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Ten Most Important Things To Do
To Get Published ©
by Juliet Burns
1.
Write what you like to read
Do you love a sweeping Historical?
Or a sexy, fast-paced contemporary? Or maybe an edge of your seat romantic
suspense? How about vampires, ghosts, time travels or a romance on a new
world? Whatever you enjoy reading, that’s probably what you’ll be best at
writing.
2.
Read what you want to write
Pick up newly released books in whatever genre/ line you are targeting and
read as many as you can get your hands on. This will tell you what editors
are buying. (Or at least what they were buying a year ago)
3.
Join RWA
Local chapter meetings help you to learn the craft. You will gain knowledge
from speakers and members willing to share their experience. I also met my
critique partner there. Her help has been invaluable. Not to mention the close
friendship we’ve formed.
4. Join an online Writing Loop
I recommend FirstDraft@yahoogroups.com.
This loop sends you 3-4 emails a day w/ links to articles
on the craft of writing and the business of writing. I learned so much from
this loop. And it’s FREE!!
5.
Find a critique group
A good critique group brainstorms plots together and
gives you informed feedback on your manuscript. A bad one can set you back
years in your writing. Visit one for a trial basis before joining.
6.
Write, Write, and Write some more
Write every day. The more you write, the better you
get at it. Before you know it, you’ll have a completed manuscript.
7.
Enter your manuscript in a writing contest
Most local RWA chapters sponsor writing contests and
the final judge is usually an editor or agent. It’s a good way to get your
work before an editor, who might even request the full manuscript. Even if
you don’t final, you get 3 great critiques, usually at least one from a
published author.
8.
Attend a conference
Workshops on the craft of writing, Spotlights on
what publishers are looking for, networking with published authors, agents
and editors. If you’ve completed your manuscript and polished it till it
shines, you’re ready to pitch your baby to an editor or agent. Make an
appointment and practice your one-sentence pitch.
9.
Be Persistent!
You’ve heard the story of Stephen King and his 1000 rejections. This business
is all about rejections. Don’t give up. Keep submitting your work and most
important, keep writing!
10.
Keep Writing and Reading
Did I mention you need to keep writing? And keep reading. The market changes,
trends come and go, but good writing will always sell, and reading a really good
author makes your writing better.
LIST OF RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR WRITERS
1.
GOAL, MOTIVATION & CONFLICT—The building
blocks of Good Fiction by Debra Dixon www,gryphonbooks.com
2.
THE COMPLETE WRITERS GUIDE TO HEROES AND
HEROINES –Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Caro
LaFever, Sue Viders
3.
TECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER by Dwight V.
Swain
4.
THE WRITER’S DIGEST GUIDE TO MANUSCRIPT FORMATS
by Dian Dincin Buchman & Seli Groves
5.
HOW TO WRITE ROMANCES by Phyllis Taylor Pianka
6.
BIRD BY BIRD: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
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