Getting Started

[ldhix]

As a writer newly looking to get published, would a baby step be getting published in magazines? I eventually want to write my story, and I am not really sure where to begin. So where do I start?

Larry
www.hallelujahs.blogspot.com

[Keith Wallis]

Not sure that I'm the best one to offer an opinion.
Obviously it depends on your material, but having publishing credits of any description would give some impetus to a script you send to a publisher.

[jacks girl]

Well I've never had a book published but nor have I tried, but I would tell you to begin writing your story. Is it your life story or are you just calling it your story. I've written many things that have been published in the paper poems and such. I have heard that people say the more you can be published no matter where it is it would have to help you. At least you would have something to brag about if nothing else.

My main suggestion would be to not let the fact you don't have any idea of what you are doing stop you from writing whats on your mind and heart.

[paulchernoch]

Well, first you go to see a psychiatrist, to see if they can cure you of your writing idea. If that doesn't work, try golf or gardening. When that fails, write the story you want to write. Then write the next story. Submit whatever you have. When you are good enough and your work hits the fancy of an editor, you will get published. Each story has its own natural length. Write it at that length, making any reasonable concessions to the requirements of the market you are targeting.

I am told that it is easier to get short fiction or non-fiction articles published. I jumped straight to novel length fiction, because I can't think of any short stories I want to write. That may change.

- Paul

[jacks girl]

Great answer Paul i never thought of going to a shrink.... know any good ones. lol
Oh well i would just end up getting a story about my trip to the doc so i guess i'll just stick with writing, writing and more writing.

LOL

[kriswrite]

You really should publish in magazines before you attempt to get a book published. Editors like to see that you have a track record and something of a following. Plus, it's great experience.

If you're thinking of writing a memoire, know that it's extremely difficult to get it done in book format, but much easier in article format.

Kristina

[mahatma]

Well, first you go to see a psychiatrist- Paul
Paul, you're funny!
I guess we all need some professional help. I realize I've been doing things inside out, upside down, in reverse. I've published some books and right now I'm writing some articles/columns for American and Dutch magazines to get my name out there. I would recommend anyone to do it the other way around:D because I noticed that I have a tendency to make my articles into little books. Sorry, can't help myself!
Main thing is: never give up, never give in!:D

[ldhix]

Thanks guys! Paul... I am seeing my therapist this week and I will run that by her.

30 seconds after I posted I discovered the tutorial threads...

Felt a little silly.

Thanks again

[tlm]

I am told that it is easier to get short fiction or non-fiction articles published.

Fiction is getting harder and harder to sell--I think. I would try non-fiction, first. Think about something you are an expert in. Excuse the preposition--it is getting late.

I have had a lot of luck with travel stories. I branched out after that. Once you get some writing credits, it gets a little easier to have your queries answered by magazine editors.

The hard part is selling a book length manuscript to a mainstream publisher. I am still struggling with that goal. I'll get there, someday.

[ldhix]

So its like the old how do I get experience without a job thing?

One grain of sand at a time.

God will get me where he wants me.

Thanks!

[mahatma]

So its like the old how do I get experience without a job thing?

Larry, you're so right. How many times have I cried out in desperation: in this country you can only get famous when you're famous. Haha!:D
By the way, I love your blog and I'm a big fan of Donald Miller too!!!