Road to Publication: Don’t Go It Alone!

“Seek out those who inspire and encourage you, then pay it forward later on.”

This advice popped up in a recent tweet by Debbie Ohi, a writer and illustrator living in Toronto, Canada. She intended it for aspiring writers and illustrators, but I think it’s great advice for anyone working toward some dream, some goal.

It’s also a perfect introduction to what I wanted to discuss today: whatever dream you’re trying to achieve, don’t go it alone! There are communities for all areas of interest where you’ll find advice, support and camaraderie, where people have the same hopes and aspirations as you, where newbies get answers and experts provide guidance.

When I decided to pursue writing professionally, and to specifically focus on writing for children, I was the Lone Writer. I didn’t wear a mask, but I may as well have the way I isolated myself. I loved the writing, but hated the thought of exposing my stories (myself) to others. Hmmm, do you see a conflict here? I wanted to be published, but was afraid to let others read my work—really, afraid of criticism.

I eventually learned how my isolation was only making my road to publication rougher. That the community I finally joined—the writing community, that is—was filled not with mean-spirited, competitive grouches whose intent was to tear down my writing, but with the most generous, helpful and supportive people I could ever have imagined.

Organizations

I soon discovered and became a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). (And learned to roll those letters off my tongue as smoothly as long-time members.) I started going to conferences, which not only helped me meet other writers from the area, but opened up opportunities for professional critiques and for submitting my work to otherwise closed or hard-to-reach editors and agents.

I’ll admit it was difficult for me—and still is—to “put myself out there” at conferences, to step up and introduce myself to strangers, to approach editors or agents with a question or a story pitch. But it’s getting easier, and the people I meet couldn’t be nicer or more helpful.

No matter what genre you write in, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, there is probably an organization for you. Even a general writers group will be helpful. Writers Write website has a comprehensive list of writers associations and organizations.

And for you young writers out there, children’s book author Anastasia Suen has a list of magazines where you can submit your work.

And here are some scheduled meet-ups with local writing groups.

Social Networking

Attending local conferences is a great way to become part of the writing community, but there’s a wide world of writing out there via the Internet. There are many social networking sites and new ones popping up, but Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are, at this time, the most popular and ones you should join.

Of the three, I’m the most active on Facebook. It’s a great place to meet other writers and to share advice, successes, upcoming events and inspiration.

I created a Twitter account a while ago, but never used it. What the heck should I tweet? Now, I’m tapping out those 140-character messages and learned I can retweet others’ that I find important or interesting.

I have a LinkedIn account, but, like Twitter, never really used it. This is one I need to become more active on and make more connections—on my “to do” list!

If you’re new to social networking (or want to learn more) and it all seems a bit overwhelming, there are sources to help you get started.

Here is a good Beginner’s Guide to Facebook written in May, 2012 on mashable.com.

Debbie Ohi has a helpful Writer’s Guide to Twitter.

Mashable.com also has a Beginner’s Guide to LinkedIn.

Critique Groups

Of all the things I did to “put myself out there,” the best was to join a critique group. Now, it seems I wasted precious time trying to go it alone. And now, I can’t imagine being without the support of my five writing partners. Maybe I would have gotten to where I am today without them. But I know my writing and stories are richer thanks to their input, thoughts and suggestions on plot and character, not to mention their sharp eyes that find each spelling and grammatical error!

I “met” one of my partners, Mary Beth, in an online children’s writing class. I was drawn to her wry sense of humor, and I liked her writing. When the class was over, she suggested we form a critique group. But I, the Lone Writer, was not ready to take that plunge into full exposure. We kept in touch, and one year later, I wrote the fateful words, “Let’s do it.”

We created a set of rules, how and when to submit, etc., and posted an announcement on the SCBWI bulletin board. We soon had our critique group—all conducted online with our members located from Alaska to New York. Next year will mark our tenth anniversary, with all six original members.

We’ve shared our stories, our critiques, our ideas. We’ve supported each other through triumphs and through disappointments--not just in our writing, but in our personal lives as well. They’ve enriched my writing and my life.

So, I urge you: join the community. Don’t be a Lone Writer, and don’t wait another day. Venture out. Once you do, I’ll bet you’ll be asking yourself, Why did I wait so long?

If you belong to a writing community, tell us about your experience. If not, what's holding you back?