Into the Fire

Most exuberant young writers seeking publication for their works of fiction receive unlimited advice from whomever they ask – except from some very busy professionals, be they authors, big-time publishers, agents, or publicists. For those, you usually need a connection to make a way for you. Inexperienced writers search all kinds of websites from the various publishing outlets, marketers, agents, editors, etc. and soak their brains with the overloads of information that's out there about writing novels and the whole shebang. 

Real answers are out there, but for most of us, the road to publishing is paved with those things that don't work for us. In other words, experience teaches us which approach will get us at least a portion of what we want. And what we truly want is the first thing that must be personally defined after exploring the many available avenues. 

So. Here are a few of my suggestions:

If you're confident in your writing, let a friend or relative who is an avid reader of accomplished authors read your manuscript and give you their opinion of it with the understanding that first of all, you need to know if they like the story, the characters, and the "flow". Make sure you give them your very best edited draft. Listen carefully to what they say after reading it. Then decide if you want to hire an editor unrelated to whichever agent/publisher you're pursuing. 

After going through the manuscript to correct all errors, read it again one more time. 

If you're uninterested in the vanity/self-publishing indie prospects, determine to scout the writers' conferences where the authors/agents/editors you want to notice you will be. In the conference instructions about meetings with editors or agents, be fully prepared to do as asked. Do not be unnecessarily flattering. Be you. Be real. 

Keep reading. Always keep reading. 

If you're the type of writer/author that is more concerned with writing what sells than writing what you like or want to write, read the trendy novels in your genre. Keep in mind that imitation is likely not going to be good enough. Without something to both concur with what sells but gives you a specific or unique separation that will appeal to a particular publishing house and the agent you desire, you'll just be another hopeful, aspiring writer. 

Those are my suggestions for those who wish to go the traditional publishing route. 

Suggestions from other authors will be wholeheartedly welcomed. 

Father, please continue to direct my journey, keep me focused on you because apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.