Have you ever had a short story or poetry published, either as an anthology or individual piece of work?

Question

How did you go about it? How many times did you get rejected? Did you make any money from it? Would you try to do it again?

Answer 1

yes ..go to poetry.com

Answer 2

Yes, I had a short story published.

My first short story got rejected by my very favorite author. I kept her rejection letter to remind myself that one day I would be a great writer and look back at how far I'd come.

My next story got accepted to an anthology, but I did not get any money for it. Still, they included my picture and bio, and I got a copy of the book, so it was a nice start.

Then I had a kid, started working, and had -- or made -- no time to write. That was the end of my writing career. I did get several poems published, but really, it was the end.

I still have that rejection letter, though, and it has its sentimental value. Maybe I'll start writing again some day...

Answer 3

Yes, I've had my work published. My advice is to find a really good professional editor and have your work assessed and edited and polished before submitting to any publisher. That will cost you money but if you're serious about writing, it's the best way to get an honest appraisal. Friends and family always say your work is great.

Short stories will make you $10-50 from a real magazine. Sci fi, horror and other spec fiction has the biggest market. Poetry etc is almost impossible to sell. A first novel might make you a few hundred to a few thousand, depending on how many copies sell. Don't give up your day job!

I submitted my first novel to 29 publishers and agents before being accepted by a big house. After that it became easier.

If you'd like the name of my editor, I can send you her details. She is excellent and reasonably priced (I don't get any benefit by recommending her).

Answer 4

Yes, many times. No, you won't make money out of it. It's just for fun and, if I'm honest, for some kind of external validation. It's no good having your mother tell you that it's good work but, if somebody who doesn't care if you live or die runs it, that kinda proves something. I stopped for a bit so I could work on a novel and that's been rejected ten lovely times. Should I stop now? The thing is, it gets addictive, like a gambler pulling the handle on the slot machine. You forget the times you lose and only remember the one time when all the bells ring.

Answer 5

I am published in anthologies 11 times. Found the company in a national newspaper they were advertising. Rejected a few times. No I didn't make any money from it. No wouldn't do it again.

Answer 6

My first short story published was accepted by the first magazine I sent it to, although it took them more than a year to print it after it was accepted. I made no money from this, but I was 16 at the time, and just getting something in print was enough for me.

Answer 7

Buy The Writer's Handbook available from Ottakars. It lists UK Publishers, has advice on writing for TV and Film, Poetry presses, magazines, lists useful websites, and competitions, is a damn good reference guide. It comes out every year.

Good Luck.
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Answer 8

Yes,30 books in my mother tongue-Oriya(Indian),Not rejected even once and earned some money.Shall keep writing till I am acceptable.There was hesitation in sending my first book to publisher but it was well received and I have not looked back there after.

Answer 9

Yes. I also had a bound book given to me. I entered a few competitions, but made sure they were the free ones.

Answer 10

Yes. Twice in 1984. I have never submitted anything since.

Answer 11

ive had a poem published in the peoples friend magazine. not he same as a book but i was so excited when they did it