I want to be a writer. But I'm poor, and can't afford the money to be published. Is there any other way?

Question

I'm on Disability, government paid program for people who can't medically work. I want to become a writer, publish my poetry and songs. How would I go about doing that?

Answer 1

Keep writing and submitting your work to appropriate publications. "Writers Markets" can be found in any good library. It doesn't cost to be published, but it's not easy. Your costs would be in postage and supplies and that's nominal.

Answer 2

First of all, write!

You can publish your own stuff on the internet on something like Lulu http://www.lulu.com/uk (there are others but this is one I know to be good).

You will have to do the marketing yourself - by word of mouth, with a website or whatever but BE ETHICAL! There are plenty of ways, if you look for them, you need to think of what will make people want to buy your stuff, what kind of people ... that sort of thing. Then put your name out in the right places. No spam, though!

Don't be tempted by places which ask you to pay up front to publish your work. You will usually end up worse off and with 500 copies of a book you can't get rid of!

Naturally, I read your question as being about publishing poetry &c, but very few people make a living out of their poetry unless they can perform it themselves.

By all means write and write and write about all the things that are burning issues in your life. Write, however, to inform people not to complain about your situation (not that I suggest that you do). There is always someone who is a rung below us who will value our experience and that is something saleable to local papers, magazines and so on.

Once you start thinking on the lines of 'what have I got to give?' all sorts of doors open for you.

Answer 3

Start small. write for the local paper. write on subjects you know well,like being poor, being on disability, on government programs. write about what you know. Don't shoot for the great american novel.

Answer 4

Hello. - Link:

http://www.celebratelove.com/judycullins14.htm

Good to Luck to you & Have a nice weekend! :)

Answer 5

check out this website:

www.songwritersguild.com