You are a writer the second you start writing. However, becoming a published writer takes more than putting words on paper; it requires discipline, knowledge and a desire to learn and work, with a little luck. While we can't control our luck, here are some steps to becoming a published writer.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Honing Skills
Step 1. Read often
The best thing you can do to improve your writing is to read other people's writing. Focus on famous novels and try to capture their way and style of writing. What makes the book so interesting? What are the plots and characters that intrigue you? What type of writing do readers generally like?
- Focus on reading books in your favorite genre to see similarities and differences between the writing process and the results. What types of styles are exemplary and what would you not like to emulate?
- Before writing your own book, it's important to make sure that the story you're writing isn't exactly the same as an existing one. The best way to find out is to read as many books as possible.
Step 2. Learn the art of writing
Most publishers are lazy to accept manuscripts that have grammatical errors, characters that are difficult to believe or a plot that is not strong enough even though their story potential is strong. To make sure that you don't fall into any of the above categories, take the time to learn the basics of writing.
- Study good books on writing, including style and grammar guides and plot and character writing guides.
- Take writing classes that interest you, as well as in areas you need to improve.
- Join a writing group, where other writers will provide feedback on your story, and you do the same for them.
Step 3. Practice your skills
Write regularly and often. The more often you write, the better it will become. While it's helpful to be actively writing books or essays that you hope to publish, stealing time each day to write about anything is still profitable. Bring a journal to write anything like when you are waiting in line or sitting on the bus.
- If you have internet access and a computer, a way to practice your writing skills is to start a blog. Not only does this give you space to practice, but it also gives you space for people to read, and get critiqued in the form of comments, and depending on what content you include on your blog, there may be writings you can include in your book.
- Writing requires a lot of rewriting, incorporating the critique you get to make your writing better, and reviewing and improving your writing as your skills improve. If you write every day, you will get better at doing this in your writing.
Step 4. Network with other writers
Meeting published authors and other like-minded people will provide support, encouragement and advice. Many other writers can introduce you to editors, publishers and author agencies as well as other helpful resources.
- Join writers' organizations in your field. Science fiction writers can join Science Fiction Writers in America, children's book writers can join Circles of children's writers and illustrators, and each genre has its own group. Research the available genre groups and see if joining them is the right decision for you.
- Come to writers' conferences and meetings. Some are organized by writers' groups and will have teaching sessions and meet other writers, as well as have special time to write and critique. Some of the other conferences are fan-made in specific genres, like science fiction or mystery and have a lot of other fun stuff.
- Try contacting your favorite author. If they're not very well known (like Stephen King or JK Rowling), maybe you can reach out to them for advice. If you become close friends with them, maybe you can ask them to edit your writing as well.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing to Publish Your Work
Step 1. Reread your script
Even if you swear you didn't make any spelling or grammatical mistakes in the first script, rereading the script can reveal some mistakes. No matter how small the error, it is important to correct it. To avoid embarrassment and possible rejection, reread your manuscript one more time before submitting it for someone else to edit or to a publisher.
- Wait at least three days before editing something you just wrote. Research shows that within three days, your mind will be able to see errors that you automatically correct while you're reading.
- Try reading your work aloud. You will be forced to pay attention to each word rather than subconsciously skipping the obvious words and subconsciously filling them in. Even if it looks stupid, read your script aloud to be able to fix it.
- Check for errors in formatting, spelling, grammar, punctuation and plot. Try to fix the story as best you can before asking someone else for help.
Step 2. Edit your script
There are several options for editing the script. Perhaps the most reliable is to hire a professional editor or copywriter, although this can cost you money. You might also consider giving it to friends or family who enjoy reading, or to a college professor or other writer who has published journal articles.
- Try to find an editor in your area for rates. Maybe you can hire people who are just starting out and pay low for their work or edit each other's scripts.
- Make sure that you are not being duped into an edit offer scam. Hire a professional or someone you trust to edit.
- Have several editors work on your manuscript (assuming they are not paid). That way, you can find consistent input to your story or writing style to take into account.
- Consider edits carefully. It's important to always correct grammar and spelling, but consider changes to the story or characters. While they can be useful, it's still your story and you have the final say on the plot.
Step 3. Choose a publication
With the manuscript completed and edited, it is time to find a publisher. Before you submit it, you must choose a publisher market that suits your work. For example, you can visit the Horror Writers in America page or the United States (or Indonesia) Romance Writers page to see the relevant publishing agencies.
- It's important to choose a publisher that fits your genre, so you don't accidentally send a murder mystery book to a religious publisher.
- Publishing pages will have a list of editors or agents you can contact about your manuscript.
Step 4. Write a cover letter for the publisher
In order to introduce yourself and your work, you should write a cover letter. This is a 1-2 page letter with your autobiography, a list of your published articles (if any) and a brief synopsis of your writing.
- Make sure that your cover letter reflects the intonation of your manuscript. If you're writing on a serious topic, don't use humor when writing a cover letter.
- As with your original manuscript, reread your letter. Make sure your letter has no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Have your friend read it to ensure 100 percent accuracy before sending it.
- See if there's anything special the publisher asks for when sending your cover letter. Take a look at their page for information on this.
Method 3 of 3: Publishing Your Work
Step 1. Hire an agent
An agent is someone who will help build your reputation in the publishing world. Generally, publishers will not accept manuscripts from authors without agents. Take a look at agencies that work for writers in your genre or are in your area. Of course, hiring the most successful agents will give you a better chance of getting publicized, but it's certainly more expensive than hiring the less successful agents.
- Talk to potential agents about their rates and responsibilities in the issuance process. Make sure that you are completely clear on the work they will be doing before signing the contract so you don't lose money or miss out on a good opportunity.
- Try to look at several agents rather than just one agent. Agencies also select writers just like publishing houses and they don't just accept manuscripts from just any writer.
Step 2. Submit your manuscript
If you receive an acceptance letter from an agent or publisher, please send a copy of your manuscript. Some only need the first 50 pages of your book, so make sure you know exactly what they want. Be sure to include any other information they may need in your manuscript.
Step 3. Wait
Perhaps the most stressful thing in the publishing process is waiting for an answer. You may be asked to wait a few weeks or months, so don't expect to get an answer right away. Don't interrupt your publisher or agency by emailing about the process unless it's been taking too long.
Step 4. Receive answers
After you wait, you will finally get an answer regarding your manuscript. If you are accepted for publication, try to look at the financial side, look at the copyright of your story and the rights you get from the publisher. If you get rejected, don't take it to heart. Books are often rejected for various other reasons. Apart from a bad story, maybe your publisher has published a similar book, it's not in their style, or they want you to change some things about the writing.
- If you are rejected, wait a few months before submitting your next manuscript to the same publication. You can always send it to multiple publishers without having to wait.
- If you decide that publishing your book professionally doesn't make sense, try looking into the possibility of self-publishing your book. While this will add to your workload, it is an alternative to getting the book published and hanging in the closet right away.
Step 5. Get paid to write
If you want to continue writing but don't have financial support, try finding scholarships for writers. This money goes to writers who are working on their manuscripts. You could also consider entering a writing contest to win some money and start building your name.
