Darkwing

I write for personal achievement and to share with others. However, I am unsure on how to start a 'career' in writing; I am mostly talking about short stories and poetry. I have heard from some that I need a manuscript or some such thing. Can anyone shed some light to the process?

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Elphaba

If you're talking about short stories to be published in magazines, look up 'zines that match your style or genre, and send them in. Make sure you follow their submission guidelines; it's professional and good form, and editors can sometimes be pissy when you don't. For short story collections in book form, you'll most likely need a literary agent, because most publishing houses won't accept unsolicited material. There are books with lit. agent listings, and they're also on the internet. Again, find one looking to represent your style or genre, and definitely follow their submission/query guidelines.

Your manuscript(s) also need to follow a certain format. I would suggest looking it up in a "Writer's Market" book... I'm sure there's other things that suggest it, but I wouldn't know. That's just how I found out.

Since I don't write poetry and don't know if the "rules" are the same, I'll leave that explanation to someone else.

Good luck!

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Caria

I just recently picked up the Poet's Market 2004. It is proving to be very helpful. You can find it at most bookstores, but not all libraries. I have been able to find the Writer's Market at most local libraries. Hope this helps!

Caria

Oops

Kittie

I find the Writer's Market books helpful as well. It overwhelms me, though. I worry incessantly about etiquette. For instance, I should address the letter to the proper person. However, I find myself worrying about how to find out who that proper person is. Do I make a phone call? Write a short letter 'To whom it may concern?' Use the editor's name from the most recent publication? These stupid things send me into fits! It scares the living daylights out of me! (That's the real problem, isn't it?)

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I got something to say, you know, but nothing comes
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Elphaba

That's scared me, too, in the past, Kittie. Writing query letters were awful. I do remember addressing something once as "Attn: Fiction Editor" (on my envelope; I probably put Dear Fiction Editor on my query letter). I think when you can't find a name there's nothing else you can do. But I don't think it'd be out of line to call and ask who the fiction or poetry editor is.

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"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K..."

stonewall

I think you're a long way from considering publication. My first two books took six years. It was a time for learning. I went to many writing forums and found help. I turned negatives into positive. I'm not easily embarrased. skin like an alligator. So write, write, write and seek help. If, at writing forums you contribute, members will give back. Hey, I flunked tenth grade English. That's another story. I'm writing my twelth novel a Harry Walker Mystery. Check my other books at my homepage.

Red beans and ricely, Walker Joe

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