I cant seem to find anything that will help me get a job that leads to writting my own books. what should i do

Question

I have tried everything and looked everywhere, but I can't seem to get any of my books/ novels published or become a legal author without making myself go broke, and spending thousands of dollars!!! What should i do?

Answer 1

Many authors have to juggle two jobs until their books take off (or get married and have the spouse support them). So I'd suggest finding another job that lets you have time to write. Also, posting on a place like fictionpress.com will give you feedback if you have tried submitting books for publication and been turned down.

I don't know your age or anything but if you have not yet gone to college, getting a degree in journalism or english and using that to help support you might be worthwhile.

Good luck.

Answer 2

The competition for writers--"new authors"-- is immense. Are your books marketable. The bottom line is, can you convince an agent or book publisher that he or she can make money off of selling you?

As for finding a job that will support your writing. Scheduling and lifestyle is the thing. I wrote a novel last year and I'm finishing up one now. Each took about 9 months, like a baby. As yet unpublished. I write before and after (and sometimes during) my full time job as a technical writer and journal editor. How did I become technical writer/jrnl editor. I worked my way up from being someone's assistant in a publishing company. It took a quarter of a century. But working in publishing, which is a broad field, will not necessarily get you published. Honing your skill, perseverence, and writing for a market (if that is what you REALLY want to do) MIGHT help you along.

Answer 3

I really don't understand your question, could you clarify it please?

Have you written any books yet? Have you tried querying agents? How many publishers have you queried? Why are you looking at self-publishers that require you to spend money? Do you have a stable day job? Do you understand that less than 5% of writers make a full time living with writing alone?

What kind of job do you think you need that "leads to writing [your] own books"? You MUST have books written and edited to the best of your ability before you seek publication. The fact that you misspelled "writing" signifies to me that you don't know how to proofread. No job leads you to write books (unless you have entertaining coworkers to provide fodder). You just have to sit down and WRITE. There are no shortcuts, there are no easy ways, and you will have to work hard.

There are two types of publishing, traditional and self-publishing. If you choose to go with self-pubbing, I would recommend http://www.lulu.com as a great site. They don't pretend to be anything they are not, and have excellent service. All the decisions will be in your hands. However, going with a company like this is a difficult road and it is not considered a publishing credential if you look to go traditional down the road. Here is some other information about the downside of self-publishers (also known as vanity presses):
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/vanitypublishers.html

As far as novels go, different publishers specialize in different things, and fiction is a broad world. You have to try and sell your material to companies that produce similar works (ie, don't try and sell a fantasy novel to a romance publisher). So do your homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer's Market"... or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".

I absolutely suggest getting an agent instead of approaching publishers directly. I'm assuming you are not a contract attorney, so you will need someone to look over any offers and to guide you through the publishing world.

No publisher or agent should charge you any money up front! That is the sign of a scam! They make money by selling your book. Agents work on a commission (generally 15% of the amount of money the publishers pay you).

Make sure that you follow their exact submission specifications. You can't send them your book, but you should be sending them a query letter (Nicholas Sparks has a good example on his website). Don't copyright your book first, it looks amateur and would cause them trouble down the line when you do the revisions they ask for.

New writers will never have all the publicity taken care of. Publishers will do some, but you will have to have a web presence and do book signings, among other things. No one is going to push your book if you don't push it yourself!

Here are some websites that can help. Read them thoroughly and research, research, research! Pay special attention to Miss Snark, because her archives can answer any question you ever have about publishing:
http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Index.html
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.agentquery.com
http://www.misssnark.blogspot.com

And be warned of the people on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

Good luck!

Answer 4

I won't judge you on your spelling and grammar because you may have been rushed to post this question. You do need to develop the habit of using the spell checker, even on rough drafts.

You won't get published overnight. That's a given. You also won't become rich. If that, more than wanting to successfully express yourself, is your motive, then you need to write as a hobby. Writing takes practice. Start small--ask your local newspaper if you can submit book reviews on a regular basis or do a column on something you specialize in (women biking groups) or maybe a humorous column. You might become an intern and work your way up to reporter. There are a lot of reporters who have published fiction and non-fiction.

Answers4u had good advice. My Community College offers semester-long classes as well as weekend ones in creative writing. If that or a 4-yr school is not feasible, try a reputable online writing course like the one Writers Digest offers.

I was intrigued by the kind of job you wanted. The best thing I ever did for my writing was work in libraries. A job at the Circulation Desk at the public library showed me what the general public was reading. Elementary and high school libraries gave me an appreciation for their literature, but I learned it wasn't what I wanted to write. The best job was at a college where I had to help students and professors with their research. I learned to use the traditional reference books as well as online searches and microfilm and microfiche. Instead of linear thinking you develop a free association type that can lead you to unexpected directions. Also, as a staff member I could take classes for free. I was able to show my work to other students and to professors.

Reference librarians are a writer's best friend. Even if you don't work in a library develop a relationship with them. You may be overwhelmed with the help they can give you. And the best part is they want you to succeed.

You'll need discipline and perseverence. Don't give up. When you get rejection letters don't be discouraged. Realize it means someone read it. It might not have been right for that publication or publisher at that time. Sometimes you'll get feedback from the editor which you need to take to heart. They're trying to help, not stab you in the back. Know your markets and when you're ready--completely ready--try to find a good agent. Good luck. Oh, and check out the Resolved Questions section on Books and Authors. Many of your other questions will be already asked and answered.

Answer 5

Getting published is a difficult task and finding a job to get your book published isn't something that's going to happen. Many writers would suggest writing small articles for magazines or newspapers, establishing your 'bones', showing editor/agents/publishers that you have what it takes to get published. Secondly, if you're noticing those rejection letters piling up, don't get discouraged, every writer goes through that. Have you had anyone take a look at your book? Critique partners or critique groups? If not I would highly suggest that you do as your manuscript may not be as polished as it should be. In the publishing market your book has to be at the top of its game to get noticed and if you're the only one doing the editing, chances are its not. Also, when you're doing those submissions, make sure your telling them how committed you are to selling that book. Just keep writing and get as involved as you can in the writing community in the meantime. If you're dedicated enough and have what it takes, you'll get published.

Sadie

Answer 6

Why do you need a jobs that leads to writing your own books.

Get a pen and paper and write! Maybe you're not a good writer.

If you live in a large city, call the English Department of the Universities in your city and ask if they have free or "low-cost," writing classes.

Often the instructor is a professional writer and gives excellent advice to aspiring writers.

Answer 7

Most of us work as writers fr some one or something and write our own stuff on the side and pray it gets published. Nobody just writes a book once and gets rich. Nobody.

Answer 8

Your poor grammar in this question alone leads me to question your ability to actually write in the first place.

Answer 9

Write your books independently of your job.