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So, you want to get yourself published ?

Never actually got a book published yet, though there are a few articles, puzzles, pictures and puzzles out there with my name under them mind. All I can say is this, if you want to get published and be a writer, don't, you are rubbish!

Still? Good, there's your first rule. If you aren't thick skinned, they will eat you alive and spit you out.

It's decades since I was serious about being a writer and there were times when I worried about deforestation from all the rejection notes I recieved. OK, maybe not a forest, but they numbered well into the hundreds. This wasn't because I was rubbish, or even mediocre, this is normal. It's all about finding what works for you. Yes, maybe you got published first time, but people have been known to win the lottery with their first ticket too, and getting chosen is very much a lottery.

There are many, far, far better sites dedicated to this than my few notes, but here's my tuppence worth.

OK, this assumes you have got all the basics down, but let's make sure.

• Spelling and grammar checked
  
  
• Literal errors checked
  
  
• Clean, tidy, organised print-outs and presentation
  Coffee stains on the cover or scribbled on the back of an envelope doesn't really work!
  
  
• Full contact details - yours
  
  
• Full contact details - there's.
  If you can't make the effect to get a contact name, why should they bother?
  
  
• Stamped, self addressed envolopes for any returns, replies
  
  
• You have research your material and your target audience
  
  

OK, what can I expect ?

Every tried speculatively sending out resumes for a job?  Well, this is worse!

Unless you get lucky, you will be ignored. Yes, this is rude and maybe things have changed over the years, but publishers are very busy and unless your work stands out from the rest AND arrives at the opportune time, it will at best get sidelined:

• It is highly likely you won't even get an acknowledgement, even if you go to the trouble and cost of including return postage.
  
  
• There is also a small, but very real chance (depending where you send it) that they will not only ignore you but will actually steal your ideas or work and pass it off as there own.
  
  
• If you do get a response, depending on the reviewer, expect:
  
  • A very high probability is will be returned unread.
    
    
  • A chance you will get constructive advice and or criticism - value these like gold!
    
    
  • A small chance they will be returned with a rude, frankly abusive letter.
    That says far more about the editor than your work, so just ignore them for the bullies they are - there are some very arrogant people in publishing.

And yes, all the above have happened to me, and to others I know. If you can't handle rejection, don't even try.

All I can say if don't give up the day job, but if you believe in yourself, never give up either.

Recommended Books on the Craft of Writing

The details below are copied here for convenience. The current listing can can be found here at: Wizards of the Coast

Are you interested in reading about writing?
Do you need something to get you going in the right direction?
Check out these titles, which are recommended by the (WoTC) Book Publishing Department.
They're excellent resources for the aspiring author!

Beginnings, Middles & Ends (Elements of Fiction Writing)
by Nancy Kress
Writers Digest Books; ISBN: 0898799058

Characters and Viewpoint (Elements of Fiction Writing)
by Orson Scott Card
Writer's Digest Books; ISBN: 0898799279

Dynamic Characters: How to Create Personalities That Keep Readers Captivated
by Nancy Kress
Writers Digest Books; ISBN: 0898798159

The Elements of Style
by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White, Roger Angell
Allyn & Bacon; ISBN: 020530902X

How to Write a Damn Good Novel
by James N. Frey
St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 0312010443

How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II: Advanced Techniques for Dramatic Storytelling
by James N. Frey
St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 0312104782

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King
Pocket Books; ISBN: 0671024256

On Writing Science Fiction: The Editors Strike Back
by George H. Scithers, Isaac Asimov, Darrell Schweitzer
Wildside Press; ISBN: 1880448785

The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: (And How to Avoid Them)
by Jack M. Bickham
Writers Digest Books; ISBN: 0898798213

Worlds of Wonder: How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
by David Gerrold
Writers Digest Books; ISBN: 1582970076

Here's the Wizards of the Coast writers resources page