How to Get Published

by Al Kalar

A poet called in about a submission he’d sent. While we talked, he asked that if I didn’t like his poetry, could I give him some guidelines as to what to write. He seemed to think he could write poetry to order.

I can’t think of a better way for him to kill his writing career.

Poetry, song writing, and such can indeed be cranked out to a formula. Unfortunately, formula writing comes off as just that.  Some of it will actually sell, but it will never become “great literature”. (more…)

by Nadine Laman
Author of the Kathryn’s Beach trilogy

I BETA read for other writers, but not so much anymore as time is a factor. Beta reading is not editing. However, sometimes while beta reading there are things that glare so much that even I can see them. What I’ve noticed (often) is that the beginning writer has given me the first draft to beta read, which I did for free. It takes hours of reading, note making, and writing examples of what I mean. Rather than ‘thank you,’ I get a phone call or email from the writer explaining, defending, and/or arguing most points.

First of all, if the writing isn’t clear, the writer can’t call or email each reader and explain what they meant. The three best editors in the world can’t work their magic until the writer is ready to let go of their ‘perfect FIRST draft’ and turn it into a perfect final draft. (more…)