Who Loves You, Baby? (The Search for the Right Publisher)

It may not sit well with those of us with bohemian, gypsy souls, but writing is a business, as well as an art form. Developing a quality product is, of course, essential, but knowing where to sell it is equally important. Try to imagine peddling designs for red stiletto heels to a company that makes work boots, and you'll see where I'm coming from. When you do work up the guts to send your work out into the world for approval (or disapproval), here are a few suggestions:

• Do some (or a lot of) research into the publishers that are out there. Directories of companies are plentiful, and address all different genres of writing. These are typically updated yearly, and if you're feeling frugal, they're usually available in the reference section of a local library.
• Consider both small and large companies. The former are sometimes more interested in new writers without agents, while the latter have a little more pull in the marketplace.
• Read and follow submissions policies. Publishers aren't kidding when they say they want this or that.
• Take note of things like the number of books published every year, the length of time it takes from acceptance to publication, types of royalties and advances, etc. Every publisher operates a little differently.
• Be cautious with publishers that seem to be lacking in reputation or stability. Are you dealing with a vanity press? Does the publisher only print books on request? Can you find their products in bookstores or online?
• Can you find a specific contact name? As is the case with any business communication, submissions are received more readily when addressed to a particular person, as opposed to being sent to "whom it may concern".
• Consult writers' associations and publishers' associations for listings of reputable companies.
• Make yourself some sort of chart or database with details for every company you think might be appropriate. This will be useful for keeping track of submissions and rejections as well.
• Consider sending proposals or inquiries first, instead of firing off full manuscripts. Many publishers prefer this, and it's far cheaper to send a small envelope than a huge package. If someone wants to see the whole enchilada, then you can pay to send the rest.
• Most importantly, look into books that are similar to your own. Get a really good sense of what's available, what sells, and ways in which your work is unique. Sooner or later, a publisher will ask you for information like this, and it's far more impressive if you sound informed.

A Strike Against Writer's Block

Okay, you're stuck. You've tidied up your desk, you've done laundry and caught up on your emails, and there's still nothing coming out of your pen. Before you decide to take up macrame or taxidermy instead of writing, ask yourself a few key questions:

1. Are you expecting to get everything right on the first try? Don't let romantic portrayals of writers fool you. Great works of literature don't just fall out of writers over the span of a weekend. They take time, and effort, and a great deal of revision. Focus on getting something down on the page, and worry about making it perfect later on. Your writing may be awful at first, but at least you'll have more than just a clean desk to show for your time.

2. Do you have additional resources on hand? It's often helpful to have bits and pieces of interesting material nearby for inspiration. Writer's resource books and encyclopedias are fantastic, but collections of art, great music, and even trashy magazines can also help to spark the imagination.

3. Did you plan ahead? Even the simplest writing projects can benefit from a preliminary outline, and if you jot down a few ideas in advance, you'll be far less likely to lose your way later on.

4. Do you have anything else you can work on? Deadlines aside, there's no shame in picking up a different piece of work, and shifting gears for a while.

5. Are you distracted? Very few writers have the luxury of taking retreats or spinning yarns while sipping cocktails by the pool. Most of us write with the dog barking, and family orbiting around us, and the phone ringing. It's important to carve out some sort of space where there's a bit of peace and quiet, even if it's only a card table with a folding chair in the basement.