How do I publish my writings?

Question

Ive been writing stories for a while, as have a couple freinds of mine. I wanna get a copywrite for mine and begin publishing them. Whats the best way I can go about preforming these tasks?

Answer 1

It seems like at least two people ask this question every day. This is a good question, but the answer is the same for you as for everybody else; check to make sure somebody hasn't already given a strong answer to your questions before you post a new one.

If you are interested in copyright, go to the U.S. Copyright Office at http://www.copyright.gov/ for information. You can register any number of works for a single flat fee as long as they can all fit into a single binder. But under current law your work is copyrighted as soon as it is set in writing. If you feel the need to put a copyright notice on your manuscripts editors will think it amateurish and may wing your work back to you unread.

As for publishing, the first thing you need to do is make sure your work is perfect. Not just "good enough," but PERFECT. Publishing is a highly competetive world, and if your work is the slightest bit wobbly you are on the short end and you're out of work. Get feedback from trusted parties (NOT your family, friends, or teachers) and work your manuscript over until it gleams in the sunlight like a ruby.

Then go pick up a copy of the Writers Market. You can purchase a copy if you want, though most libraries have copies in the reference section. Compare and contrast possible markets. check websites. If you can read a copy of a magazine you're looking at or read a book by a publisher that interests you, so much the better.

The most important thing to know when you're starting out as a writer is that writing is work. The only way you'll enjoy even modest success as a writer is to treat your writing as seriously as a job. Put in at least six hours a day in the writing and peddling. Writing is very rewarding (I just got my first handshake from a fan, and my shoes haven't touched the ground yet) but it is also very very hard work and you will sweat a lot before you get your first reward.

Answer 2

copyrighting is simple. You just submit the work, pay your $45 (at least that's what it costs to register a song), and you're done.

There's also "implied copyright" that states if you wrote the work you automatically have a copyright on it. Registering your copyright makes sure that it's on the Library of Congress list.

ok - that's the copyright rant.

Now, publishing your writings. I have a tough question for you - are you any good? Really? Have you read a ton of literary magazines, books, fiction, non-fiction, etc., so that you know what good writing is?

There are MILLIONS of people that want to be published writers. A lot of them are VERY VERY GOOD. The problem is that there is such a glut of writing, and with the internet killing bookstores the market just isn't the same as it used to be.

You can publish on the internet but you generally won't get much "street cred" if you go that route. Publication in a magazine or story collection is much more of a perk than a story published on and internet site.

Read the book "On Writing" by Stephen King. He does a good job of deflating your balloon about the dream of writing. Writing is frigging hard, long hours, much failure and frustration, and a bunch of other things. So you really need to ask yourself how much work you are willing to do.

There are some on-line critiquing sites, but the nature of the crits is kinda dubious (sp?).

Good luck - writing rocks.

FP

Answer 3

There are two types of publishing: Tradition and Self-Publishing. You will first need to decide which of these methods you want to pursue. Each has advantages and disadvantages that need to be researched. For instance, traditional publishing can be a very long road, littered with MANY rejections. Self-publishing will guarantee you a printed copy of your book, however you will not see it in a brick-and-mortar bookstore.

http://www.lulu.com is, in my opinion, the best self-publisher around. You can set up your book on their website, for free, and they will print copies as they are purchased. They do not edit your book, so you will need to take care of that on your own. This will also NOT get your book in a traditional bookstore, although you can purchase a very affordable package that would allow sale of your book through online bookstores like Amazon.

"Writer's Market", along with "The Guide to Literary Agents" are my two suggestions for diving into the traditional publishing market. I suggest looking for an agent first because they are the best step through the publishing door. You will create a submission package that matches the agents preferences (some, for instance, just want a query letter and summary in your first contact with them while others want more). Once you find an agent that is willing to represent you, they will market your book to publishers. Remember, in traditional publishing you should not be paying for anything! They get paid when you get paid!

Answer 4

Go down to your local book store and purchase a current (2007) copy of "Writers Market" it gives you a huge number of places where you can sell your stuff, tells you what each place is looking for (short stories, novels, poetry, etc), what they pay, any tips for getting your stuff looked out by that particular publisher, etc. It also has articles on the submission process, copyright information, international rights, etc. For anyone who wants to break into the market, it's an invaluable resource.

Answer 5

Buy the Writer's Market. It works. Also, I have a feeling you won't get many stories published. You need to learn to write.

Answer 6

Are you a freelance author who would like to discover much more about how to earn fantastic money undertaking what you take pleasure in? If you want to advance your writing job