The Mad Hatter ~I'd rather have my kingdom fall than lose you to hatred's call~
asked
K.M. Randall:
How did you first get a book published? What did you have to go through to get where you are now? Any advice for curious strangers who want to get some of their work published, but lack confidence in their work?
K.M. Randall
Hi Dominique!
While I freelance write and edit for a living, It took me a long time to write my first book. But towards when I was getting close to finishing it, I started to research all that went into getting a book published. What's wonderful today is there are so many different options. While trying to get your book into a traditional publishing house can seem daunting to a first-time author, there's also the chance to submit to a number of small, indie presses as well as the option to self-publish. I was lucky to find and be accepted by Booktrope, a small but growing press with a unique business model that I found appealing. Another great option is Wattpad. I know authors who got their starts on Wattpad by sharing their stories for free and amassed followings that launched careers.
My advice to writers is to get on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc., connect with other writers, and do your homework on getting published. For smaller works, there are a number of literary magazines that appeal to different genres and audiences that look for submissions. A lot of writers I've come across started off publishing small works of fiction in magazines. One of the most important things you can do is create a platform for yourself by blogging. Start to share your work there, and bam, you've published your own work instantly online.
We all suffer from a lack of confidence at some point, but it's something we have to struggle through if we want to follow our passion. People are going to be mean at times, but that's the way it is with art. I think Kristen Wiig puts it eloquently: "If you're creating anything at all, it's really dangerous to care about what people think."
Pursue the craft you love, hone it, and don't balk at advice from editors and other writers. We're all here to help.
I hope that helps. Thanks for your questions! :)
Always keep dreaming,
K.M.
While I freelance write and edit for a living, It took me a long time to write my first book. But towards when I was getting close to finishing it, I started to research all that went into getting a book published. What's wonderful today is there are so many different options. While trying to get your book into a traditional publishing house can seem daunting to a first-time author, there's also the chance to submit to a number of small, indie presses as well as the option to self-publish. I was lucky to find and be accepted by Booktrope, a small but growing press with a unique business model that I found appealing. Another great option is Wattpad. I know authors who got their starts on Wattpad by sharing their stories for free and amassed followings that launched careers.
My advice to writers is to get on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc., connect with other writers, and do your homework on getting published. For smaller works, there are a number of literary magazines that appeal to different genres and audiences that look for submissions. A lot of writers I've come across started off publishing small works of fiction in magazines. One of the most important things you can do is create a platform for yourself by blogging. Start to share your work there, and bam, you've published your own work instantly online.
We all suffer from a lack of confidence at some point, but it's something we have to struggle through if we want to follow our passion. People are going to be mean at times, but that's the way it is with art. I think Kristen Wiig puts it eloquently: "If you're creating anything at all, it's really dangerous to care about what people think."
Pursue the craft you love, hone it, and don't balk at advice from editors and other writers. We're all here to help.
I hope that helps. Thanks for your questions! :)
Always keep dreaming,
K.M.
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