"I don't know where to begin looking": Finding Opportunities for your Writing
By Doe Charles
Picture the scene:
you're an aspiring writer; you've done the hard work, you've written your piece
and you're ready to share it with the world. You sit down at your laptop ready
to send it off to anyone you can think of, then you realise: "Damn I don't
even know where to begin looking".
As someone who has been in this very situation, screaming into the void wondering how on earth you manage to become the next Patrick Ness, I can relate. It sucks. So, having had these nuggets of wisdom shared with me, I thought I would pass them on; you're welcome.
First, you are not alone - I can guarantee that if you talk to pretty much anyone who has published something, or is trying to be published, they have faced the same thing. But, that's a reassuring thing! That means it is possible, the void can be closed, and you can sleep once more knowing that your brainchild is going to be put somewhere in the world. Excellent.
Second, do not be afraid to contact anyone and everyone. Obviously, this is within reason: contacting a kid's publishing house asking them to publish your new crime thriller probably isn't going to go too well... So, do your research, find publishing houses that suit your work, and send it to them - most of them will have a submissions page. Bookmark it, set notifications, do whatever you need to do so that when the time comes, you are ready to send your submission off to be read.
Third, rejection is okay. We all get rejected; not everyone is going to like your writing, it's all good, that's just the way the world works. Also, just because your work gets rejected doesn't mean they didn't like it. Sometimes publishers are unable to publish it for varying reasons. Do not lose faith because if you do, your work will lose faith in you, and so will the publishers. If you love your piece, and can project that, you are much more likely to find someone who wants to publish it.
Fourth, networking is key. The friendlier with people you can be and the more people that you get to know the better. Make friends; you never know where it will take you. Maybe that person you met at a publishED event knows one of the submission people at Penguin. You never know; so make a network, seek out the agents, talk to authors and find out how they got published. I can guarantee they will be able to give you some advice.
Fifth, and perhaps most importantly, there are resources online. From competitions, to residencies, there is always something happening, and that's just within Scotland. Below are some of the places where I go to look, but a quick Google search and no doubt you'll find more.
Scottish Book Trust: http://scottishbooktrust.com/writing/opportunities-for-writers
Creative Writing Ink: https://www.creativewritingink.co.uk/writing-competitions/
National Poetry Library: https://www.nationalpoetrylibrary.org.uk/write-publish/competitions
So, when you sit there wondering how you're going to get your super niche novel about intergalactic space travelling mermaids (it's a great read, I promise) into the literary sphere, remember: you are not alone, and there are ways to go about doing it.
Total plug ahead, but, nonetheless a totally valid one. PublishED also has a publication, The Inkwell. Submissions are closed for the upcoming issue, but there's another one coming up soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
As someone who has been in this very situation, screaming into the void wondering how on earth you manage to become the next Patrick Ness, I can relate. It sucks. So, having had these nuggets of wisdom shared with me, I thought I would pass them on; you're welcome.
First, you are not alone - I can guarantee that if you talk to pretty much anyone who has published something, or is trying to be published, they have faced the same thing. But, that's a reassuring thing! That means it is possible, the void can be closed, and you can sleep once more knowing that your brainchild is going to be put somewhere in the world. Excellent.
Second, do not be afraid to contact anyone and everyone. Obviously, this is within reason: contacting a kid's publishing house asking them to publish your new crime thriller probably isn't going to go too well... So, do your research, find publishing houses that suit your work, and send it to them - most of them will have a submissions page. Bookmark it, set notifications, do whatever you need to do so that when the time comes, you are ready to send your submission off to be read.
Third, rejection is okay. We all get rejected; not everyone is going to like your writing, it's all good, that's just the way the world works. Also, just because your work gets rejected doesn't mean they didn't like it. Sometimes publishers are unable to publish it for varying reasons. Do not lose faith because if you do, your work will lose faith in you, and so will the publishers. If you love your piece, and can project that, you are much more likely to find someone who wants to publish it.
Fourth, networking is key. The friendlier with people you can be and the more people that you get to know the better. Make friends; you never know where it will take you. Maybe that person you met at a publishED event knows one of the submission people at Penguin. You never know; so make a network, seek out the agents, talk to authors and find out how they got published. I can guarantee they will be able to give you some advice.
Fifth, and perhaps most importantly, there are resources online. From competitions, to residencies, there is always something happening, and that's just within Scotland. Below are some of the places where I go to look, but a quick Google search and no doubt you'll find more.
Scottish Book Trust: http://scottishbooktrust.com/writing/opportunities-for-writers
Creative Writing Ink: https://www.creativewritingink.co.uk/writing-competitions/
National Poetry Library: https://www.nationalpoetrylibrary.org.uk/write-publish/competitions
So, when you sit there wondering how you're going to get your super niche novel about intergalactic space travelling mermaids (it's a great read, I promise) into the literary sphere, remember: you are not alone, and there are ways to go about doing it.
Total plug ahead, but, nonetheless a totally valid one. PublishED also has a publication, The Inkwell. Submissions are closed for the upcoming issue, but there's another one coming up soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
