#write fiction

I’ve been submitting poetry, fiction, (and a whole ass book) to magazines and websites. While I still don’t know if I’m any good at querying, I have been published twice on two different mags, so I thought I would share the tips that helped me!

Polish

First thing first: prepare your piece! Write something in your best voice/ style. (I’ll do a separate post about what exactly is more probable to be accepted or sold).

Then, make sure your manuscript:

has page numbers

is generally typed in 12 pt Times New Roman (or follow their guidelines)

‘s first lines are indented (this doesn’t work for poetry! Indent only if you want in that case)

is as perfect as you can get it

carries your name and title of the piece on every page. Ex.: Name Last Name / Title / 1

“Why do we write fiction?” Professor Piper asked.

Cath looked down at her notebook.

To disappear.

Outlining Fiction: 6 Tips For Writers Who Hate Outlines

Hate outlines? I know many writers do, because I often get questions about outlining fiction. It’s a real challenge for many writers, and I sympathize. Way back in the 1970s when I started writing fiction I hated outlines with a passion.

That was way before Amazon and ebooks, so if I wanted to sell my novels to publishers, I had to outline. When I whined about it my literary agent at the time…

i look around my room.

I think of you.