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Explanation of the Process of Becoming a Published Fiction Writer - Strategies to Succeed in Fiction Writing. Also refer to market, publisher, book, magazine, online e-zine, imagination, idea, character, plot, theme, query letter, literary agent, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Process of Becoming a Published Fiction Writer

by Ron Kurtus (14 August 2007)

The process of becoming a published fiction writer consists of first determining what sort of fiction you enjoy writing. You need a passion for the theme, style or subject matter. You need to know the writing craft in order to effectively write your stories. You might practice, simply to hone your abilities. Next, you should examine the fiction market in your genre to see what sort of outlets there for what you write. Pick a market and audience a write your story with them in mind. You want to write an interesting story that people will want to read. Finally, you submit your work to publishers, get accepted and see your work in print.

Questions you may have include:

• How do you get a passion for writing?
• How do you write a good story?
• How do you submit the story to a publisher?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Write an interesting story

Fiction consists of writing stories about fabricated people and events.

Passion for writing

You need to select an area or type of fiction in which you are extremely interested. Often, you can find this by examining the type of fiction you enjoy reading. You should almost have a passion for writing stories in this genre.

As part of your passion for writing, it is important to learn the craft of fiction writing and to hone your skills by writing short pieces that you do not plan to sell (at least not right now).

Know your craft

Writers get ideas for stories from various sources. Although you could just let your imagination take over and write down a story, it is good to know the elements and structure in fiction so that you can write a good story.

The elements of fiction include the characters, setting, plot and theme or message of the story. Without interesting characters or a compelling plot or story-line, your fiction may not attract many readers.

Get ideas

You can get ideas from your own life experiences or from those of friends or people you know. Some fiction writers create imaginary personas that seem to take on a life of their own. Ideas can come from anywhere, but being observant and always keeping in mind the potential for a good story can be the best source.

Write, write, write

Also, your story should flow and be well written. Having the work proofread and edited by another person is often a good idea.

Study fiction market

Before writing a fictional story, you really need to examine the market and know where you can get your work published. The best way to find out where you can get your fiction published is to examine where you read fiction.

Books

What type of fiction books do you read? Who are the publishers of those books? Could you write a book just as good as or better than has been published?

Besides the major publishers of fiction books, there are smaller ones that will accept new writers.

Magazines

What magazines publish fiction stories that you read? Would you like to write for such a magazine?

Online e-zines

Have you run across any websites that publish fiction? Did you read any of the fiction? If you haven't bothered reading some stories, it is possible that others will feel the same way.

Just getting published is not the goal. You want people to read what you've written.

Get published

You need to convince publishers that your work is of interest to their readers and worth publishing.

For approaching book publishers, have a literary agent is helpful. But you also need to convince the agent that your work will make him or her money, in order to get the commitment.

Typically, you first send a query letter that includes a very brief explanation of your story. You may then follow up with a phone call, before you send in your manuscript or sample of your work.

For getting published in magazines, it is worth establishing a relationship with the publisher, so you will get preference for other stories.

If you are an unpublished writer, don't be concerned with how much money you will get. You need to build up a reputation and demand for your stories in order for you to start financial negotiations.

Summary

The process of becoming a published fiction writer first starts with determining what sort of fiction you enjoy writing, knowing the writing craft in order to effectively write your stories, and hone your abilities. Next, you should examine the fiction market in your genre and pick a market and audience to write your story with them in mind. Finally, you submit your work to publishers, get accepted and see your work in print.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Prepare to succeed

Resources

The following resources provide information on this subject:

Websites

Fiction Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Fiction Writing

Top-rated books on Writing

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why should you examine the market before writing your story?

2. Why should someone proofread your story?

3. What is the purpose of a query letter?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Fiction Writing. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Process of Becoming a Published Fiction Writer