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| Q: How Do I Get My Work Published? |
A: Publishers
You need to be selective about who you send your work to – approach publishers with a track record of publishing work similar to your own – and follow the publishers’ submissions procedures.
If you are having no success, it may be useful to get professional assessment of your manuscript.
See The Writer’s Handbook (Macmillan) and The Writers’ & Artists Yearbook.
These provide comprehensive information and advice on how to go about getting published, including lists of publishers, agents and magazines.
Small Independent Presses
As well as approaching the large publishing houses, you could try some of the smaller independent presses.
Self-Publishing
Some writers are now designing their own books and then paying a printer to typeset and run off copies. Costs charged by printers will vary and it is worth shopping around. Of course you will be responsible for distributing, selling and promoting your book and it is worth having a strategy for this.
There are various guides to self publishing, see the Book Trust Website: www.booktrust.org.uk or www.author.co.uk
Magazines
A good way to get your work in print is to submit to writing magazines that may be looking for new writing.
You are strongly advised to read a copy of the magazine/s to which you are considering submitting your work.
Vanity Publishing
If any publisher offers to publish your work for a fee, be aware that they will probably not include any provision for the marketing or distribution of your book. If this is the case it may be more economical to consider self-publishing. For free advice on reputable and disreputable vanity publishers see Jonathon Clifford’s website at www.vanitypublishing.info
Agents
Finding an agent to submit your work can be a more effective way of approaching publishing houses but may prove as difficult as getting published in the first place. Agents have personal contacts with a range of editors in a variety of houses. They may know how best to target the submission of your work.
Check through either The Writer’s Handbook (Macmillan) and The Writers’ & Artists Yearbook to identify the agents who represent the kind of work you do. Often agents will have specified in the handbook entry what they would like you to submit. If in doubt, start by writing a brief letter, introducing yourself and giving a brief description of what you have written. Ask the agent if he/she would like to see a sample of your work. Don’t send a full manuscript until an agent asks you to do so.
SEE ALSO:
Writers Services
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| Q: How do I get my work assessed by a critical reading service? |
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| Q: How do I find out about writing courses?
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A: Firstly check the Directory on this site.
The British Council produces a fairly comprehensive listing of short courses and work shops in creative writing around the UK, see their website at www.britishcouncil.org
The Arvon Foundation run a variety of courses at their centres around the UK, see their site at www.arvonfoundation.org
Ty Newydd is the National Writers' Centre for Wales and since 1990 has attracted writers from all over the world both as tutors and course participants, see www.tynewydd.org.
Contact the writing centres to see if they run bursary schemes.
Universities and Colleges run writing courses.
Literature Development Organisations run courses and workshops for writers local to their area.
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Q: Where Do I Find Business Training and Advice?
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| Q: How do I become a writer in residence? |
A:
Arts Council, London produces a set of guidelines for writers in residence – these are mainly for organisations thinking of taking on a writer, but are useful for writers to think about as well:
www.artscouncil.org.uk
Approach the organisation you would like to work with – ensure you have a clear idea of how your residency will benefit the employees or customers of the company.
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