Writer, writer on the wall...

Getting published is a ball!

But the trick is - you've got to query and submit things for publication.

Realistically, if you're just getting started, you'll probably be writing for free (or for a free magazine subscription, gift, etc..). Just start looking at the magazines that you receive, go to their websites and read their author submission guidelines. If the magazine has a “Tell Us Your Story” section, submit something for that. If they publish it, it still counts as being published and gets your foot in the door!

Just be sure that you really put your best foot forward. Spell check any email that you send them and present your best professional image. Remember that they are not there to help you get published. They typically don't want to hear about how everyone has always encouraged you to write. They want an article that is going to meet their needs and help contribute to an awesome publication. When you are querying, you are basically trying to “sell” your article. Tell them why you think they will want it. Confidence is a good thing. You want them to be able to tell from that first impression that you are serious about your writing and you've done your homework!

You might also want to search out some smaller upstart publications. Since they don't have the budget to pay the more recognized authors, they are often more receptive to well written work by new writers. Just pay attention to the tone and audience that the magazine targets. Is it a Christian audience? Do they use scripture in their articles? Are they inspirational, but not specifically Christian? Does the magazine go for a very journalistic style or are they telling a lot of personal, first person stories? What authors are they using over and over again? Research, research, research! Many of the magazines will even send you a free sample issue.

Then develop your action plan. Many of the magazines don't allow simultaneous submissions so you need to make some decisions about who is most likely to publish each article. Query them as requested on their website and then just keep going.

Don't be discouraged if you don't get a yes right away. It may take a while to find the right outlet for your writing. But seize every little opportunity. That will help build your clips file (portfolio) and then you'll get a little more attention.

I had always wanted to do some writing. Had thought about it for years off and on. But I never did anything about it. Once I finally actually put some feet to those dreams, I was published relatively quickly. And it was because I finally did something.

So if you've always wanted to be a writer, call yourself a writer, research, write and submit things. Develop your action plan and follow through. Writing doesn't have to be just a dream. But in order to get published, you have to query and submit things for publication. To borrow a line from Nike ~ Just Do It!

~Nancy Carter

Managing Public Relations Consultant

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC