Getting Your Writing Published
Read these tips on how to get your writing published.
Big Picture
Prepare a short, snappy answer for the question: “what are you working on?” Learn how to talk about your writing concisely and confidently. Think about who your audience is, what your genre is and some well-known writers whose work is similar to your own. Importantly: ask yourself what is unique about your voice, style and idea. Categorising your work in this way helps publishers to imagine if your work is a good fit for their audience.
Examples
“I’m writing a coming of age story for adolescents. Similar to Looking for Alibrandi but set in a remote farming community.”
“I’m working on a collection of poetry about the rivers of Northern NSW. The subject matter is serious but the tone is humorous and confessional.”
“I’m writing an article about a interesting new trend in comedy writing. It’s a light read, something you might find in the arts supplement of your weekend paper.”
Play the Long Game
Building your profile and improving your skills will greatly improve your chances of publication:
- Join your local writers centre. Attend workshops, networking events and find out about local open mic events or writers groups where you can share your work.
- Enter prizes and competitions.
- Applying to writers festivals can be a great way to put your work in front of an audience and meet other writers. If you don’t have success the first time around, apply to be a volunteer or attend a workshop.
Keep writing and understand that regular knock-backs are a very normal part of becoming a writer. Don’t be discouraged!
Journals, Magazines and Newspapers
There are many journals and periodicals that accept submissions of poetry, short fiction, essays and articles, including Griffith Review, Island Magazine, Meanjin, Overland, Peril, Seizure, Southerly Journal, Stilts and The Lifted Brow. During busy periods, you will notice that submissions may not be open. Use the time to keep editing and refining your work.
Do your research and read several issues of the journal or magazine before you submit. This will give you an idea of the tone and style you should be aiming for.
Novels and Books
Read publishers’ websites carefully, paying attention to the kind of books they already publish. Make sure the work you are sending to a publisher is the best it can possibly be. Edit, edit, edit. Consider seeking and paying for advice from a professional editor. You can search for accredited Australian editors on this comprehensive directory.
Write a short synopsis that explains your story, without giving away the ending (like a blurb on the back of a book).
Read the submission guidelines very carefully before you hit send. Please note that many major publishers only accept submissions at a certain time of the week or month.
Read more about:
Poets, check out Cordite, Giramondo, UQP, Pitt Street Poetry and UWAP Poetry. Non fiction writers, check out Scribe, Text Publishing and Black Inc.
Additional Resources