Getting Published Starts With You
By Sarai Davis, N2Arts Correspondent
Here's what it takes to get your writing published
 

efore I embarked on this roller coaster that I refer to as freelance writing, my vision of a freelance writer was idealistic and seemed out of reach. Because I had no publishing credits to show editors when I queried them with story ideas, I looked at myself as a wannabe and not a writer, even though the files in my computer proved otherwise. I didn’t think editors would take me seriously without providing either a long list of small publications or a short list of large publications for which I had written. My intimidation prevented me from actually getting published at all because I wasn’t aggressive and didn’t know the small opportunities available.

Freelance writing involves some bold and self-motivated steps. Your first step, beyond actually writing, is to tell yourself that you are a writer, even if you have no publishing credits to prove it. After you’ve confirmed your profession… write. The more you write, the better you’ll become at it. Your writing doesn’t have to be in the form of a 90,000 word essay on the psychological differences between whales and guppies. Write in a journal, write down story ideas and return back to them when you feel inspired, write letters to friends and family, just write. Look at birthday messages and holiday greetings as a chance for you to polish your craft.

Eventually, transition yourself into writing marketable pieces that could “show you the money.” Sell yourself and your idea as if your next meal depended on it, and at times, it very well may. The more you market yourself, the more you’ll increase your chances of getting published; the farther away from ramen noodles you’ll be.

Now your goal is to get some publishing credits under your belt, which can be challenging because it seems like you need publishing credits to get them. Well, most editors who are open to new writers know that you haven’t been published 10 times in Newsweek. Editors just need proof that you can write well and that you have the capacity to interest their readers.

There are a few steps you can take to practice your writing, inch your way towards getting published, and prove yourself. Start by not forgetting the small stuff. Letters to the editor, opinion submissions, even that classified ad you took out to sell your first born counts as a representation of your writing skills.

Here’s another route. Most companies have newsletters and usually that newsletter is not written by a writer. Offer to help with its compilation. Do you belong to a community organization that circulates announcements or a newsletter? If so, submit copy to them. Contribute to your place of worship’s newsletter or brochure. They don’t have one? Offer to create one; then you can show off your writing ability and your leadership skills.

Also, e-zines are populating the net and most of them rely on contributing authors for their content and are eager to give writing newbies their start. Of course, you can also start your own website. There are plenty of free hosting companies that are friendly to those who think HTML stands for Hope This Money Lasts and they allow you to continuously update your site.

Having your own website is a great way to show off your writing. It also saves printing and postage costs from sending clips to editors. You can include excerpts from your work, list publications in which you’ve been published, post your resume, and/or keep an online journal to show off your skills. Keep it simple though. You want the focus to be on your writing and not a site fully loaded with clip art and emoticons.

You can also use your site to publish your own e-zine or fansite. Is there a topic that ignites a fire within? Do you think that Michael Jackson is just misunderstood? Use your free website to speak out on a topic, updating regularly with interesting articles. You could even solicit articles from others to create a well-rounded e-zine. Who knows? You could be the next editor that others are trying to impress.

All in all, unlike the average work environment that relies on teamwork, your overall success will depend on the energy you put into your business. Stay organized and focused, keeping up with what you are writing, to whom you are sending it, and track the responses you receive.

I know that the introduction of a newbie writer into the world of freelance writing can be intimidating. Like going to the gym for the first time; entering a world of dependence on contract work to pay the bills can induce some serious nausea. But like going to the gym for the first time; the key to quelling that anxiety is to believe in your abilities and claim your own identity, in this case, as a writer.

Sarai J. Davis is a freelance writer out of Miami Beach, FL, covering everything from writing and the industry to lifestyle topics. She also writes, what she thinks is, funny fiction. Contact her at www.saraijdavis.com.