Tips for Getting Published

I’ve been asked multiple times by others hoping to get published what tips I had for getting published. Here they are:

1. Get it written. Got an idea for a story? Write it! I know a guy who has told me multiple times that he’s got a great story to write but he was still researching how to write it. He bought several books on writing that he wanted to read first. That’s great, but he doesn’t have a story if he doesn’t write it. Write it first, then let the other half of the brain edit it, rewrite it and improve it. Read books but get your idea on paper.
2. Have it critiqued. Ask others to read it and offer their opinion. And these others should be people besides your mother and your spouse. You may ask English majors or pastors to offer their opinions but I suggest getting involved in a critique group. Look for Word Weaver groups in your area. You can check if there is one on http://www.word-weavers.com/. This site will also lead you in finding an online critique group if you prefer. Or if you know other writers, begin a critique group in your area. Vow to be honest but encouraging in your critiquing as you want to help make each other’s work more publishable without slamming the manuscripts and dashing hopes.
3. Attend a writers’ conference. There are many Christian Writers Conferences around the country. I found this list online offered by Westbowpress: http://www.westbowpress.com/authorhub/resources/events/default.aspx. If you write nonfiction, fiction, children’s books, devotions, Bible studies, etc., there are conferences and classes available. At these events, editors from publishing houses, agents looking for new clients, and authors who have lots of experience are there teaching classes on how to get published, how to hone your writing skills, how to write better, how to write proposals that sell, how to format your manuscript. Anything you need to know can be learned at these conferences. Not only do you gain a wealth of knowledge you meet these editors and agents who may be interested in your work. You meet other writers going through the same heartaches, jubilation, and confusion as you. It’s networking at its best. Attending a conference is a must for anyone hoping to get published.
4. Get your work in the proper format. Children’s proposals are different from nonfiction proposals which are different from fiction proposals. Apply what you’ve learned at the conference to get your manuscript and proposal with the correct font, margins, and layout. You want it to look like you know what you’re doing (even if you don’t). Try to make it look professional. Read other posts in this Almostanauthor website to learn the best ways to format your projects.
5. Get your hands on a Writers Market Guide appropriate for your genre. A Christian Market Guide (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3VEC7Q/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1) includes all Christian publishers. There are Children’s Market Guides as well as others. Find one. Pick out publishers or agents that accept your genre and send them what is accepted according to the guide.
6. Cover it in prayer and submit! This is where people get shy. Manuscripts don’t get published if they never leave your hands. You’ve worked hard, you’ve perfected your baby as best as you can, you’ve re-written it to perfection! Now send it out.
7. Be patient. Responses don’t generally come quickly from publishing houses. Keep in mind they may be receiving hundreds of proposals each day from others, just like you, hoping to get contracts. Give it time. Don’t pester the publishing houses for responses. If they like your manuscript it will take longer to receive a response. Be patient. All good things are worth waiting for.
8. Celebrate and give God the glory when you get your contract! Best wishes my friend and share your successes with us below! We can’t wait to hear!