Hey all you authors out there!

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   Janettaposted 14 years ago

   So who here has completed a manuscript or published a book? I am very interested to hear how it all came about. Any helpful advice you could share for getting to that point would also be lovely

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      LAmatadoraposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      yes I would like to know too!

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         apekshaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Ya me 2 ..I have written so many articles but not yet published..

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      Lori O'Melposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I opted to self publish & have been pleased with the results. When my book came live it hit Amazon & Barnes & Noble. Since I have a day job it's been rough making the rounds to line up book signings. All in all the opportunity to reach readers through non traditional publishers is one to consider.

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      FunFacterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good thread, I want to know that too and some tips and how you went to distribute it. I am planning to write one myself on something.

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      galleryofgraceposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Have self published several, contact me for info.

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      AdeleCosgroveBrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have had a number of short Fantasy and Sci-Fi stories, many non-fiction articles and poetry published and I'm currently writing my third novel. 
      
      As with any craft, you first have to learn the basics and then practice diligently.  I'd advise you to join a writers' circle local to yourself, and also take a few creative writing classes.  Write regularly, and make a habit of it.   Take part in events; organise your own if you have to.
      
      Read constantly; this is the best way to really know what is being published in today's market.
      
      There are many competitions which you can join in with.  Take a look online.  When your writing is genuinely ready, start sending MS to the relevant magazines.
      
      The main thing is to write--actually write, rather than just think or talk about writing.

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         fierycjposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         very helpful. But I think she needs to know about how to get published. So I assume she already has writings of her own.

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            AdeleCosgroveBrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            This was a description of how to get published.
            
            Phrased as simply as possible, then: Learn how to write; practice writing; network; build an audience; send properly-prepared MS to places appropriate for your particular work.

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   Colebabieposted 14 years ago

   Never published a book. But I was one researcher/author on a published scientific journal article. I know that isn't the same. Sorry I can't help! My aunt published a book. I can ask her

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   goldentoadposted 14 years ago

   Lita Sorensen wrote a good hub today
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Real-Life-101-P … or-Writers
   
   check it out

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      Janettaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thanks GT. I will

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         LAmatadoraposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         yeah its a good article I just checked..

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            Janettaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            haha, me too...we were probably reading at the same time

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   Janettaposted 14 years ago

   that's pretty cool--I wish I knew someone who had. I have a lot of questions about the whole process. What was the article about?

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   Colebabieposted 14 years ago

   Paleoecology and the Vegetation Changes in the Florida Everglades My aunt wrote a book on teaching special education students. I'll ask her about her process tomorrow. From her book she has taught an online class, created one of those plastic cheat sheet things you find at bookstores, and is working on a follow-up.

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      Janettaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      wow. I am curious how long it took her from beginning writing stages to end published stage. I know it is probably a little different for each genre, but I imagine the general process is similar

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   Colebabieposted 14 years ago

   quite possibly. I'll ask her tomorrow and get back to ya

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   cindyvineposted 14 years ago

   I have written and published two books.  I am quite happy to answer your questions if you email me directly, but after this Sunday.  am helluva busy packing up my house at the moment, the shippers come on Sunday, and after that I am all yours!  The books are Stop the world, I need to pee!  Fear, Phobias and Frozen Feet.  If you check on Google there are reviews out there on the books.  One was a fictional account that closely resembled my life and adventures, the other one is a self-help book on abusive relationships.  I'm currently working on some others.  Can definitely help you with how to plan and get started.

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   Janettaposted 14 years ago

   Thanks Cindy. I will def do that And I guess I can wait until you're done packing lol

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   Navar Crowposted 14 years ago

   I had a short story published in Dungeon Magazine back in '93. But they have since gone out of business. The Story was called "Vertigo Drowning"

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    Janettaposted 14 years ago

    thanks for the info Lori.  how long did the self publishing process take and did it cost you to take that route? Money I mean.

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    DonnaCSmithposted 14 years ago

    I have five published books. Read my hub "Writing Career by Divine Intervention" for how it all came about. I am giving a workshop on getting published the end of this month. I will probably have some hubs on the subject as a result of getting the info together.
    
    I read the article - and I really needed that positive re-inforcement! I am off to write some queries. . .

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    fierycjposted 14 years ago

    Not yet published. Wrote a novel, "O Lucifer, Son of the Morning" but its still being reviewed by a publisher. I suggest you try and find a suitable traditional publisher that'll make time to review your work. Subsidy publishers are out! Goodluck.

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    lafentyposted 14 years ago

    I have had a few short stories published in national magazines, but my long fiction is as yet still unpublished.  I've finished two novels and three screenplays, but not luck as for as selling them.  It seems to me that non-fiction might be easier to publish, at least there are more markets for it.  Anyone agree,not agree.  Thanks.

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    yoshi97posted 14 years ago

    Having already been published, I can tell you it's a long and bumpy road. Luckily, I had many good mentors along the way to help me out.
    
    I started writing a series here to help other authors out, but the real gist of it is that you need to read a lot, write a lot, and seek out others who will be honest with you about your work.
    
    There are hundreds of books out there that tell you how to write, but most are bland, overwritten, and miss the point. We just need good examples to get us on the right path.
    
    Fortunately, there are hundreds of great examples in every bookstore. After all ... those books already made it, and they should provide the knowledge and information to place yours on the shelf too.
    
    Just know going into things that most authors write for 10 years before seeing any kind of recognition, and few make enough to ever retire off of their writings. This career path is definitely one for those who are driven to persevere.

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