I need

I need

I need

First, look at your bookshelf. It contains lots of books you've read once, several books you've read more than once, and one book you've read ten times. Is this book a teen romantic comedy? a lush historical romance? sci-fi? Write the book you want to read.

Then, write. I know you're thinking, "Wooo, such insightful advice." But look, if you're surfing the internet searching for tips on how to get started as a writer, chances are you're doing a lot of thinking and/or talking about writing, and not a lot of writing. Sit down and write every day.

Don't worry about your words coming out perfect the first time. You will never get anything written this way. Chill out about the small stuff and allow yourself to have fun. You can always go back and fix it later, once you have something down on paper. This is the premise of the wonderful site NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month. Through this site each November, thousands of people write their first novel from beginning to end! The site also has terrific resources for young writers, so check it out.

Many great books are available on how to write a novel that people love. Read at least a couple of those. I think I have read all of them. Some of my favorites:

78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might by Pat Walsh

GMC: Goal, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon

Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

How do I get my novel published?

First, finish it. You may have heard that you can write just a few chapters, sell the book, and then finish it, but generally this works only for non-fiction books or for novels by authors who are already published. If you've never sold a novel before, you need to write the whole thing.

Then, find a reputable literary agent to sell the novel to a publisher for you. My favorite place to look for information on agents is Publishers Marketplace, though you have to pay $20 to get the good stuff. There are lots of other resources on the web where you can get info for free. Look for an agent who represents the kind of novel you've written.

Many great books are available on how to get an agent to notice your work. Read at least a couple of those. I think I have read all of them. Some of my favorites:

Jeff Herman's guide to literary agents--he updates it every year

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published by Sheree Bykofsky and Jennier Basye Sander

Can I get published as a teenager?

Maybe, but do you really want to? There are happy examples and unhappy examples of this. My advice is that you pursue your writing to the degree that it's fun. If it's not fun, it's not worth it. Fame and fortune are not good motivators for becoming a novelist, because chances are you won't get either, even if your books are published and successful. Write because you love it.

And for God's sake don't major in English in college, thinking you're going to get a novel published when you're 22. (Guilty.) Plan for a long (but happy!) road to publication. There is nothing sadder than an author who is desperate to get a novel published and make a zillion dollars because she hates her day job so badly. Make sure you do not fall into this trap. If you must major in English, mix some technical writing classes with your Dickens so you can get a job. Work as an intern for publishers. Have you thought about majoring in journalism instead?

Or architecture?

Will you read my writing?

I’m sorry but I have a standing rule not to. I don’t have time. In addition to my own writing, I read novels in progress by my critique partners and other writing buddies. I suggest you find your own buddies who love the kind of stories you love and will give you honest feedback. Good luck with your writing!

I need