In the name of reality checks, writers and agents with internet access love to scare the heck out of upcoming writers. Most of the time, they speak factually about the numbers and the odds and the size of the slush pile and the ease with which you can slip your way into an automatic no. Okay, it's hard to get published. Got it.
Oh by the way, there a whole lot of magazines and journals and contests and websites fro your short ficiton.
Oh, also, by the way, there are legit and respectable ways to self-publish.
Oh, and, also, by the way, there are smaller presses with smaller slush piles and eyes for different material than the mass market paperback.
Plus I also heard this rumor that one time there was this guy who had never published a book before and one time he wrote a book and then later it got published.
It's important to have an honest, romance-free, and realistic view of whatever industry you are entering -- including the publishing industry. But don't let the fear get to you. People do get published. If your writing is good and you keep trying, you can probably get published too. If your writing isn't good, then keep working on it.
Don't let the fear-mongers get you down.
.Nevets.
Well said!
ReplyDeleteAMEN!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete"Plus I also heard this rumor that one time there was this guy who had never published a book before and one time he wrote a book and then later it got published."
ReplyDeleteI read this aloud and much hearty laughter ensued.
I have to admit, Tara, I read it back to myself out loud and did the same thing. I know it's tasteless to admit that you cracked yourself up, but whatever. lol
ReplyDelete