Want to Become Published? by Wendy Vanhatten

Becoming a published author can be daunting to some. Others may find it a bit easier. What did they do that was different? Everyone starts out the same. Take a look at these basic tips and you just might be on your way to becoming a published author…
• Start by learning everything you can about your type of writing. Then write in a genre you know or understand…
Attend classes, read how-to writing books, or sit in on mystery writers’ workshops if that’s your genre. Join a writer’s group that specializes in fiction novels if you are writing one. Get comfortable with your type of writing.
• Read everything…
Read fiction, nonfiction, the newspaper, travel magazines, or even the junk mail. Read the “ask for money” letters you get in the mail.
• If you want to write for magazines, take time to understand who they publish and why…
Subscribe to those magazines. Visit your library on a regular basis and read magazines there. An editor who knows you’ve taken the time to research their company will be much more willing to give your manuscript a second look. Be sure to read the writer’s guidelines. Then follow those. Always give an editor exactly what they asked for…nothing less. Those guidelines were written for all submitters…even you.
• Read everything out aloud…
You will be amazed at how much easier it is to catch typos, grammar errors and sentences that make no sense when you read everything you write aloud.
• Be patient…
Did you know that some children’s book publishers receive over 1,000 submissions every month? That doesn’t mean yours won’t find its way to the editor. But don’t get in a hurry. And don’t think you need to pay big bucks to get your book into print.
• Create a discipline…
It may be hard to get started writing every day, but once you get going it will become easier. If it just isn’t possible to write every day, find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
• Continue to write…
Once your manuscript or article is completed, you can still write while waiting for your acceptance letter. Get in the habit and keep it going.
Wendy VanHatten
707-685-9478
712-898-7750
wvanhatten@gmail.com
Author Website
Editor-In-Chief of Prime Time Living Magazine
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