Last month, we talked about how literary magazines and journals can be a great source of inspiration, and can help refine your craft and develop your skillset as a writer. As I said in that post, you don’t need to wait for anyone to tell you it’s okay to “become” a writer. You can get published while you’re still in high school!
Today, let’s have a look at a few tips to help get your work out there in front of readers.
Tip #1: Read
This should be obvious. After all, if you want to get published, you should keep tabs on what material publishers find interesting.
Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to read, too. Reading other writers’ work helps support the literary community, and you can pick up on craft pointers and general inspiration to help improve your own work, too. Try grabbing one of the journals spotlighted in last month’s post, or simply read a book from a current author.
Tip #2: Write Consistently
Writing is just like any skill: you need to practice regularly if you want to keep improving. Try to write something every day. Even if it’s as simple as a few lines, and you don’t think they’re particularly good. Sometimes, a throwaway line you jot down on a scrap of paper can develop and grow into a fantastic idea.
Just remember that something is better than nothing.
Tip #3: Blog About it
Starting a blog can really help with that mission of writing every day. Your blog will be a great resource to help you organize your thoughts and develop ideas. For example, let’s assume you want to develop a fantasy or sci-fi setting. As part of the worldbuilding process, you can use your blog to write microfiction entries that work like snapshots of daily life.
Even better, with blogging platforms like Tumblr or Medium, you can get your work in front of an audience and start building a following even before you sit down to write your masterpiece.
Tip #4: Submit to Other Blogs
You don’t have to stick to your own personal blog. Once you build a body of work on your own page, you can reach out to others and see if they’re interested in hosting your content, too.
Guest blogging is a great way to introduce yourself to new readers, especially if you want to break into in the nonfiction/essay fields. Of course, a major part of guest blogging is networking and trying to sell yourself, which many writers, especially newcomers, can be uncomfortable with. Here’s some basic advice to help better understand how to develop as a guest blogger.
Tip #5: Write for a School Publication
Does your school have a student newspaper? What about a school blog or website? Why not see if you can get involved?
By writing for a school paper or other publication, you’re at least getting your writing in front of other readers. Plus, this offers valuable experience for working with editors, maintaining deadlines, and basic craft and style.
Tip #6: Look for Teen-Centered Literary Outlets
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you don’t need to wait for permission to become a writer.
You can jump in and submit work to any publication that’s currently accepting submissions. However, as a young person, you have an opportunity to try your hand at publications created specifically for writers in the early part of their careers. This blog post offers a solid list of publications targeted at child, teen, and young adult writers, like Teen Ink. Check it out, and see if any of those publications catch your eye. Maybe even try submitting some of your work.
Tip #7: Check Out Writing-Focused Podcasts and YouTube Channels
Writing isn’t just about sitting in a locked room, scribbling in a notebook. I mean sure, it can be like that sometimes. But the literary community is, as its name implies, a community. There are lots of people who like to talk about writing and offer craft tips and theory advice.
Author Jenna Moreci’s YouTube channel is a great place to get insight on the writing business, worldbuilding, other tips. That’s just one example, though; there are TONS of other channels and podcasts to check out dedicated to different topics, genres, and more.
Tip #8: Follow Local Writing Events
Even if you’re not in a literary hub like New York, there’s probably still a decent number of writing events nearby. For example, you probably live near at least one college or university. Why not check out what their Creative Writing department is up to?
Most Creative Writing programs have a social media presence, so follow them and keep tabs on upcoming readings, workshops, and any other events open to the public. These events present opportunities to learn more about writing, as well as meet and talk to other writers.
Tip #9: Attend a Writing Conference
If you want to get a more intensive experience, try attending a writers’ conference if you have the opportunity.
The annual AWP Conference is a fantastic annual event, bringing together thousands of writers, agents, professors, publishers, and more for a three-day celebration of all things literary. The event offers fantastic panels, workshops, readings, and other opportunities to grow as a writer.
Of course, admission to these events can be—and often is—pricey. However, there may be workarounds, like at AWP, which offers student pricing, plus opportunities to volunteer in exchange for free admission.
Tip #10: Seek Out Contests for Young or Unpublished Writers
Nervous about submitting your work to compete against seasoned, published writers? Well, why not try a contest specifically intended for those who’ve never been published?
Here’s a list of writing contests targeted specifically at teen writers. Most are free to enter, and offer a cash prize. Even if you don’t end up taking first place, though, entering a writing contest is a great way to stretch your boundaries and expose yourself to the industry.
Tip #11: Try Self-Publishing
Maybe you’ve got a story, or a batch of poems, that you’ve workshopped, edited and reshaped for months. You’ve had beta readers offer feedback, and even taken it to a professional editor. Now, you feel your work is finally ready to see the light of day.
I wouldn’t recommend self-publishing for every writer…but it’s an option.
Kindle Direct Publishing is probably the most popular method of self-publishing. However, there are lots of terms and restrictions to consider before you sign-away your work to any one platform. Do your research, and consider your options carefully before making any final decisions.