Trying to Get Published?

  Maybe you're like most writers and have some short stories,  a completed manuscript, play or poetry and you want to get it out into the world. Some of the good advice I've received so far is simple and I'm happy to share it!

1. Send a query letter BEFORE you send a complete project. A query letter is a short introduction to your story to ask if the publisher is interested in taking a look at the complete project. (We'll speak more of this at another time,)

2. Address the query to a particular person. No one wants to receive a query addressed to "Dear Sir or Madam". Do your due diligence in finding out who the right person is.

3. If the publisher has an 800 number, don't use it. Call directly. Most 800 numbers are for subscription information only.

4. Be brief. One page will do.

5. Don't brag. Just offer up the product and ask if they'd be interested.

These are just a few of hundreds of good tips for your first journey into the publishing world. Try taking a poem or short story or even a good blog you've written and then go to your favorite bookstore and look at magazines that might fit the type of story you have. Most magazines publish stories from 300 to 2500 words. Find your fit. Look for the editor of the magazine, then try to pitch it in one page to the editor.

You might even surprise yourself by getting published!