  Fantasy
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| Who you know is sometimes the most important step in getting published. |
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After my interview in my last newsletter, bazilbob remarked:
Great idea to interview someone specifically about getting published. Thanks to Rebecca for agreeing to it, it was really useful. I guess it's true that it's not what you know, but who you know. I don't suppose you could look into cnferences and other ways of meeting and gaining contacts?
How to Make Contacts in the Publishing Industry
I don't know for sure, but I have a hunch that many authors are like me--introverts with a strong timid streak which makes ordering pizza over the phone an ordeal because though you know what you want to say, your tongue doesn't seem to agree with you. Meeting new people makes you break out into a nervous sweat, and the whole time you wish that you were safe behind your computer, or at your writing notepad because writing a novel is so much easier than trying to sound like an average human being in front of a stranger.
The sad truth of it is, however, that authors will have to talk on phones and meet new people if they ever want to be published. Editors work mostly by phone since most of the time you won't live very close to the publishing house that has your contract, and so do agents. The fact is, you can't get away from interacting. But that's in the future, what we have to worry about in the first place is how in the world do you meet these people?
Writer's Workshops/Conferences/Classes
Pros
These can be a great way to learn new techniques to improve your writing and get feedback from professionals in the business, or peers in a classroom setting. I've never been to a conference personally, but from the volume of people that attend these things, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to get your name and face out there.
Writing classes are offered at about every college these days and they may be an opportunity for you to make contacts with you classmates and your professor, who is often a published author.
Cons
Conferences can get pricey and if you're on a limited budget, attendance may be a big stretch for you. Be sure to inquire about scholarships, however; many conferences offer financial aid if you want to attend.
Classes are often an eclectic mix. I had good experiences with my writing classes, but I've heard from people who say it was a complete waste of time and you don't usually get refunded either.
Both of these options take a big chunk of time. Conferences usually last a couple of days usually over a weekend, but classes can go on for a couple of months.
Check out http://www.writersdigest.com/topics/wd_workshops_display.asp for a handy search form to look for upcoming conferences in your area. Also check here for more listings: http://www.writersdigest.com/conferences/
To find classes, check out a local university's website for information, or, if you don't live a reasonable distance from one, check out options for online courses.
Talk to people
Even if you work at some corporate office where there's nothing remotely related to publishing, you may be surprised where contacts can pop up. Talk to folks at work, find out who they know, tell your colleagues that you're interested in publishing. Who knows? Perhaps you'll be talking one day and someone will say "hey, my cousin works at Random House." There's your chance.
Get into contact with old college buddies, find out where they work and who they know. Perhaps you're thinking this all sounds a little mercenary, but this can happen over dozens of conversations, you don't have to pounce right away, and you may discover new friends along the journey.
Opportunity is knocking, folks, you just have to answer the door.
Surf the Net
I'm serious about this. Just think about the number of people on Writing.com. There are some good contacts to be made here, people.
Surf the net, find editors' blogs and agents' blogs. Usually these blogs will exist on purpose to help writers. Comment, if they allow it, submit your stuff, if that's the purpose of the journal. An editor's blog I frequent recently published a book because of an excerpt he read on his blog. (The book, by the way, is [[ Product review #108588 does not exist. ]].) Sometimes, you'll even come into contact with an author's blog like bestselling author Naomi Novik who has a personal blog on livejournal.
Tip
+ In all your dealings, be professional. No one likes rude, pushy people or folks that act the "diva". You're the one who needs the contacts, not the other way around. Act like you know what you're doing and that you mean business; you're serious about your writing and your attitude should reflect that.
+ Don't let the fact that you're a fantasy/sci-fi author get you down; it's not the most prolific genre according to the agents' blogs I've been reading, but concentrate on writing a good story and worry about the rest later. |
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From: dusktildawn
Wow, I loved this interview, Erin!  Having received my first rejection last August, I found that I'm still sitting on my ms. This Newsletter has given me an extra push to get my butt back into gear. Thanks so much sharing!
Thanks Dusk! I feel the same way .
From: Satuawany  
Fantastic interview, Erin. Not only on your part, but the interviewee was stupendous. It's the first interview I've read that made me optimistic about my own journey. And that's all in the way R.J. Anderson goes about answering your questions.
It seems like most people on the road to publication look back at the rest of us with a little disdain, even when they try to sound helpful. I always sense a tiny tone "You can't do it" or "Why am I helping you?" in their words. Maybe I'm just paranoid. Or...neurotic.
But I didn't get that here. Genuine encouragement came through in this interview and, for the first time, I really felt like if I work hard, I can do it. I hope there is a follow-up interview with R.J. Anderson when she gets a final word back on Knife's publication. No matter what happens, I think she will have useful advice on the process, though I truly hope the book does get published!
Thanks for the feedback! Both Rebecca and I appreciate it . I will be sure to do a follow-up interview as her journey to publication progresses.
From: Strange Wulf 
Self-publishing may be a last resort, but for some fiction it's the only option. =P I dare you to submit a "furry" novel to an editor and see how far it gets. Chances are, if it's not written to appeal to the mainstream audience, it won't ever see print.
True. That's why self-publishing is for some people, but not for all .
From: Imo NSIDIBE
Thank you for the newsletter.I actually jump on the issue that talks about fantasy.I enjoyed the interview. Please tell me,what is the difference between science fiction and fantasy?
That's a subject that has been debated for years! I don't think there's an easy answer. In general, if I start reading a book and spaceships and a lot of futuristic technology appears, I'm going to assume it's sci-fi. If, instead of technology, magic appears, I'm going to assume it's fantasy. Some story have a mix of both. For example, Star Wars has a magical element--the Force, but I would still call it "sci-fi".
Author Arthur C. Clarke had a pretty good definition:
"Here is my working definition: Fantasy is something that couldn't happen in the real world (though often you wish if would; Science Fiction is something that really COULD happen (though often you'd be sorry if it did)." -THE SENTINAL, p. 291
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Fantasy: March 21, 2007 Issue [#1603]
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