Getting Published--Getting Reviewed: Expert Tips
by Karen J. Biesboer, IWPA Member

What's the one thing that a library commissioner/book reviewer, an author of historical profiles in the children's books genre, a producer/award winner short fiction writer and an acquiring/book editor all have in common? INSIGHT.

That's exactly what the panel that brought us our November program provided the members and guests of IWPA--Insight!

View from the library
Mary Dempsey, Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library and a respected book reviewer on Network Chicago, a feature of WMFT 98.7 FM offered her perspective on what attracts a library to purchase a book.

In her role as reviewer, Dempsey picks books that she likes. She never reviews a book she hates for her show and does not review current "hot" picks. She suggests that authors who want to be highlighted by the library go to the library and knock on doors so they can be recognized and possibly have their work highlighted within the system. She also suggested that book authors go to the bookstores and try to enlist their help in getting their books highlighted. And, above all, try to get your work reviewed in Publishers Weekly.

The word to self-publishers is that "libraries rarely purchase self-published" books. They will purchase from independent presses--but not self-publishers.

Authors' viewpoints
Ann Heinrichs, IWPA member, accomplished musician, and author of several books, never wanted to be a writer. But fresh out of college and desperate for an income, she approached The Reader and talked them into letting her write reviews on musical events. Then, after a lifetime of changes, she found herself being asked to write for the children's book market. Another writer had failed to provide what the publisher needed and Ann found herself offering to write a 20,000-word book. She got aggressive, and advises, "If the opportunity presents itself, write it." That's what she did and she has now landed a contract to write 52 books to be delivered at the rate of three per month.

Ann also suggests learning what the editor wants, delivering the manuscript on time, following the specs, writing age appropriate, and not talking down to the reader.

"By keeping these in mind, this made me a desirable author to the publisher and got me additional work," she said.

Tina Jens, two-time Bram Stoker Award nominee for short fiction and for the production of the Twilight Tales reading series, offered "if you want to be published, you must write and put your work into someone's hands to get it published. . .write and submit--write and submit."

Ms. Jens, like many authors, received her share of rejections before selling her first piece. She emphasized, "you must write a lot. You can't just write one or two pieces a year and expect to be a successful writer."

According to Jens, the average short story writer has 15-25 items out at one time. Editors tend to sit on material for a while, so in order to increase your odds of selling a story, you must put out multiples.

She added, "one story I know of was published 10 years after it was first submitted."

According to Jens, in order to improve your odds, "know your market. Send what the publishers want. Don't rely on the Writers Market -- it's usually obsolete, in my opinion, by the time it is published. Go on the Web and check guidelines and other information that is available. If fiction is your passion, join that type of writers organization and learn through your association with published members of the group."

When it comes to screenplays, Jens suggested finding an experienced representative. In her experience, because the book market and the screenwriting market require different levels of expertise, you might need two representatives.

She too concluded by saying, know the market--give the publishers and people who purchase material for screen what they want and increase your odds by following the rules.

Publishers' perspective
Alex Lubertozzi of Sourcebooks said, "today around 50% of the books published come through agents. Agents handle the screening process for publishers, as they usually know what the publisher is looking for. Agents not only have a relationship with the publisher but also can free up the publisher to do other tasks by handling the screening process for them. Some will purchase books from un-agented authors, but no matter what way you go, you must obtain the specific guidelines from the publishing house before preparing your inquiry."

Lubertozzi further said, "you can sometimes e-mail your inquiry. If the publisher will accept this type of inquiry, you will save time. But, again, first know what the publisher wants before you approach him."

The third way a book comes to publish is by request. Publishers will have an idea for a book they want and if they have had good success with you as a writer in the past, they will come to you and offer you the assignment.

So, in summary, what criteria should be kept in mind when trying to get published?

• If opportunity knocks, answer the door. Write it!
• Follow specs. . .obtain guidelines before you write.
• Put the story together with good structure and create interest. Quality is important.
• Have an original idea, research the competition and be sure what you want to do has not already been done. The market might already be saturated with similar material. Know what is wanted.
• Know your potential audience. Keep the reader in mind at all times. Write for the appropriate age level.
• Don't talk "down" to the reader.
• Know what is selling, what the readers want and where that type of book lands in the bookstore. Know the potential before you write.
• Market yourself to bookstores, librarians, and publishers. Obtain an agent, if necessary. Procure the "right agent for the type of project (i.e., literary/book agent for books and TV/movie agent for manuscript/screenplay.
• Be flexible--rewrite it if you are asked.
• Write often and submit mulitples.
• Obtain a written contract. Protect yourself. Negotiate advances, royalties, payments, etc. Don't lose your rights!
• Join appropriate support groups (i.e., Mystery or Romance Writers group for that type of material).

Above all, keep writing!

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