Psst! Wanna know the Secret of Getting Published?

By Terrie Leigh Relf

Just do it! (Sound of two fingers snapping…)

It’s truly amazing how simple it is to get published (sound of writer scrabbling for cover…).

Seriously, though, once you’ve decided to get published, that’s what happens. . . . You get published.  It’s about focused intention; ok, and learning to read—and follow—those submission guidelines…and networking…and accepting rejection…and…and…and…
 
There’s really nothing mystical or supernatural about the submission and publication process (unless you’re a medium and/or a channel for dead writers…). Over the years, though, I’ve learned that in addition to making conscious decisions to “get published,” being persistent, and all those other directives, that it’s a willingness to edit and revise that has often been a determining factor in the submissions and publication process.

It’s simple, really (sound of paper shredder jamming…). When a poem, short story, article—or whatever else you send out—comes back to you (a euphemism for “rejected”), take an honest look at it.  Does it need editing and/or revision?  Did you send it to the “best” market possible?  There’s a good possibility that it may benefit from revision.  (If not, then send it out again without delay!)

First of all, writing is all about revision. It takes time, focus, and yes, desire. While many writers claim their process is nonlinear, others will say that they revise as they write, moving from the beginning, through the middle, then on to the end. I know writers who revise their work two-to-three times, and others who do so twenty-to-thirty times. On rare occasions, the first draft, with a bit of tweaking here and there, will "work." There really is no magic number, but if you want to create one, go ahead. 

Secondly, glossaries, dictionaries, thesauri, reference books, and online resources are essential tools. Read them daily. Become informed on standard, archaic, and alternate usage. Develop an awareness of the sounds of the words, the feelings, sensations, and thoughts that they invoke. A few strategically enhanced word choices can really make a difference.

Third, don’t abandon a piece that’s not working at the moment—and don’t literally shred it out of existence. (I confess to doing both.) If a piece isn’t working, put it to the side for a while. If you’re in the revision stage, save each draft, labeled accordingly, then keep revising. Create an "ideas" folder with the bits and pieces. Sometimes, all it takes is a phrase or two to seed a new piece. I’ve been known to transfuse pieces, to “collage” them together.

Fourth, what is your intention? Who is your audience? What do you want your readers to see, hear, feel, taste, touch, or think? Where do you want to take them? What do you want to leave them pondering? While writing can be (and often is) about personal expression, catharsis, and all that, the chances are that you still want to share your work with others.

Fifth (yet another controversial issue), you "need" to read the work of other writers, if for no other reason than to see what they’re doing. Who do you like? What is it that you like about their work? What does that work "do" for you? Examine this closely through modeling.

Sixth, learn about the craft through reading, discussing and work-shopping. Find a mentor. Join on-line lists. Go to readings and other literary events. Read your own work in public. Writing is a developable skill; although some believe it’s a gift bestowed by Calliope, Euterpe, Thalia, Erato, or Polyhymnia; who are five of Zeus and Mnemosyne’s nine daughters, and the Muses of Epic Song, Lyric Song, Comedy, Bucolic Poetry, Erotic Poetry, and Sacred Song. [For more information on the Muses, go to: http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_musepages.htm?terms=The+Muses ]

Seventh, when you’re ready to submit your work for publication, follow the guidelines to the letter. If you’re not familiar with the publication, be sure to read a few issues before you submit. This will save you (and yes, the editors) time and energy. Develop positive relationships with the editors of favorite publications. Careers have been made with the mentorship of a single publication…

The important thing is to keep writing. When your work is criticized, listen (unless they’re really being nasty, then walk away). Remember it’s "just their opinion"—informed or otherwise. When critiquing others, be kind, but honest. Critique as you would like to be critiqued.

Terrie Leigh Relf is a poet, fiction writer, editor, and writing coach living in San Diego, CA.  You may contact her at tlrelf@cox.net.