Things You'll Need:
- Paper
- Pencil, pens
- Computer with word processing program.
- Reference books such as a thesarus, dictionary or Bible.
- Writing Guidelines from Christian Publishers
- A little imagination and a lot of initiative!
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Step 1
Research various publishers that accept the kind of writing you are submitting. For Christian poetry consider a publisher like Utmost Christian Writers or Guideposts magazine. (See links below). Also Word Clay, although not a Christian publishing company, does offer resources for do-it-yourself publishers. Utmost Christian Writers has options both for selling your work, and for self-publishing (which means you pay to get it published rather than the publisher paying you). Word Clay has a free tool for helping you turn your manuscript into a published work, then you can choose to purchase the book from them, to pay for an ISBN number, or to publish with someone else. Whatever you decide you retain the rights to your work. Word Clay has an extensive FAQ page that explains how their service works. Guideposts is a well known Christian publisher of Guideposts Magazine and devotional books.
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Step 2
Carefully read the Writer's Guidelines for whatever publisher you choose to submit your work to. For your work to be considered for publication, you must follow the required guidelines! This is true regardless of whether you are selling your work to a publisher or self-publishing.
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Step 3
When the muse strikes, begin writing! If you already have pieces ready to publish, just review the writer's guidelines for your chosen publisher, and if necessary tweak or re-format your work to meet the requirements. Edit your work carefully. Consider asking a friend or colleague whom you respect to proof read your final manuscript before submission.
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Step 4
Submit your work to your chosen publisher in the format specified via either snail-mail or e-mail. If you are self-publishing, the agency you use will let you approve the finished product before printing or distribution. If self-publishing, do plan to do some research to compare agencies as prices for publishing and services offered vary widely from publisher to publisher. Services offered by various do-it-yourself publishers vary from help with book design cover, to help with obtaining a copyright or ISBN number and actual printing, distribution and sales.
Comments
Butterfli said
on 12/14/2008 Excellent ideas! Thanks! 5*
sandhillkar said
on 11/30/2008 Thank you for the links and ideas! I am adding to my favorites!
TeacherKelly said
on 11/23/2008 Very informative, Thanks.