I want to publish my own book...?

Question

I want to publish my own book that I've been writing for the past year or so. I'm only 14, going on 15 in May. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance =]

Answer 1

First, WHY do you want to publish? If you just want to see your name in print, upload the book at Lulu.com. You will be able to tell everyone you published your book and it will satisfy your ego. But be aware that if you try to pass it off as a "real" publishing credit, people will laugh at you. People in the industry know the difference.

Now if you are seriously interested in developing your craft as a writer, then you will need to work for it. When I was 14, I thought I was brilliant. Then I got older, and read more, and studied more, and realized how much my early work sucked. Writing is a process. You don't just sit down one day and say "HEY! I'm gonna publish a book!" any more than you wake up and say "HEY! I'm gonna be a brain surgeon! Who will hire me?"

I'd recommend that you get involved in some writer forums and writing groups, where you can share your work and get HONEST criticism from other writers. Do not listen to your friends. They all WANT to love your story, and therefore will not judge it objectively. A writer's group will help you work on your craft and perfect it.

Read. A LOT. Read everything. If you want to be a good writer, you must read. If you cannot identify good writing, you will never be able to emulate it. And if you don't like reader, why would you want to be a writer? That's like someone wanting to be a surgeon but not liking the sight of blood. It makes no sense.

Start small. Get involved with your high school newspaper and yearbook. Submit short stories and poems to magazines and webzines (Writer's Digest, The Writer, and other magazines have monthly listings). Follow the submission guidelines when doing so. Get your feet wet, and learn how to handle rejection. Typically, a writer will experiences 10-20 rejection letters for every work that is accepted.

If you are too thin-skinned to handle rejection, you won't make it as a writer!

Then, once you have honed your craft, you can consider getting an agent to help you place your work with publishers. But start with baby steps, or you will be very dissappointed.

Answer 2

Only the past year? >shakes head in amusement<

My questions would be this:

Are you planning on making writing a hobby or an eventual career choice?

If it's a hobby and you just want to print your own books for the heck of it, then use a form of electronic publishing, or PDF your own books and publish them on your own specialized website.

If it's a career? Well, I wouldn't exactly get too *excited*.

At your age, no mainstream publisher would touch you with a ten-foot cattle prod. Secondly, you'll need years to develop your skills to become a great writer and an excellent storyteller.

One year isn't even close to being sufficient. You might want to try 20 years like I have. (And I've been writing since I was 14.)

Third, everyone I've come across claim to be a writer. But very few actually turn out to be good enough to later become a professionally published author.

Don't take it too personally: It's a dog-eat-dog world out there.

Answer 3

Angel:
There are many publishers out there and believe me, it is hard to find one. I spent two years and many, many manuscripts sent with only three replies to the negative. One took three years to reply? Just type in (Canadian) USA or English Literary Agency's and try some of these. If your work is excepted there are no charges to you. They will give you upfront $ and a percentage on books sold. Usually about 15%. Best selling authors can demand much, more. Good luck.
I went the self publish route. Very hard row to hoe. It worked for me only because I am retired and had time to do many book signings.
I write this mainly to warn you about the bad guys out there trying to take your money for nothing. Check (Warnings & Cautions for Writers) May save you some headaches.
Wayne Russell, The Vagabond Writer

Answer 4

I agree with what bardsandsages said. Where to publish your books depends greatly on what you want to get out of it.

Another place you can go for help and ideas is the Forward Motion website. They have lots of tools for writers, lots of people who have been published and can give advice, and forums where members can get critiques on how to improve their stories.

Answer 5

Try Lulu website