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This week: A Publishing Adventure Edited by: Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline  
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Have you tried getting published before? How did it go?
This week's Action/Adventure Newsletter contains some tips from someone who's been through the process.
Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline |
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Have you tried yet to get your work published? If so, it can be a nerve-wracking experience, can’t it? You’ve completed your work, you’ve edited it, yet when you’re about to make your pitch, you’re still looking for areas that can be perfected. At least, that’s what I do.
I’ve published some pieces here and there over the years. Poetry, articles, a short story... The articles were the easiest to find a home for. I’d get an idea, pitch it, and I’d either be lucky that it’s what an online newspaper was looking for, or I wasn’t. Every few tries, I’d be successful, and then an editor would give me a deadline and a desired word count. I’d submit the piece and they’d let me know when it would appear. And they’d pay me, which was nice. I remember that feeling of first being paid for my writing... it was nice. Like I wasn’t just a hobbyist anymore.
It didn’t take me long to return to being a hobbyist. There’s a lot to be said for it. You can write whatever you want, and you don’t have to face people sending you awful messages simply for having an opinion – not on Writing.Com, anyway. This is a welcoming community that values different styles and different voices. Recently, however, I spotted an opportunity with a new Indie publisher and I decided to give it a go. I had nothing to lose, I wasn’t overly invested either way, and I guess that helped. After sending them an email, they asked me to send them a formal query letter, which is generally the first step to getting a bigger work published.
There are different approaches to query letters, but here’s my advice: let the publisher know your connection to the work. Do you have any expertise in the subject matter? Is it something you’re truly passionate about? Have you researched your subject thoroughly? Why did you write this particular story/collection/novel? What does it mean to you?
How does it tie in with what the publisher is looking for? For example, if the publisher is looking for a strong female character, highlight the fact that your character fits that requirement. That will make it more likely that they will want to have a look at your work.
Who is your audience? Why will they pick up your book? In other words, why will it sell?
You’ll generally have to include a synopsis of your work. Don’t make this too long – fit it in a paragraph if possible. Do your best to make the person who’s reading your query letter want to read your story – intrigue them.
Do you have any prior experience with publishing? It doesn’t hurt to mention it. Of course, if it’s the same work you’re pitching, you might be out of luck – many publishers aren’t interested in re-releases.
Note: If the publisher asks for a submission fee, avoid them. You shouldn't have to pay to be considered, just like you don't have to pay to apply for any other job. Publishers who ask for money are highly questionable.
After sending my query letter, I received a request for a sample chapter. Give it a quick polish if needed. Does the opening paragraph grab the reader’s attention? Does the end of the chapter make them want to read on? If so, send it in and keep your fingers crossed!
The next request was for my manuscript. Whilst you’re awaiting this request, have another look at your work and ensure that you’ve eliminated any typos and other flaws. When you’re accepted, an editor will go through your work, but the more you catch at this stage, the more likely it is that you will be accepted.
I was lucky enough to be accepted. I’m still getting my head around it... I’m learning that once you’re accepted, that’s only the beginning. I’ll have to figure out what cover art I want for my book. Write a dedication page. Write something for the back cover that will make potential readers want to buy my work. I’m doing my very best to dodge a photo shoot. 
If you want to be published, it may be a good idea to get an author website up and running. That’s what I have to do now, and I haven’t got a clue how to do it. Ensure you have a social media profile. Gain followers. Social media websites have their downsides, but they are good for promotion.
At some point, you’ll likely have to do book signings. I’ve got social phobia, which will make that interesting. I’m telling myself that I will only have to meet each person for about a minute. If you have any tips on how to best get through those, I’m all ears!
That’s if my book sells, of course. It may not. There are no guarantees. If you’re joining me on the road to getting published, though, good luck! We’ve got this. 
Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline
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Some contests that might inspire you:
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Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team
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Action/Adventure: June 27, 2018 Issue [#8976]
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