What if I'm not a Novelist?

What if you're a writer but you don't want to publish novels? What if you're an essayist, poet, columnist, or short story writer?

You won't follow the same path to publication and making writing your career. So where do you start?

In previous posts I've talked about finding an agent, submitting to publishers, and the differences between traditional and self publishing. 

However, if you don't have a novel in hand, but an essay or short story, and agent might give you a sidelong glance for your inquiry.

Many writers of shorter works across multiple genres turn instead to smaller publications like literary magazines, journals, newspapers, and magazines. These publications typically have a different submission process and it's important to read the guidelines thoroughly for each one, since they're all a bit different.

Note:
This practice is great even for those who aspire to writing book-length work since you can later add the publication to your list of reasons why a bigger publisher should buy your book. (A compelling argument for debut authors!) So don't throw out or bury those chapters and short stories that got cut from the main book. Consider publishing them anyway as standalone pieces.

​​So at a glance:

​Step 1: Write the thing! Follow your heart.
Sometimes Step 1 and Step 2 are interchangeable, depending on how you work best. Do you like to write and then get it published? Or do you find inspiration in prompts and requests?

Step 2: Find a publication.
My go-to for years to find new literary magazines and journals is Newpages.com. Look for a publication that is looking for writers like you!

Step 3: Read all about it!
​Read what the publication has published in the past to get a feel for their tastes and follow the submission guidelines exactly. It would be disappointing to do all that work only to get rejected because you didn't follow the stated rules.

Step 4: Profit?
Many publications pay their contributors but it's important to note that some do not. Some are so small they simply don't have the capital to pay their contributors. In these cases they typically offer something else as compensation like free copies of the journal and of course you get to add that awesome line on your resume of publications.

Hopefully this quick look at short form publication has been helpful and offered a starting place or two for you in your writing endeavors!

Crystal Carney
 
Crystal Carney is an editor and writer with an affinity for fantasy, literary nonfiction, and poetry. She has an education in publishing from the Denver Publishing Institute and expands her knowledge base every day through online forums, revised industry standards, webinars, professional contacts, and books. She has a passion for literary art and helping writers realize their dream of writing for a living.