include a long list of possible submission places.

You might want to pick up a copy of Writer's Digest magazine too.

I am more familiar with what is needed with a novel - for instance, you pretty much have to have an agent to sell a novel, but you might be able to sell a short story without one.

Regarding the book/music reviews, smaller papers in your area might buy those on a freelance basis. He'll never pay the rent with their wages, but it will get him by-lines!

[jabelt]

You may want to get in touch with "Sadiedog's mom".

She's the co-founder of a lit agency company called Bookends. Here's a link to the website:

http://www.bookends-inc.com/index.htm

I don't think she spends a lot of time on the CLBB. She's in my supper club, so I can vouch for what a great person she is. If she can't help directly, I'm sure she knows someone who can.

[PAMMELA]

Here are some other threads on this subject:

Published (http://community.cookinglight.com/search.php?searchid=1289077)

[tamawrite]

I would get a copy of the latest Writer's Market book. I believe they also have an edition for short story writers as well. These books give great tips on getting published, and include a long list of possible submission places.

You might want to pick up a copy of Writer's Digest magazine too.



Both these resources contain a lot of useful information, but are notoriously out of date. Editors tend to be a transient breed! The solution is to look in the Writer's Market, select a likely market, and call them to confirm that a particular editor is still on staff before submitting your work. (Just talk to the receptionist; no need to ask for the editor him/herself.) Addressing a cover letter to the wrong person is one of those flashing neon "amateur!" signs. ;)

[BucknellAlum]

Both these resources contain a lot of useful information, but are notoriously out of date. Editors tend to be a transient breed! The solution is to look in the Writer's Market, select a likely market, and call them to confirm that a particular editor is still on staff before submitting your work. (Just talk to the receptionist; no need to ask for the editor him/herself.) Addressing a cover letter to the wrong person is one of those flashing neon "amateur!" signs. ;)

Yes, I should have added that. I just think the general info in the beginning, and the general info on the publications is very valuable to help winnow down your query list.

(And most places probably have writer's guidelines on the web nowadays too)