1.)I have no one to look at my work. I need some good honest criticism. From my grammar, to writing ability in general. Family and friends anit gonna cut it. Where's a good place to for that, for someone who can't find it?
2.)When it comes short stories. Do publisher want a book of short stories ( and how is much that) or is submiting one okay? And if they do want a book, dose it have to be all the same kind of genre written about?
If you guy's can help me, thanks!
2007-09-05 02:40:14 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I'M OUT OF SCHOOL NOW 21.
2007-09-05 03:16:47 · update #1
There are critique groups all over the world where aspiring writers get together to read one another's work and suggest ways to make it better. If you can't find such a group near you, a creative writing class through a community college or local arts program (check adult education programs after hours at schools or even the parks system) may offer classes. In addition to taking the class, you can see if other students in the class would be interested in starting up a critique group after the class is over.
Yes, publishers do take short story collections sometimes, though this category is very, very hard to sell. I have won a major international award for one of my story collections, and it's still hard for me to interest big publishers in my books. Novels are where the money is at in fiction publishing. Most story collections are published these days by small presses with limited distribution.
Generally, yes, the stories in the collection should all be of one genre. If a book includes a mystery story, two western stories, some science fiction, and some literary stories, where in the store can the bookseller stock it? Readers tend to buy according to genre.
Good luck!
2007-09-05 02:58:12 · answer #1 · answered by Yankee in London 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See if your local library knows of a writers group. Part of that type of group is fair but honest critiquing. Also check any bookstores in your area for the same thing.
Books of short stories don't usually get published until after you've become an established productive writer. However, there are many anthologies produced around a theme. These are good ways to get your work out there.
If you are looking for traditional publishing, they pay you. If you self-publish, whether vanity or PoD, the cost depends on the number of pages and the individual company you are dealing with.
For short story markets (and all others as well) check out www.duotrope.com This is a fantastic resource for any writer.
2007-09-05 09:53:42 · answer #2 · answered by Ruth C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yankee, Ruth, and John have all given good advice.
I, too, have the same problem. I've just completed a 190,000 word manuscript, and had to send it off to a publisher without anyone but myself who has read the whole thing.
I can't find anyone who can read it. The few that have read small sections don't give useful feedback.
When you find that writer's group, make it crystal clear to everyone in the group that your feelings won't be hurt by criticizm. Make sure they understand that you seriously want to know the worst. Otherwise, you may not get the feedback that really helps.
Good Luck
2007-09-05 11:48:05 · answer #3 · answered by james p 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sometimes available to help with critiques. I've been a teacher and an online tutor. I am also a published author under another name. I'm currently working on a novel myself, but if you e-mail me at: su dden ly saoirse @ hot mail dot com (removing the spaces and replacing the word "dot" appropriately) I might be able to at least get you started or point you to a couple friends I have that may be able to help if I'm swamped (autumn is a busy time for me).
There are a lot of online groups out there, but I've become picky with age, I guess ;-) . There are also decent critique groups that meet at local bookstores, although their composition and ability varies dramatically.
Good luck!
~Saoirse
2007-09-05 12:11:36 · answer #4 · answered by Saoirse R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can offer to give a crit on a few pages. Send them to deni913@hotmail.com
Also I have set up a system here. I have starred many great Q and A on writing and publishing. You can access them through my profile. If you want, add me as a fan and get updates when I add more. Many people are printing them out and making themselves a little free reference book. Pax - C
2007-09-05 14:08:23 · answer #5 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
ask a teacher at your school to mentor you. if you are no longer in school, look into a creative writing class at your local community college.
Best of luck to you and congratulations on recognizing the importance of writing well and using good grammar.
2007-09-05 09:44:23 · answer #6 · answered by John M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋