There’s no formula that guarantees publication.  Publishers, acquisition agents, and editors are human: driven by personal tastes that influence their decisions.  Plus, the publishing market is uncertain, with trends nearly impossible to predict.

However, this doesn’t mean aspiring writers shouldn’t plan their publication path. To some, the concept seems ill-fitting to such a creative venture as writing a novel. Our stories and characters are living, breathing things, works of art, so the idea of meticulously charting our steps can feel counterintuitive.

What happens if we viewed our writing careers as such: a career, a business, a full time job which we aspire to? Suddenly, our thoughts change. We start thinking about our writing “resume”, working our way up the “ladder”, and building a solid foundation on which to build.

That being said, I make this qualifying statement: the following isn’t something I invented; I’m only passing it on.  I’ve gleaned it from other writers, largely from Stephen King’s memoir, On Writing. It’s not the only path to publication, but it is a path.
In On Writing, King details the scenario of an imaginary author compiled from the experiences several writers he knew. In detailing this fictional writer’s path, King illustrates that a writer serious about publication:

1. Is a student of the market: studies and researches agents, magazines, digests, anthologies, and publishers.
2. Has a submission routine, and keeps at it, even in the face of rejection.
3. Is willing to take on side endeavors writing reviews, editorials, & other articles.
4. Has a PLAN: knows where to go and who to submit to.

Studies the Market:

King’s fictional author, (whom he called ‘Frank’), subscribed to several writing publications, always looking for articles about improving craft, new publishers and publications, trends in publishing, and agent listings.  Frank also carefully notes agents who read his particular genre – before he ever publishes a single story.

When targeting short fiction magazines, Frank sends away for sample copies to read first, to see if his writing fits the magazine’s content.  When querying editors, Frank creates a list of those markets and their comments.

Has a Routine for Submissions and Rejections:

First of all, it’s important that Frank actually sends something out. Many talented writers don’t do this for one reason or another, waiting forever for the “right” time to do so.  Frank gets over this, finds a few magazines catering to his target audience, and sends his stories off. He also keeps a running list of where he his stories are, and gets busy writing more.

Though I’m focusing specifically on short stories, the above process applies to nonfiction articles also. The most important thing is this: while important to proof-read and edit, at some point, Frank had to let go and start submitting. Frank understands that most his first round stories won’t be accepted. It starts the ball rolling, however, and begins the process.

In any case, his first few stories are rejected, for a variety of reasons – either they weren’t liked, too many submissions were better, or in one sad case, a magazine folds before Frank’s accepted story is published.  Undaunted, Frank continues to send stories out, letting them “do the rounds” through his publication list, carefully noting the each editor’s reaction.

Meanwhile, he continues to write with stiff upper lip. When a story completes the rounds unsuccessfully, Frank makes a decision: re-write, or shelve it for his “collection”? It’s a gut call, but at this point Frank has developed a good sense of his own writing, and what can be improved.
Frank’s in a good place. He always has stories “doing the rounds”, he’s consistently editing and improving rejected stories and getting them back into circulation, and he’s always writing new ones. As his writing and sense of audience improves, he starts racking up publication credits – that resume we mentioned earlier.

Takes Advantage of Other Writing Opportunities:

Along the way, King notes that Frank picks up a gig for some money writing movie and book reviews for the local newspaper. It brings a little extra cash in, gives him some local name-recognition and exposure, but most importantly – it gives him regular, consistent work on his craft. It also shows that Frank has some range, and once again: more evidence that Frank’s work is of publishable quality, and he’s worked with editors on a regular basis.

At this point in King’s illustration, “Frank” lands a few stories – some for money, others for contributor’s copies – and wins a contest or two. That, along with the review gig gives Frank something to approach agents with, because now he’s finally thinking about that BIG story, the novel manuscript.  He hasn’t landed a book contract yet, and maybe never will – but at the very least, Frank haves the satisfaction of knowing he utilized every avenue open to him in an efficient way.

So what’s the take-away from this? The following advice:

1. Know what type of genre/writing you excel at, and where to submit it. Know what material publishers like to read, what agents and editors are likely to accept, and what they currently AREN’T accepting.
2. Whether you write short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, inspirational devotionals, reviews or informational articles, the important take-away is this: organization, planning, market awareness, and determination yields positive results.  The above is not a guaranteed formula, but not only is its order efficient; it also makes a writer FEEL better – because we all feel more confident with a plan.
3. Accepting writing gigs outside your preferred genre is important because it forces you to consider yourself as a writer first and a novelist/poet/short story writer second.  It makes you hone in on the craft of writing itself. Also, it might open you as a writer to possibilities never before thought possible.
   

On a final note, this work ethic isn’t something that stops when a writer achieves novel publication – not if they want to be successful. An excellent example is one of the busiest writers in the market, horror novelist Brian Keene. Brian seems to crank out a new novel every few months; he writes short stories, novellas and chapbooks, and recently signed a deal to write a graphic novel series for Marvel Comics. This isn’t just the result of good fortune, however. A recent interview with Shroud Magazine shows how he gets it done. When asked to detail a typical week, Brian states: “I write more than 40 hours a week; it’s my job. I start writing every day around 6 AM, take a lunch break, and then write until 5 PM until everyone (his family) comes home.”  
Work ethic and order: two winning combinations, in any market.

Previous Articles:

• The Path to Publication
• No Batteries Included, Patience Required
• Hats, Coats, and Thick Skin Only

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Travis Griffith  - Brilliant!   |2008-06-05 17:39:42 Mad respect to all you writers out there. Published or not-yet-published or simply holding on to the dream... There's some kick-ass advice on this site from some great writers. BOOYAH! Reply | Quote 0   0

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