I have a question…how do authors get discovered? I know many submit their works to publishing agencies but I know that’s hard, so is there really any other way? Or do people just get lucky? What are some good ways to get discovered?
The only way to be discovered as a writer is to write and submit your work, there is no easy way, writing is one of the hardest industries to have a sucessful career in. There is no easy way. Write a book, submit it, write a book, submit it, but the chances of getting published are slim even if it is good.
if you want to be a writer, then write, there is no short cut. x
Adan Eaton Said:
They must submit their work for publication, and if rejected, resubmit until a perceptive editor convinces a publisher
to take on a new writer. Sometimes (very rarely now) a new writer will be discovered in the “slush” pile, the place where unsolicited manuscripts go. Other than that, it takes hard work and perseverance to get discovered.
Dominick Westwood Said:
There is no set method for an author to breakthrough the clutter and get discovered. The 2007 edition of “Writer’s Market” (this should be on your desk if you are serious about becoming an author) has a few great suggestions. Some of the better tips include:
*Attend as many literary events in your area as possible — this helps you get to know the people in your surrounding community that are involved in the world of writers and books.
*Write for magazines. This helps you tune the craft of writing, gives you exposure to working with editors and gives you something to shop around to perspective agents.
*Enter writing contests — as many as you can! Again, this helps you fine tune your writing, gets you exposure and even placing second or third (though winning is nice) gets your name in play.
*Research the area and topic you want to write about — as extensively as possible. Say if you want to write about the life of a peasant under Mao in China, read everything Amy Tan has written and as many historical books about that era you can get your hands on.
There is still a great deal of “luck” in play here. Finding an agent will be significantly beneficial. Sadly, it has reached a point that many publishers won’t even talk with you unless you have an agent.
The only way to be discovered as a writer is to write and submit your work, there is no easy way, writing is one of the hardest industries to have a sucessful career in. There is no easy way. Write a book, submit it, write a book, submit it, but the chances of getting published are slim even if it is good.
if you want to be a writer, then write, there is no short cut. x
They must submit their work for publication, and if rejected, resubmit until a perceptive editor convinces a publisher
to take on a new writer. Sometimes (very rarely now) a new writer will be discovered in the “slush” pile, the place where unsolicited manuscripts go. Other than that, it takes hard work and perseverance to get discovered.
There is no set method for an author to breakthrough the clutter and get discovered. The 2007 edition of “Writer’s Market” (this should be on your desk if you are serious about becoming an author) has a few great suggestions. Some of the better tips include:
*Attend as many literary events in your area as possible — this helps you get to know the people in your surrounding community that are involved in the world of writers and books.
*Write for magazines. This helps you tune the craft of writing, gives you exposure to working with editors and gives you something to shop around to perspective agents.
*Enter writing contests — as many as you can! Again, this helps you fine tune your writing, gets you exposure and even placing second or third (though winning is nice) gets your name in play.
*Research the area and topic you want to write about — as extensively as possible. Say if you want to write about the life of a peasant under Mao in China, read everything Amy Tan has written and as many historical books about that era you can get your hands on.
There is still a great deal of “luck” in play here. Finding an agent will be significantly beneficial. Sadly, it has reached a point that many publishers won’t even talk with you unless you have an agent.
Good luck!
Luck and flaw.