What's the first step to getting a story published?

Question

I've written alot of stories, and I'd like to know what steps I should take to get them published.

Answer 1

I self-published my children's book and sold copies online at eBay. I also donated some books to a local school district and read the story to several classes as well. If you try to go mainstream, you'll really need a writer's agent... just be careful about what you sign, because there are shady contracts out there. I had one agent want me to sign away all my rights to my present work and any future works! Needless to say, he was history and I wouldn't sign with him. You about need a connection to get published nowadays, but you could try writing letters to publishers (books are available at the library as to what publishers prefer what kinds of stories, etc.). If you want to get noticed, perhaps your local newspaper might publish one of your stories... realize that you probably won't get paid, but be sure you indicate that you still have the copyright. Then you can use that published story as a marketing tool... make a copy of it from the newspaper and send it along with your letter of inquiry. It just might get you noticed.

Answer 2

I agree with beejee, King's On Writing is must for writers. While you're at the bookstore, pick up a copy of The Writer's Market which will direct you to magazines and other publishers and how to best submit your work. Magazines have hoops you have to jump through before they'll even read your work, so make sure to get that book or another like it.

Answer 3

If you find out let me know. Ive written several stories and would like to get them published.

Answer 4

Publishing includes filling out a particular sort this is approximately having permision and issues like money after which you deliver a replica (manscript) of the e book. it ought to take months yet an editor exams it out and sees if it nicely worth advertising or publishing. They touch you and communicate out greater arrangments

Answer 5

Oh, you've already done Step #1 - writing it?
Then Send it to one publisher at a time. Meanwhile read Stephen King's book about himself and writing

Answer 6

Try publishing online for free to get some peer review -
lots of websites out there.

Answer 7

1. Lots and lots of editing and revising.

2. Lots and lots of research into publishing.

3. Lots and lots of PATIENCE. Getting published takes YEARS. It no longer happens overnight.

4. And lastly, finding where your niche is.

Answer 8

Try to find an agent, but now it seems like that's hard to do because the agents now wants authors with some type of representation. It's getting so crazy.

Answer 9

First read them out loud, to you and to your friends. See what they think. And have them read them, too. Then send them to an editorial service. Do what the editorial service editor says, and start submitting or have the editorial service do it as your agent. But remember, you have to include SASEs.