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Step 1
Use your life experience.The most important advantage you have in writing your book is more life experience. You've met more people, experienced more joy and tragedy, and learned more about yourself. In other words, you have a deeper well of knowledge to mine for character development. Think back on all the wild personalities you've encountered and see if any facets of these real people can be used to add spice to your characters.
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Step 2
Write a fantastic book.Regardless of your age, there is no faster way to get published than writing an outstanding book. The plot must be well crafted and executed, characters must be sharply written and engaging, and your voice must be clear and unique. Get input from other writers and people who love reading before submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher. You might want to join a writer's group or get feedbackl online or face-to-face through a local college or library. Be ready to take constructive criticism in a professional manner -- these readers are a valuable resource you can tap to make your writing really shine.
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Step 3
Polish the prose.A first draft is never, ever ready to send out. Most writers require at least three drafts of a novel before it is ready to submit for publication. (The writers who don't need three need five, 10 or more.) Scour the manuscript for unneeded adjectives or "purple prose" -- areas where you've fallen in love with your own words but which do nothing to further the plot or character development. Make sure your dialogue is crisp and clear by reading it out loud and looking closely at any places where you stumble. You may want to enlist the help of two or three trusted writer friends to read through your book and take notes, but avoid paying someone for this service. It is too difficult to tell a legitimate freelance editor from a scam artist. Stick with people you know personally and never pay a dime to have your book critiqued.
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Step 4
Improve your internet and email skills.The Internet has made searching for and approaching agents and publishers easier than ever. Many agents and publishers are moving (or have already moved) to electronic-only submissions. Remember that an email query should be just as professional as a snail-mail query. The internet is also home to many blogs written by agents and editors, and reading them frequently can help you get a leg up on how the business works, what type of material is being published today and how to put your best foot forward. A simple search for "literary agent blog" will give you a wealth of information to mine for tips.
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Step 5
Follow the rules.Your age and experience do not give you the freedom to bend or break the rules of publishing. When submitting your book to an agent or publisher, be sure you know exactly what they are looking for. Is the book in a genre they handle? Do they want books submitted electronically or via U.S. mail? Do they want sample chapters or only a query letter? What is the specific editor or agent's name to whom you are sending the manuscript? Know the answers to these questions by using the Literary Marketplace (available at your library) or by searching www.agentquery.com. Following all instructions precisely will improve your chances of publication.
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Step 6
Be professional with all ages.Chances are good your agent, editor and other folks who shepherd your book along to publication will be much younger than you. If you are unfamiliar with the publishing world, it is in your best interest to listen carefully and take seriously any suggestions or recommendations made to you by editors and agents. You've been "around the block" more times than many people you'll be working with, but treat the professionals with the courtesy and respect you would expect from your own employees. They know the business and have your best interests in mind.
