I received an email recently from an unpublished writer. She wanted to know how to get her book published. At least that's what she said she wanted. But as I read her note, I realized the specifics of her request told an entirely different story.
She started out by telling me about the book she'd written. She knew it was a good book and was sure to be published "If only someone would take the time to really look at it."
She talked about how she hated her job and just knew she was called to be a writer. She was contemplating quitting the hated job in order to be free to do the job she would love.
All she needed was someone to publish her book.
I responded as I usually do, with encouragement to join a critique group, go to a writer's conference, and sign up for free writing instruction, like The Christian Writer's Den. (I know, shameless self-promotion–but hey, the blog IS here to help writers AND its free!) I suggested she hang out with other writers online and in person. I recommended books I'd found helpful in my journey.
It wasn't what she wanted to hear.
"Yea…yea…yea…" she wrote back. (Well, those weren't her exact words, but I can tell you for a fact, that's what she meant!) She said that since she'd already finished the book, she didn't feel she really needed those things, even though she'd never attended a writer's conference or taken a class. Instead, what she wanted from me was just a list of publishers who would want to publish her book. When I asked if she knew about the Writer's Market, she said she did. But since it was so big and since there were so many companies and since I knew "all about publishing," couldn't I just send her a list of the people who would be interested in her kind of book?
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I wanted to smack her. But I didn't. Because a few years ago, that could have 
been me. I could have easily written the same exact letter when I started on my writing journey. I was pathetic. I wanted to know the shortcuts, the secret tricks of the trade, the right combination to get the job done…and done quickly! I mean, who has the time–or the money–to take classes and search markets and learn the silly rules of POV?
If you've ever been to a writer's conference where I've been on staff, chances are you've heard me confess some of my early mistakes. I've even written about some of them, which you can read about here and here. But for now, I'll just say that because I searched for shortcuts and secrets and combinations…because I just didn't have time to do things the way they were supposed to be done…I DASHED to publication in a mere seven years and 63 rejections!
So, in order to save you time and money, I've listed the secrets to publication here (secret handshake and all!):
- There are no shortcuts.
- Writing for publication is usually very different from writing in high school and college.
- Becoming a writer is like any other career–you have to learn how to do the job, and learn to do it well.
- You must study the market.
- It takes an investment of time and money (conferences, books, educational opportunities).
- The return on that investment is often slow.
- Never stop learning.
- And when you think you've learned everything you need to know…it's at that very moment that you prove you haven't!
I'm still learning. I read everything I can get my hands on. I'm part of a critique group. I go to conferences and take classes. And I'll be doing all those things as long as I'm a writer. Maybe longer.
So, forget the handshake, forget the shortcuts, forget the secret code. Just go ahead and put on your big boy or big girl britches and get to work.
Because if you want to be a published writer, WORK is what it takes.
BTW, it's not too late to sign up for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I'll be there, telling some of my secrets. 
(Another BTW–I just checked the link to make sure it worked, and was surprised to find I have an article at the Blue Ridge Conference site. I submitted the article a while back and didn't know when it would appear! I hope you'll check it out!)
(Trail photo compliments of )
(Warning sign photo compliments of )
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Kudos for Our Talented Readers!
Wow, what a diverse and creative group we have here at The Christian Writer's Den! Join me in the celebration!
1. Suzanne Patterson (DC) is an Emmy Award-winning make up and special make up effects artist. Take a look at her latest productions for film, video, TV, and print. You'll be blown away! (Caution-some images are realistically graphic) Awesome job, Suzanne!
2. Bitsy Rawlings (TN) Bitsy has started Mourning into Dancing, a new online encouragement ministry for Young Widows. There are two new areas of outreach: a Facebook group which is designed specifically for the young widow, and a new blog which is designed to reach a general female audience. The blog is open to any reader. The Facebook group is a closed group, but permission to join can be granted by emailing the administrator. You'll need a Facebook account to be a member of that group. Thank you for opening your heart to such a needed ministry, Bitsy. Congratulations!
3. Norma Vera (TX) has also started blogging. Her site is Grandma Teach Me Wisdom. And as a grandmother of five, I'm sure she has lots of wisdom to share! Way to go, Norma!
4. Lynda Moldrem's (SC) new book, Image of Gold, will soon be released by PublishAmerica. For more information and release date, check out the website. Kudos, Lynda!
5. Kimberli Buffaloe (NC) was interviewed about her nature/hiking blog on TV! You can watch the two parts here and here. Kimberli is also the talented person who put together our CWD Writing Retreat 2008 video. (Watch for the 2009 announcement soon!) Thanks, Kimberli! You're awesome!
And if you have any doubt that conferences and networking pay off, I met four of these writers at writers' conferences and one on Facebook. So yes, writers need to hang out with other writers, even if it's online!
Don't forget to come back next week for a bunch of writing opportunities, collected just for you. Do what it takes, and you could soon see your name listed here!
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Let's Make a Lunch Date at Blue Ridge!
Many CWD readers will be attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, so let's get together! Mark your calendars for Wednesday lunch. We'll meet at the tables behind the coffee/cereal/toast bar. (And if someone gets there before me, please grab some tables, okay?) Bring your friends, even if they aren't part of the Christian Writer's Den yet. No pressure, no agenda. We just want to get to know each other! Oh, and I'll be telling you about our upcoming Women's Writing Retreat. (Sorry guys, this one's just for the girls!) See you Sunday!
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As we prepare for the journey God has for us as writers, let's heed the words of Paul, spoken to Timothy:
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
