The Beginner's Guide to Getting Published 6th Edition

The writers who get their work published are not necessarily the most brilliant. They are writers who provide what editors and publishers want. Being a successful writer means balancing your individuality and enthusiasm with your writing and selling skills. It means: adopting a professional attitude from the start; writing as well as you can in your chosen field; giving editors what they want, not what you think they should want; presenting your work as editors like to see it; and, developing a mutually profitable relationship with a publisher.The world of publishing is volatile and highly competitive so you'll need a guide to show you how to give yourself the best chance of success. If you follow the advice in this book you'll save yourself a lot of time, money and frustration. Now in its 6th edition, this book has been thoroughly revised and updated to include: the absolute need to be computer-literate - the chances of success are limited these days for any writer without internet/e-mail access and the skills to use it; the advantages to the self-publisher offered by print-on-demand technology; specific advice for beginners from established writers; updated information on how the world of publishing works,and how and why material is selected for publication; and, the importance of websites, blogging, pod-casting and other digital information.

Contents: List of illustrations; Preface to the sixth edition; 1. Getting started; 2. The Internet; 3. Understanding Rights and Contracts; 4. Keeping records; 5. Preparing Your Work for Submission; 6. Submitting Your Work to the Market; 7. Writing for Magazines and Newspapers; 8. Writing and Selling Short Stories; 9. Writing and Selling Your First Novel; 10. Writing and Selling Non-Fiction Books; 11. Writing for Children and Teenagers; 12. Writing Poetry. Song Lyrics and Greeting Cards; 13. Writing for Radio, Screen and Stage; 14. Self-Financed Publishing; 15. Writing for Competitions; Glossary; Recommended Reading; Associations Open to Unpublished Writers; Other Useful Addresses; Index.