Saturday, May 8, 2010

I WANNA BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

I've always loved writing and have had numerous people urge me to write. I've written many short non-fiction pieces, most of which have gotten lost in the moves and such. During graduate and post-graduate education, I could whip out a 20-page paper in no time flat, complete with references, in perfect APA style.

I have felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to write especially in the last 3 or 4 years. I have two books well under way that are geared directly to Christian living and Christian growth. In addition to this, a dear friend and I are co-authoring Christian Children's picture books. We have about five that are ready to go and many more on the way. Okay, now what is the first thing we need to do in order to get them published.

Whoa! Was I ever shocked at the process involved in submitting a book for publication. Several book are recommended to get started. These are not little brochure type "how to's" these are huge books. Then there is the search for an AGENT that can help get your work really ready and be the go between for you and the publisher. But one has to send a QUERY letter to the AGENT and the AGENT must be interested in what you have to offer before the AGENT will ask for a PROPOSAL that pretty much summarizes your book and is usually anywhere from 10 - 100 pages.



Do you know there are at least a trillion articles and books out there on how to write a QUERY letter and a book PROPOSAL? I've been collecting and reading and reading. . . . .phewwwww!!
While I'm still in that process of learning how to do a bang up job on those, I found I need to show that I'm qualified to write these works and send small clips or newspaper articles of work I've already published. Already published? What is an AGENT gonna say to my QUERY letter when I say I have never had anything published, but I got a real winner here if you'll just look at it? So now I have to scrounge around my office and computer to locate some writings that will work to send in to some magazines or monthly publications. That's a whole other project in itself. Those sources have their own submission rules and they're all different. UGH!

Now, during my wading through some of this information, I find that I need to make sure I'm not writing something that's already been written or that would not be of interest or that would not bring something new to the market. In order to do that, it is strongly suggested that I become thoroughly familiar with "BOOKS IN PRINT" and "PUBLISHERS WEEKLY" to familiarize myself with what's already out there and what seems to be selling. More reading and returning to those resources because they change and add new information all the time.

I forgot to add that it is essential to belong to one or more writer's organizations and to attend writers' conferences on a fairly regular basis to interact with other writers, potential agents, and just rubbing elbows with those like myself. Let's see, I'm 59 years old now, I estimate I will have accomplished all the above in about 10 - 20 years or so. That puts me up there with Grandma Moses, that is, if I found an AGENT who accepted my QUERY letter and asked for a PROPOSAL and it got past the EDITORIAL COMMITTEE and the PUBLISHING company was willing to take a chance with me.


You know what? I still wanna be a published author. God has called me to do it. I have a message for people. It is worth every second, every ounce of energy, and every tiny hassle to make it happen. God opens doors and no one can shut them. I pray for His favor as I embark on this adventure. I am confident that this is what He wants me to do and He will give me the grace, the ability, and the courage to do it.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

It's midnight! Happy Blog Jog Day!

Unknown said...

I can't find a link... ?

Helen Ginger said...

You can do it. Start working on your platform as you write. Then work on your query letter as you edit and continue to work on platform. And so on.

Helen
Straight From Hel

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

Thanks for the encouragement Helen. I will do whatever it takes. It was thoughtful of you to stop by and give me a boost.

Carole Anne, it's only 10 pm here. My Blog Jog links arent scheduled to post until 11 pm my time. Sorry, I guess our time difference makes a big difference. Please come on back. God bless.

Brian Ray Todd said...

I pray for God's favor on your writing also. If it his will and He has prepared the hearts, the doors will open. I am a fan either blog or book. Keep up the great writing!

Anonymous said...

Am embracing your idea and admire your pursuit, May blessings come your way and mine for I too believe that anything is possible with God

Linda said...

Praying that all will work out for you and with God all things are possible! Love your blog!
Yes-I am enjoying
the book "Boundaries" and learning. I am so glad I received this book as a gift.
Have a good day!
Blessings.

Lenny Lee said...

hi! im lenny and i got here from miss caroles page. i didnt know how to do that bloggyjobby thing but shes in it so i just looked at her page and got here. i do writing too. i write adventure stories and mostly im the hero. ha ha im gonna be a follower here cause you got a lot to say on writing. i hope you could want to look at my page some time. ...hugs from lenny

Saleslady371 said...

I think it's great that you are pursuing writing. God will lead you in the way because He told you to do it!

Bless you,
Mary

Lisa K. said...

It is such a daunting process, completely overwhelming at times, but I believe that perseverance and determination pay off. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comments.

Joyce said...

I think you scared me now :-) But God is bigger isn't He than my fear.
Thanks for visiting my blog, now I've found yours. I have been writing about my life on my blog, Sounds of Hope as well - if you haven't visited me there, I welcome you.
Now on to explore your blogs more.