 Your Guide to a Successful Writing Career
| ||||
|
by Marcia Laycock
As with any other market, a key to breaking in is to study the publications. Send for sample copies and guidelines. Many of these publications work by theme, so always ask for their theme list and deadlines. Pay attention to the denominational affiliations and find out what they believe. Some have specific dos and don'ts and failing to follow them will mean rejection. Always follow the word count limits as well. Most editors won't ask for a re-write, they'll just return your manuscript if it's too long. As you study your sample copies, and it's important to read more than one or two, make notes on the tone of the articles and stories. Is the spiritual element strong, or do they seem to prefer a "soft sell" approach? Does the publication want depiction of a moral stand rather than Biblical references? Is the Bible always quoted, or just alluded to? Which translation do they prefer, or demand? To get attention from the editors you will need to hone your skills. These people see thousands of manuscripts and only the best will survive their scrutiny. They know kids are picky -- they demand fast-paced, true-to-life stories. They don't want preaching, they don't want unrealistic scenarios where the adults have all the answers and the kids passively accept them. These editors know many of their readers deal with harsh realities in their daily lives, at school and at home. Pat answers won't cut it, but showing how God's truth can be lived out in daily life, will. Learn how to write a good story that stays within the moral, ethical and spiritual boundaries of the Christian faith and you'll earn a byline and a check in your mailbox, not to mention a great deal of personal satisfaction. Once you have broken into a periodical, keep in touch with the editors. Send them another manuscript as soon as possible and let them know you'd like to contribute more to their publication. Once you've established a relationship, keep your communication professional, but personal in tone. Remember editors are human and appreciate being treated that way. I once sent an editor a personal emailed Christmas letter, by mistake, and she responded warmly, thanking me for it. I not only gained a good contact in the religious publishing industry, I made a friend. The religious market place is ripe for new writers. Study it, do your homework, and you will be rewarded in a satisfying, lucrative niche.
This article may not be reprinted without the author's written permission. Marcia Laycock is a freelance writer and editor living in Alberta, Canada. Her work has been published in numerous Christian magazines and has won prizes from Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship and God Uses Ink. |
| |||
| ||||
