| Author | Message | ||
| David Dumais
Intermediate Member Username: scribbledhopes Post Number: 414 Registered: 03-2008 |
Hello friends, Recently I have had some wild friends recommend that I work on compiling some of my selected work, and try to get them published. I seem to have a knack for short poetry that might do well in market specializing in children’s poetry. My most recent accomplishment was a private email from a talented wild poet who worked with children who wanted to bring one of my pieces to a 4th grade class as favorite poem of the week. Though to some this might seem small, to me, I was thrilled. But I haven't the foggiest Idea how, what format I should use, and if online submissions are best. I have opened an account with Manuscriptshub.com, that seemed legit, and it's a start anyway. I was wondering if there was some self help book or piece of advice someone might have when working in books and poems, short stories or books geared toward the young. I am in my second draft of a novel geared toward ages 8-14 and am told by a few test readers that it is very good. So I have a few pipe dreams as of late. So as you can see, I have multiple angles I am pursing, I am just working up the confidence. We have some talented people here, published themselves, if you were just starting out again, what advice would you give to yourself? The only thing to tell editors about, is two short stories published years ago by magazines no longer in existence. Weak I know. Not even sure if is proper to mention them. Is there a statue of limitations to published credentials? Your time and polite consideration would be appreciated.. thanks, Dave... (Message edited by scribbledhopes on January 02, 2010) Silence has a Sound, despite what people think, sometimes I cover my ears to keep it out. | ||
| M
Board Administrator Username: mjm Post Number: 36025 Registered: 11-1998 |
Dearest David -- you might want to start a search at Duotrope, an online resource listing thousands of markets for poetry and fiction: Duotrope Click "Search for Publishers of: Poetry" and then click on the "Theme" category. A drop-down box will be presented, and you can select "For Children" on it. That will then narrow the search to those publishers interested specifically in poetry for children. You can run a similar search for Fiction. Also, here at the Library (NATUROPATHY) at Wild, we've compiled lots of good publishing tips. You'll find it here: NATUROPATHY, Publishing Tips All the info in there should keep you busy for a while. And many of those threads answer your specific questions. Good luck to you in your future publishing pursuits! Pipe dreams are great. Armed with the proper information, you can turn them into reality. Love, M | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 11745 Registered: 07-2002 |
David--I would start with a site like duotrope. http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx It's a resource for writers on markets for fiction and poetry. If you are looking to submit for children's and YA markets, there are a few publications like the cricket magazine group, that has publications broken down for different age groups: http://www.cricketmag.com/ProductList.aspx?type=M Here's another source: http://www.freelancewriting.com/guidelines/pages/Children/ (Found just in a quick google search). If you want to talk about the novel and how to persue publication, let me know in thread, or pop me an email. I've been writing novels for almost 6 years now and went through the whole agent search/query process. there are so many scams out there, particularly in the children's market, that you really need to arm yourself with good information. Preditors and editors is a good place to start, if you haven't already visited them: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ Best, ljc Once in a Blue Muse Blog "Chop Wood, Carry Water" | ||
| Jennifer VanBuren
Intermediate Member Username: jkvanburen Post Number: 515 Registered: 04-2009 |
Hi David, My suggestion would be to read poetry journals and find one that fits your style. The biggest mistake people make is submitting their work to places that are not a match. Most journals do not just want to publish "good" poetry, but there is a flavor to their journal that they want to make sure blends. Read submission guidelines very carefully. The other big mistake people make is altering their style to try to get into a specific journal. If you have a poet that you feel is of your caliber and voice/style etc. you can look at their bio and see what journals have taken them in. It is kind of like adopting a puppy from a shelter. You might pass up on 25 perfectly good puppies because only one fits the family he will be adopted into. Good Luck! Jennifer "To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness." Bertrand Russell | ||
| Fred Longworth
Senior Member Username: sandiegopoet Post Number: 7214 Registered: 05-2006 |
David, I have had good luck with Poet's Market. I still believe that a good hardcopy book has a "feel" to it that cannot be duplicated online. You can take notes in the margins of each page concerning details not given in the writeups -- and of course how you fared with your subs. You can also take a hardcopy anywhere -- and there are no batteries to run out. That said, more and more online resources are downloadable to .pdf files, so that you CAN have a hardcopy to work with. I also expect more and more resources to be downloadable to Kindle, its Sony competitor, or other. Good luck to you on your submissions! Fred I may not be here tomorrow . . . so this is for today. | ||
| J.B.
Intermediate Member Username: poetessx Post Number: 757 Registered: 06-2008 |
David, I am with Fred on this one. I love my Poet's Market. There is also a Writer's Market for Children (you should be able to find this at any bookstore, if not at your public library). If you want to "test" your work on an audience, contact your local library or elementary school about the possibility of reading for the kids. They can be a tough sell, but tend to be very honest in their opinion. Above all, don't get discouraged. And, when you do get your work published, please be sure to share the good news with us here! J.B. "...anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you." -- David White, "Sweet Darkness" | ||
| David Dumais
Intermediate Member Username: scribbledhopes Post Number: 415 Registered: 03-2008 |
This is great stuff, I don't know how to thank you. I wish you could understand how important this advice to me.. It gives me a start to learn, maybe avoid some pain and find some roads. I have made book marks of every lead, and I intend to spend the next few weeks learning all I can. I am no fool, actually I tend to be very grounded by nature. I expect rejection, I can handle someone saying, good but.. this, that and other thing... What would crush me is someone leading me with praise, only to goad me into making a costly decision that I can't easily back out of and then dropping the bomb. ouch. I am so glad I asked, now I have a start. Thanks M, I appreciate the Duotrope lead, that site is great. The walkthough was very helpful. LJ, That is a kind offer I may take you up on. It would help to know someone who has published novels that I could ask a question in a pinch, or I wasn't sure of something. That being said, please understand I would not become a bother, and would respect your time. Jennifer, You advice about style fitting the publication hit home. I hadn't even considered that, much to learn there. Not that it will be painful, I love reading. I liked the puppy analogy. Fred, You have a point about hard copies. I think I sit in the middle of the road about working on paper, often I work off a slate computer, it's like a cross between digital media and paper. You lack a keyboard and it's meant to be carried like a pad of paper, You can make notes, you use a pen, you can print your notes, yet it's all digital. But having the physical parchment in your hands.. well.. I print my favorite poems and hang them up as encouragement. If you have had good luck with Poet's Market, then it sounds like a great place a budding writer can kick about. J.B. I will hunt down the Writers Market for Children. I am all in for any kind of reference I can lay my hands on. I already have a stack of books that have assisted me greatly, a few of the books are on grammar alone, I keep them by my desk and reread them often to keep the rules fresh. Though I sometimes find myself typing faster than I should, caught up in some thought, and then have to go back with a broom. I learn a bit more each day. I get the most bang for my buck in places like wild, where comments from other writers broaden my perspectives and help me see small misconceptions or bad habits. I use online short story workshops as way to sharpen my skills for longer manuscripts. I find that posting up short stories and poems I create, and getting honest critique, helps me grow. Sometimes the reviews or advice is what I was hoping for, other times not, but I always listen and learn and respect the time they invested in me. That's a kindness that is to be respected, not assumed. On that note, I tip my hat, I knew I was asking in the write place. Dave.. (Message edited by scribbledhopes on January 02, 2010) Silence has a Sound, despite what people think, sometimes I cover my ears to keep it out. | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 11746 Registered: 07-2002 |
David--please do email me, if you have questions. It's not a bother--it's part of paying it forward, sharing the knowledge that others have generously shared with me. Best, ljc Once in a Blue Muse Blog "Chop Wood, Carry Water" | ||
| Derek Richards
Advanced Member Username: drichards Post Number: 1656 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey David, good question, after reading the posts above i got basically nothing to add....lol...but i would also strongly recommend Duotrope, if for no other reason, you usually get the editorial comments for each journal, the specifics & a direct link to find out about submission guidelines and deadlines. my experience seems to come to putting in at least 1/2 hour on each journal you're considering...also, work on your cover letter & a bio, these do help...don't worry so much about credits, but rather a tight description of you & your poetry...my last suggestion, just keep submitting, your poetry will find a home...it just takes time, patience & faith.....D. | ||
| GA Sunshine
Moderator Username: ga_sunshine Post Number: 2485 Registered: 06-2006 |
Dave - I am delighted that you are following through on this. I ditto the advice posted before me. Knowing the quality of your work, I can say this; if the first publisher isn't able to see how good it is, one down the list will. Concerning your novel - friends and relatives can be so bias - try Forward Writers (dot) com. It is a group of writers who will help you tweak and hone your writing. Best Wishes - let us know how it all turns out. You can always e-mail me if you have any questions. *Hugs* Susan **GA--just a correction from me (lj), it's Forward Motion for Writers, at http://fmwriters.com And I second the recommendation. It's where I get my crits for my novels. ** | ||
| stacey dye
Advanced Member Username: belladonna Post Number: 1822 Registered: 11-2007 |
David...I am so proud and excited for you. You are in good hands here. The best. Go for it my friend! I'm cheering you on and behind you 110%. If you need me, you know where I am...stace E.B. White |
