Getting your writing published is a thrill like no other, but it takes hard work to make it happen. Fortunately, I have some tips that I used when first getting published.
1. Never submit the first draft. Everything you write can and should be rewritten. Sit down and take a moment to look at your writing. How could you make it stronger? Would cutting out all of the reallys and verys make it sound better?
2. Ask for feedback. When you feel your writing is the very best that it can be, ask a trusted friend or writing mentor to review your work. They'll be able to give you valuable feedback before you submit your writing to an editor.
3. Find the right publication. For some young writers this is a tedious task while other writers find it invigorating. Once you've found a publication that suits you, make sure the topic you're writing about hasn't been covered recently. For example, if a girls magazine just did a feature on Ten Steps to Self-Defense then your article on Easy to Remember Self-Defense Tips may not work...unless, you're bringing new information to the editor's attention.
4. Double-check everything. From the word count of your piece to your email address, make sure you have included everything the editor wants to see. Give the editor everything she has requested. If you have a question about an editor's guidelines ask a more experienced writer or a writing group.
5. Hit send. Sometimes this can be the hardest part of the job for a writer. Too many times I prepared good writing that fit a publication's needs, but I didn't hit send. I lost those opportunities to grow in my writing because I let fear take over. Wayne Gretzky has a good perspective on this:
“You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”
So, go on...hit send!
Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found blogging on her website.
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