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How to Get Your Work Published

Many writers, photographers and artists want to have their work published, but conquering the publishing world can seem like a challenge. Faced with rejection, many give up rather than pursue their goal. While publishing your work requires persistence and attention to detail, the process doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're a fiction writer, the author of a scholarly work, a photographer or an illustrator, you can have your work published by finding the right publisher and focusing on the quality of your work.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research publishers to determine those that publish your type of work and accept unsolicited submissions. Only submit to publishers who handle your specialty and are open to new work. For example, photographers shouldn't submit to academic journals that only publish research papers.

    • 2

      Format your work per the guidelines of the publishers to whom you plan to submit. Many publishers list their submission guidelines inside their publications or on their website. If a publisher asks for a hard copy of your document, send a hard copy; if a publisher wants to see your work as a PDF file, send a PDF.

    • 3

      Submit your work to publishers who handle your specialty, following their submission guidelines. Many publishers require a cover letter introducing yourself and your work. Write and send this letter along with your submission per the publisher's guidelines.

    • 4

      Look for agents who represent your type of work. Submit to those agents, and adhere to their guidelines. Many publishers will not accept submissions directly from writers and photographers but are open to submissions from agents.

    • 5

      Edit your work based on feedback you receive from publishers, at your discretion. A publisher or agent will sometimes ask to see a piece of work after you've made certain revisions. This requestis not a guarantee of publication or representation but an expression of possible interest.

    • 6

      Resubmit your work after revision. Keep in mind that some publishers and agents require you to wait a minimum of three to six months between submissions.

    • 7

      Work on a new project while waiting for publication. Diversifying your portfolio gives you more opportunities to have your work published.

Book Publishing

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