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Many times other have asked me, "How can I get published?"
Of course the first step in the process is to write something worth publishing, have it thoroughly edited (not just by friends who praise it) and revised to make the work as close to perfect as possible.
The next step, after the manuscript is ready, should be to submit it to an agent or publisher. However, gaining access to one is difficult.
Writing conferences provide a good short cut, in fact a necessary one anymore.
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Making Connections
Sunday afternoon, I returned from the OWFI Writing Conference Sunday tired, thrilled, exhausted, still excited, and content with the results of a busy four days.
True, many of the sessions didn't have any "new" information or ideas for me, however, knowing what I know was still considered important by publishers, editors, and agents helped me, too. A few presenters gave me information that allows me to find places to improve in my writing. Therefore, all sessions I attended were worth my time and attention.
The appointments with agents and/or editors allowed appointees to stick a foot into the publishing world. Holly Jahangiri  's (Holly's) appointment with Judy Burke, managing editor of Highlights the magazine for children, gave her ideas as well as a possible place for publishing items that wouldn't work in a children's picture book. Now Holly can submit items and know they will be considered.
My appointment with Meredith Bernstein of Bernstein Literary Agency allows me to approach her with my work. My manuscript won't go to the slush pile.
Holly and Jordan M. Vinyard were both present for the autograph party Saturday, and Trockle again garnered attention. Team Trockle (Holly Jahangiri, Jordan M. Vinyard, Vivian Zabel, and Jacque Graham), as we who have some input in the book call ourselves, wore our Trockle shirts for the signing.
Me, Holly, Jordan, and Jacque
Every portion of the conference gave us opportunities to make connections, to network, to further our writing careers. At both banquets, author CJ Lyons joined us. If you haven't read her book LIFELINES, you need to treat yourself to an interesting read. CJ will now provide us with information for mysteries, thrillers, books needing medical input. She's not only an author, but was trained as an ER pediatric physician.
Of course she also made a necessary connection at the conference. One of the members of the writing group, Pen and Keyboard Writers, of which I'm president, is a retired trial lawyer. Mike joined us at the Pen and Keyboard table. I had invited CJ, who accepted. CJ and I were visiting when she told me about a difficult scene in one of her up-coming books. She said a Canadian attorney gave her information, but she wondered if things were different in the U.S. I introduced her to Mike, and they spent some time discussing the information she needed. Mike gave her the correct information.
Holly, Jordan, Me, CJ, and Jacque
Author J.A. Jance was the keynote speaker, and she's a delightful, charming, friendly woman. She visited with each person as we had her sign copies of her books.
The most important aspect of any writing conference is the networking. Another helpful component is the contests offered. The category, mystery/suspense, my book took 2nd place, was judged by a professional, and the comments and encouragement boosted my confidence as well as allowing me to insert some corrections in the book before it went to print (good timing). The book can come out in a couple of months with me knowing it's good enough to be published. Also, since the judge who commented loved the book, my name will remain in her memory. That connection may pay off in the future.
My publishing opportunities increased once I started attending conferences. The contacts and networking are not measurable, as the credit card advertisement states: The connections are priceless. Attending a conference or two a year isn't easy for some people, including me. The financial and physical toll leaves me reeling, but the prize is worth the effort.
Find a conference, at least a book festival, near you. Work to find a way to attend - then do it. The connections are worth it all. I'm starting to save for the next conference.
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Writings from W.Com
Groups for writers:
Some good reading:
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Words from Our Readers
StephBee 
Great topic this week Vivian. I like how you addressed rejection. It happens. When I was first starting out, it wasn't easy to take, but I'm a lot more used it. You have to take it, move on, and work on improving your craft. Great links in the editor's picks! Very helpful.
I received some rejections with some of my entries in the conference competition (I entered several categories in January and received the critiques back Saturday night at the awards banquet). A couple of my items were trashed, but I'll take the comments and either revise improve the item, or use the trash basket if the writing isn't up for CPR. 
Ash
Thanks for the great advice. I know lots of people will do anything to get published. Keep up the good work.
Ash
Yes, many people will do anything to get "published." We just have to be sure that what we do will be worth it and be willing to do the work necessary. Thanks for your feedback.
Maria Mize 
Another very informative newsletter. Thank you very much, Vivian!
I'm glad to know when what I write is helpful.
Zeke 
These comments on rejection are very good, but because most writers place a part of themselves into their art, a rejection can't help but be quite personal.
However, the rejection from the agents/editors/publishers isn't a personal attack from them against the writer. Yes, we can't help but feel "pain" when our "baby" is rejected, but we need to either use the rejection to find a better fit for our item or to improve it. The rejection is NOT against us personally, even if the hurt is.
Thank you for joining me this week. Please come back next month.
Viv |
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For Authors: May 14, 2008 Issue [#2384]
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