Short Stories and Poems - To Write or Not To Write
I've seen it debated whether or not it is worth it for writers to publish for smaller markets like magazines. Personally, I don't understand what the down side is. Writing short stories and or poems does the following:
1. Allows you to practice with plot, character and dialogue without having to put as much investment in.
2. It gives you the opportunity to build publishing credits. This is huge. When you are facing that dreaded bio paragraph in your query, you will have something to put down that directly relates and shows that you might know what you're doing. It could be enough to put you over the edge when weeding through the slushpile.
3. You might make a little moola. Not a ton. But, enough that you can feel more "legitimate." I know many writers who worry about this before they have an agent or publication.
4. It can boost your self-confidence. Knowing that editors like your work. That you are published. It could just give you that extra boost you need to make the next move. The one you've been avoiding, like querying for example.
5. It is a nice feeling to see your name in print. Even if it's online. I'm not embarrassed to say I printed out the pdf of my first publication (a poem for Stories for Children Magazine) and framed it. I'll get a smile on my face whenever I look at it - whether I end up on the best seller list, the unemployment office (what's the writer's equivalent?) or somewhere in between.
So - now that I've done my lecture for the day. Here are a couple of resources you might be interested in if you are interested in pursuing this type of publication:
Duotrope - you enter the info about the piece you've written and it helps point you to the right market.
Kid Magazine Writers - a resource that lists almost all magazine markets w/links and info for children's writers
Rebel Books - they are doing a Faerie Anthology for Young Adults and the submission deadline is August so get crackin!
1. Allows you to practice with plot, character and dialogue without having to put as much investment in.
2. It gives you the opportunity to build publishing credits. This is huge. When you are facing that dreaded bio paragraph in your query, you will have something to put down that directly relates and shows that you might know what you're doing. It could be enough to put you over the edge when weeding through the slushpile.
3. You might make a little moola. Not a ton. But, enough that you can feel more "legitimate." I know many writers who worry about this before they have an agent or publication.
4. It can boost your self-confidence. Knowing that editors like your work. That you are published. It could just give you that extra boost you need to make the next move. The one you've been avoiding, like querying for example.
5. It is a nice feeling to see your name in print. Even if it's online. I'm not embarrassed to say I printed out the pdf of my first publication (a poem for Stories for Children Magazine) and framed it. I'll get a smile on my face whenever I look at it - whether I end up on the best seller list, the unemployment office (what's the writer's equivalent?) or somewhere in between.
So - now that I've done my lecture for the day. Here are a couple of resources you might be interested in if you are interested in pursuing this type of publication:
Duotrope - you enter the info about the piece you've written and it helps point you to the right market.
Kid Magazine Writers - a resource that lists almost all magazine markets w/links and info for children's writers
Rebel Books - they are doing a Faerie Anthology for Young Adults and the submission deadline is August so get crackin!