If you’re a creative writer with an idea for a book, you’ve probably considered publishing it. But the thought of pitching your work to a bunch of strangers can feel daunting, to say the least. Not to mention the idea of being judged on subjective quality rather than objective sales figures.
Whether you’re aiming to self-publish or want to see your work published by a traditional publisher, getting started can be difficult. Where should you start? How should you go about pitching your work to the world at large? How can you get published when you don’t have the money to spend on expensive publishing fees? Where do you even start looking for a literary agent?
While the process can seem daunting, it’s important not to let the fear of rejection hold you back. Rejection is a natural part of the process and you can’t let it get you down. Instead of giving up, you should find the strength to try again. And again. And again. Until you find that special someone who feels inspired by your story.
Here are some helpful tips on how to get started writing and submitting your creative work:
Start Small
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a writer is to keep practicing. After all, it’s never easy getting started. The more you do it, the easier it gets. You have to remind yourself that each time you write something, it’s a little step closer to publication. Aspiring writers should always be aiming to write something that will bring them closer to their goal. Smaller publications can often be found online and although they might not pay you much, the exposure is invaluable. Look for literary magazines that focus on short stories, essays, and poetry. They often accept unsolicited submissions and can give you the opportunity to practice your writing style and experiment with new genres. Always look for the “unsolicited manuscript” option when searching for online literary magazines.
Get Inspired
Another important thing to do as a writer is to get inspired. As you practice, you’ll find that your muse will pop up at the most unexpected times. When I started writing, my wife asked me to write something for our daughter’s birthday party. I didn’t have an idea for a book, but I did have an idea for a short story. On the day of the party, as I was walking through the park, I noticed a man with a telescope. I followed his gaze and saw a group of children playing in the distance. The idea for the story came to me fully formed and I sat down to write it that night. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of inspiration to get started.
Get Inspired By The Classics
Although it’s never easy getting started, it’s always best to look to the classics for inspiration. If you’re feeling stuck, take a break from writing and read some great stories. Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, for example, is a classic tale that will bring you right back to the spirit of the season. You can also delve into the great Irish literature for some incredible stories. The list of Irish writers is too long to fit in this article, but you can start by looking up Frank O’Connor and James Joyce. Reading these masterpieces will give you the inspiration to create your own unique work.
Pitch & Get Feedback
When you’ve finished your book, it’s important to get the opinion of others. This is where pitching and trial and error come in. When you’ve finished your short story and submitted it online, you’ll receive a few editorial responses, some of which may be helpful. Remember to be open to criticism and able to grow from it. It might not seem like it at first, but taking honest feedback and applying it is the best way to move forward. Try to find a literary agent or freelance editor that has enough experience to give you good, solid advice. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to listen and offer their help. If you’re looking for a way to break into the industry, this is a good place to start.
Practice With Different Audiences
If you’re looking to publish your book, it’s important to practice with different audiences. Even when you’ve found that special someone that understands your vision and embraces your work, there’s no guarantee that your book will be received well by the public at large. The more you write, the more you’ll gain experience and the better you’ll become at assessing your work and knowing whether it will be accepted by the public or if it needs to be revised. When revising, always question whether or not what you’re writing is still true to the essence of the story. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can bring new ideas and new perspectives that can help you make your work better.
Get A Critique Circle
Another great way to practice and get feedback is to get a critique circle. This is where many writers and artists come together to share their work and receive constructive criticism. A critique circle can help you identify any major issues with your work that you might not have seen before. Even if you’re not looking for some honest feedback, getting into the habit of receiving constructive criticism can only be beneficial. When I first started writing, I belonged to a few different critique circles. It wasn’t until I began joining more open-minded groups that I really started to see some significant improvement. As a writer, it’s important to always be open to new ideas and ways of looking at things, so don’t be afraid to give this a try.
Join A Society
If you think that joining a society of writers would be helpful, there are many groups that you could join. Some of the more well-known societies include the Horror Writers Association, The Mystery Writers of America, and the International Thriller Writers. By joining one of these groups, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other writers and get their opinion on your work. These societies often have contests and offer plenty of opportunities for aspiring writers to get their work published. Always keep in mind that not all groups are created equal and it’s important to do some research before joining any society. This way, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your membership.
Keep Going
If you’re a writer who constantly feels inspired by the classics, it might be time to take a break and pursue other interests. But don’t be afraid to come back to writing when you feel inspired. As I mentioned above, getting started can be difficult, but it’s also an incredible feeling when you see your words coming together. Remember that your first step is always the hardest, so be sure to celebrate any small victories along the way. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of determination to get back on track. If this is the case, give it a try and don’t be discouraged when you don’t immediately see the results you’re looking for.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can get started as a writer. Whether you’re looking to break into the industry or just want to experiment with writing, these tips should get you on your way. And remember, the more you do it, the easier it gets. So, don’t be afraid to try out different methods and see what works best for you. And if you ever find yourself stuck, there are many wonderful literary magazines where you can find help. Good luck out there.