How to Get Published

If you want to become a writer, all you have to do is write. If you want to become a PUBLISHED writer, then you'll need drive and dedication to get your piece accepted for that cherished first publication. All unpublished writers face the same catch-22: it's difficult to get published if you haven't been published before. But, every published writer was once an unpublished writer; they just took the steps necessary to get published. One year ago, I hadn't yet been published. I now write two to three pieces per month for a national publication. Much of the work I do comes easy now, but I slogged through the trenches for over two years before my writing was first published. I challenge anyone with decent writing ability to follow the steps presented herein and NOT get published. . If you have a desire and willingness to write, and the skills to back it up, count yourself among the lucky few. My best advice is to have faith in yourself, and enjoy the process

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Copy of Strunk and White's Elements of Style
• Determination
• Ability to Accept Rejection
• Desire to Learn From Mistakes
• Writing Ability
• Interest in a Particular Subject
• Copy of Writer's Market
• Computer With Internet and MS Word
• E-mail

1. Get a copy of Strunk and White's Elements of Style. It is a wonderfully short book dedicated to helping writers produce their best work possible. You can find it at Barnes and Noble in the reference section.
2. Get a copy of Writer's Market. It contains volumes of information useful to a new writer. From editorial contact information to fees and advice, the book is a treasure trove. It's also an excellent way to come up with new ideas of content you may never have thought of before. Don't even think of sending a query yet!
3. Figure out what it is you're interested in. That's usually what you want to begin writing about. If you have favorite magazines, write articles you think would fit within the theme of those magazines. Pay attention to the style of writing in the magazine; that's what the editor wants to see.
4. When you've written a few articles, step away from them for a few days. Revisit them to see if you like how they read. Let your family and friends read them. Tell them to be honest; an editor will ignore you if they don't like your writing. If you're happy with them, then it's time to start getting the word out.
5. Consult your copy of Writer's Market in order to obtain the contact information for the editors you are interested in contacting. If Writer's Market doesn't have the information, you can find it online or in a copy of the magazine itself. DO NOT e-mail a query or finished article to a magazine that requires you to mail your materials the old fashioned way.
6. With contact information in hand, write an e-mail to the editor. Your subject should be Article Query, and you need to address the editor by name. This shows you have done your research, and garners their immediate respect.
7. The body of your e-mail should be short and to the point. Time is not a luxury many editors have. Just say: I've written an article about such and such, and have attached it in Word format for your consideration. I appreciate your time.
   
   Sincerely,
   So and So
8. **MAKE SURE TO** Put your full name and contact information under the title of EVERY article. Editors print your Word files, and your e-mail can disappear. This may be the only way to contact you.
9. Keep sending out your articles. Don't say you've sent it to another publication. Never think you are going to make them worry they'll lose your piece through competition; there are plenty of stories to chose from. Be kind, and expect to hear that they appreciate your piece but have decided not to publish it. Revise, Re-Write, Recycle, Re-Send!
10. Keep moving forward, keep writing, and keep sending your pieces out. You may not receive a rejection from some magazines for up to three months, if at all. Eventually one day, long after you've forgotten you've sent your piece, you'll receive an e-mail asking to publish your work. That's a great day!

Tips & Warnings

• Always be kind; rejection sting, but every writer gets rejected
• Never burn your bridges
• Keep an open mind
• Stay creative
• Do your research
• Expect two years or more before you get accepted for first publication
• Watch out for posts on message boards looking for freelance writers: Some are legitimate, but many aren't worth your time.
• Nothing comes easy. Work-at-home writing positions are mostly figments of the gullible imagination.
• If you aren't having to bust your rear end to get published, then you aren't working hard enough.