5 Ways Teen Writers Can Gain Experience & Increase Chances of Publication

5 Ways #TeenWriters Can Gain Experience & Increase Chances of Publication @tessaemilyhall #amwriting Share on X

A degree in creative writing isn’t required for aspiring authors. Instead, writers should strive to gain experience and build their resume to increase chances of publication.

The writing journey can be a long process. You teens, however, have an advantage, because you can get a “head start”. By investing your time into building your writing resume, you might find success earlier in life.

Here are five ways teen writers can gain experience and increase chances of publication:

1) Write a blog and build a platform.

Publishers like to accept new authors who have already established a platform for themselves. How can you do this? By writing a blog and being active on social media.

I launched my blog when I was 16. I was able to network with other writers, practice writing on a deadline, and gather a readership before my book became published.

If you need help learning how to effectively use social media and blog to establish a platform, I highly recommend reading Edie Melson’s book, Connections.

2) Become published in magazines and websites.

I began writing for publications as a teenager. Now, on my writing resume and bio, I can list the websites and magazines my work has appeared in.

Not only can this contribute to your portfolio and establish a platform, but it might show an agent or publisher that you have writing aptitude.

Want to get started publishing your work? Check out the latest Writer’s Market Guide.

3) Enter writing contests.

This is one thing I wish I would’ve done as a teen writer. If you place in a writing contest, a publisher or agent will be more likely to look at your work. It’ll prove that you are a serious and talented writer.

This is yet another way to bridge the gap between amateur writer to experienced. (Not to mention, many industry professionals are contest judges themselves!)

Here is a list of writing contests you might be interested in. 

4) Attend writing conferences.

Recently, I attended my 10^th writing conference. I can’t stress enough how valuable and worthwhile conferences are—even for teens! I went to my first one at 16-years-old, and it is there that I met my publisher. I found my agent at another one two years later.

Writing is a solitary career. By attending a conference—even a small one—not only do you have the chance to meet industry professionals and pitch your book, but you might also make writing friends that could last a lifetime.

Besides, why wouldn’t you want to spend a week immersed in workshops that can help improve your craft? (And drinking gallons of coffee?) 😉

Check out this list of writing conferences. There are some conferences that have a teen track as well.

5) Take workshops, join a critique group, and become apart of a writer’s organization.

When a publisher sees that you are invested in your writing education, they will realize you aren’t another aspiring amateur writer. They’ll especially be impressed to see that you are a teen writer who is knowledgeable about the craft and industry.

Consider checking out Go Teen Writers, which is an online community where you can find like-minded writers your age (and perhaps even an online critique partner).

Do your research to see if there is a writing organization you could join, and if there are critique groups and writing workshops in your area.

Need help? Send me an email!

#TeenWriters: Check out these tips on how to build writing experience @tessaemilyhall #amwriting #teenwriters Share on X

Young Scribe: You have the advantage of launching your writing journey early in life. Don’t take this time for granted! Begin gaining experience now to increase your chances of publication.

What are ways you have invested in this career? Leave a comment!