How would I go about publishing a book at my age?

Question

I'm a teenager and I've been writing since I was in the 2nd grade. In the 7th grade, I wrote a book called A Beautiful Disaster about a 17 year old who got pregnant by her boyfriends step brother. It was 10 chapters long and my friends at school loved it. Now, I'm rewritting it plus I'm posting it on fictionpress. Writing has always been my passion (I write fanfiction also) and I was wondering if I should search for a literary agent now that I'm getting serious about being an author.

I've written short stories, drabbles, poems, songs and one shots. I also wrote a "book" about a teacher/student student affair from a male teacher's POV and another one (different format and characters) in a female students POV in diary from (on fictionpress).

Answer 1

Here's a site with a list of publishing opportunities for teens that includes: Essay Writing, Fiction Writing, Journalism, and Poetry Writing. -http://teenink.com/Resources/PublishingR.html

This is Amelia Atwater-Rhodes' site. She got her first publishing contract when she was in eighth grade. (some inspiration for you)
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/atwaterrhodes/home.htm

Many publishing houses don't take manuscripts directly from the author. From the looks of your question, you already know this. Here are "Seven Essential Points on Literary Agents":
http://www.book-editing.com/nagle1.htm

For your introduction to a literary agent, you will need to send a query, synopsis, and most likely the first three chapters. These need to be professional and polished:
-To learn the art of the query letter. Here's some help for that:
http://ga.essortment.com/howtowritequ_rrxu.htm

-Here are tips for writing a synopsis:
http://www.fictionwriters.com/tips-synopsis.html

Here is a link to a list of literary agents, but it's alphabetical, not by genre - but this is from a reputable group that looks out for a writer's best interest:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm

A good idea for looking for an agent is to read books similar to the ones you want to publish. See if there's any way you can find out who their agent was. It's best to know who else the agent has represented, especially when querying. It lets them know you've done your research.

Finally, if you want to read some books about teens getting published, here's a link to two at amazon.com:
"A Teen's Guide to Getting Published"
http://www.amazon.com/Teens-Guide-Getting-Published-Recognition/dp/1593631820/sr=8-1/qid=1170480871/ref=sr_1_1/002-5831389-5833650?ie=UTF8&s=books

"The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published"
http://www.amazon.com/Young-Writers-Guide-Getting-Published/dp/1582970572/ref=pd_sim_b_1/002-5831389-5833650

Answer 2

1. Write your heart out.
2. Join any local writing groups. Find them.
3. I know a couple people who got published through their association with their college professors. Networking is king regarding the concept of "getting published." Aim for connections and getting "agented."

And get a practical trade to help you through in case you're not an instant hit. Or end up with kids.

You've got confidence and the voice --- I can see it in your question. Best wishes and hopes for you.

Answer 3

If you have you're parents permission you can submit it to a literary agent. They'll look it over and help you.

Answer 4

it's not about age. Just try to find the right agent and the right market.

Answer 5

You have to be 21 to enter into a contract.Ask your parents.

Answer 6

I'm younger than you and I'm planning on publishing one myself!