How to Get Published

by Jim Gamble

Out of the blue a few weeks ago, the president of a service club I attend asked who had written a book. Hesitantly, five of the hundred business people present raised their hands as if they had done something wrong. He then, in subsequent weeks, asked for book reports. Here’s mine, mainly using a series of quotations:

Edward Gibbon summed up my background saying,

“Un-provided with original learning, uninformed in the habits of thinking, and unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book.”

Gene Fowler 1890 -1960, then explained in detail how it’s done,

“Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”

Having never written a line of fiction (except in loan applications), I needed help. Others in our SFN writers group assisted when I told them what Fred Allen said, “You write so well you make me feel like putting my quill back in my goose.”

All writers should understand there are pitfalls that should be avoided. Samuel Johnson wrote, “Your manuscript is both good and original, but the part that is good is not original and the part that is original is not good.” (more…)