I started writing stories when I was in 3rd grade, and sent out my first submission to Reader's Digest. It was a joke about a goldfish. At the time, I thought it was the funniest joke in the world.
I never heard back from Reader's Digest, but I loved the idea that I could imagine a story, send it out, and--hopefully--see it published in a magazine or as a book. I was hooked.
You're never too young to be a writer. If you're interested in how to get your stories and poems published, here are a few tips:
*I recommend a book called Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market, published by Writers Digest Books. It can be found at most libraries or bookstores.
The guide contains a chapter on markets for writers under the age of 18. It features questions and answers about submitting your work, plus tips from writers and editors. Look for the most recent edition since the information is updated every year.
*Read! An old saying: "Learn from the masters" is wise advice.
Read not only for entertainment, but read to figure out how the author:
1. Grabbed your attention in chapter one. 2. Kept you turning the page. 3. Made you laugh or cry or feel angry or sympathetic, or . . . . 4. Made the story exciting or scary, funny or sad. 5. Made you wish the story didn't come to an end.
*Write! Many people make the mistake of thinking they will write "someday." But real writers write. Period.
*Find a few friends who like to write. Share and discuss each other's stories. This helps an author see what needs to be changed, trimmed, expanded, etc.
*If you've completed a novel and want to contact a reputable literary agent, find a reference book in the library called Literary Marketplace. (Yes, they are online, but you have to subscribe.)
Never send your work to an agent who charges a fee. A reputable agent will consider your work for free, and, if he or she takes you on as a client, will only take a percentage of work they sell for you.
*A resource for writers of all ages is Writers' Market, which features information about all sorts of publishing, including greeting cards, online markets, and cartoon markets.
One of my college professors introduced me to this book, and I was thrilled to discover the tools I needed to help me turn my hobby into a career.
*Attend writing conferences and workshops to learn the basics, and to meet writers and editors.
Many writers get their start as teenagers. For example: Christopher Paolini (Eragon), Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (In the Forests of the Night), and Gordon Korman (Born to Rock). Oh, and me.
I hope these tips help. Let me know when your first book is on the shelves.
