Features

The Art of Getting Published

By  | 
Tamika Newhouse
Do you have a story you’ve been walking around with for years that just needs to be told? Have you already written a novel, short story, or work of non-fiction but have no idea what to do with it? Whatever your literary goals may be, today’s guest blogger, the talented Tamika Newhouse, has laid out all the information you’ll need to get published. While it may seem like a daunting task, Tamika says it’s easier than you may think. Grab a pen, a pad and take notes as Tamika serves up the art of getting published through her top 10 tips!
  1. Have an understanding of who you are as a writer. There are thousands of new writers coming out every year and to be among the best you should know who you are and where you fit.
  2. Actually finish the project first. Before you go into seeing what lanes your book may fit into, finish writing the book first. This business of publishing is a huge task to take on and many new writers fail to realize just how much time you have to put into it. Once a book is written you rarely focus on the art of writing, you focus on the art of marketing. So write the book out first before you become distracted with the business element.
  3. Do the work. You should research the publishing business and how you can get books into the reader’s hands. Yes, this is work that you should do if you have a publisher or if you self-published. One thing authors fail to realize is that you must do the footwork to promote your book whether you have a publisher or if you’re independent.
  4. Select a publisher you would like to submit your project to. Do your research, visit their website and review their submission process. Develop a query letter which paints a picture of what type of writer you are and what your project is about. If you choose to self-publish, research and understand the steps you’ll need to take to publish a book. I suggest picking up The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter.
  5. Get your work edited. It’s important to have someone make your work as clean as possible before you go any further in the publishing process.
  6. Check out your competition. Walk the aisle of a book store and look at the books in the section you’d like to be in.  See how the covers are created, the style and the messages. By doing this, you can have a better idea of how you would like your finished product to look
  7. Be patient. If you have submitted your work to a publisher be patient as you await your response. Stay busy and begin working on your next project as you wait. If you are going the independent route, use this time after sending it to an editor to work on your overall cover image and ideas.
  8. Set up your brand/image online. Create a website so that your brand has an online home. Create a place where your readers can go and learn more about you. Additionally, join social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to interact directly with your readers. Being visible online helps to expose you to potential readers and supporters.
  9. Know who you are as an author. Understand how you want readers to view you and what type of stories you will bring to the world.
  10. Be ready for rejection. As an artist, you’ll have to except that everything you write will be judged and potentially, not accepted by someone. It’s OK. This is a reality that every creative has to face!

Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author who founded Delphine Publications, at the age of 21; Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards only 9 months after her debut novel. In 2010, she was inducted into Who’s Who in Black San Antonio and she landed a major publishing deal without an agent and continues to write independent projects. In 2011, her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology and for the second time,  Tamika won for the Self Published Author of the Year award. She was also nominated by the National Women in Business Association for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. In 2013, she was honored with the Author of Distinction E. Lynn Harris Award. Her latest award is for the 2013 African American Literary Award for self published author of the year.

To learn more about Tamika visit www.tamikanewhouse.com.

 

As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This