Unpublished Author Check List by Jim Hart

Unpublished author check list: 

 

1. Take writing classes. Either on-line or a local community college. See if your library has to offer continuing education classes.

2. Attend writers’ conferences. Take advantage of every resource that you can. Even a small one-day conference will have something of value.

3. Keep writing content.  Submit to blogs, magazines and newspapers.Write for your church bulletin.

4. Engage with your future readers. Write quality blogs that invite comments and grow an e-mail list; make a YouTube channel; do pod-casts.

5. Craft a killer proposal.  Really do your research on this one. Your proposal is either going to open that door just a bit wider for you, or cause it to slam shut. Every section of your proposal needs to sing, there should be no weak links.

6. Find a literary agent. Again, research is key in this area. If you send a proposal for your five-part epic YA fantasy to an agent who does not represent that particular genre you’ve not succeeded in making a friend in the industry.

7. Practice patience.  This doesn’t mean that you do nothing while waiting for a response from your agent or publishing house. Keep writing, keep learning, keep working, keep moving forward. Memorize the Chicago Manual of Style. Patience is an attitude, not a coffee break. And you can quote me on that.

And finally, but perhaps the best point to both begin and end with:

8. Give it to the Lord. Pray for His wisdom, leading and direction. He will be faithful.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message)