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Amy Clipston | How to Get Published
People often ask me what the secret is to getting published. I donโt believe
there is a secret to getting published, but I do have a list of things that will
help writers on their journey to publication.
- Join a Writersโ Group
I accidentally found the website for a local writersโ group while in search for
a professional group to join as part of my day job as a technical writer. That
group is Chesapeake Romance Writers, which is based in Chesapeake, Virginia, and
is a local chapter of Romance Writers of America. When I attended one of the
monthly meetings, I met writers in all stages of their careers โ from brand new
(like me) to multi-published. It was then that I realized that I wanted to
become a published author. Through this group, I learned how to plot and polish
my novels, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter that
would pique an agentโs interest.
I strongly suggest you find a group near you and socialize with other writers.
Youโll have fun and also learn a lot. If youโre not interested in attending
local meetings, you always have the option of joining a virtual group. There are
organizations that host discussion groups, and a few include America Christian
Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and Society of Childrenโs Book
Writers and Illustrators. Join the group that best fits your interest and needs
and get connected.
- Attend a Conference
If you have the money and the time, attend a writersโ conference, where you can
network and attend instructional sessions that cover many aspects of writing and
the publishing business. Conferences are fun and informative.
- Find a Critique Partner
During my journey to publication, Iโve made some wonderful friends, a few of
whom have become my most trusted critique partners. They help me plot and polish
my books before I submit them to my editor. Donโt write in a vacuum; share your
books with trusted friends. Your buddies will not only find your typos, but they
may give you story ideas that you hadnโt considered and will make your plot even
better.
- Find Time to Read
I know what it means to be busy. I balance a day job, two active sons, and my
writing deadlines. I enjoy listening to audio books in my car during my commute
to and from work. I listen to everything from Christian fiction to young adult
to romance. While reading is fun, itโs also a way to improve your skills by
seeing what techniques work (and sometimes donโt work) for other authors.
- Keep Writing
It may sound silly, but writers need to write! Finish your novel and polish it
as best you can before submitting it to an agent or editor. Your book represents
your best work. Show a potential agent or editor that youโre a professional and
also eager to write for them.
- Donโt Give Up
No matter what, believe in yourself and believe in your dream of holding your
book in your hand! If youโve been rejected by an agent or editor, donโt give up.
I received plenty of rejection letters and I wanted to give up many times. Iโm
thankful for my family and my friends who told me to stop whining and keep writing.
Giveaway
We're giving away a copy of AN AMISH
MARKET -- just leave a comment below.
Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her
fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend
wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia
Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian
Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the
bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series and Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel
series with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Amy works full-time for the City
of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons,
mother, and three spoiled rotten cats.
All the color and variety of a quaint Amish
shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your
favorite authors. Feel free to come in and
browse! Love Birds by Amy
Clipston While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the
loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in
town. Sethโs friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father
disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the
beauty in Lloydโs creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop
where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to
develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will
she lose any hope of a future with him? A Bid for
Love by Kathleen Fuller Every week, Hannah Lynne brings
her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to
purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into itโEzra is a
confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the
contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her
heart set on, Hannah Lynne canโt stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could
Ezra finally be in the market for love? Sweeter Than Honey
by Kelly Irvin Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasnโt the
impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination
Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she
didnโt think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the
store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Willโs heart has been broken one
too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to
be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in
love. Love in Store by Vannetta
Chapman Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee,
Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange
happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close
the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is
happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that
God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed
possible.
Comments
4 comments posted.
Re: Amy Clipston | How to Get Published
Thanks for sharing this great post, Amy! I can't wait to
read AN AMISH MARKET!
(Britney Adams 3:41pm February 20, 2016)
Love reading your books!
(Ola Norman 8:56pm February 21, 2016)
I think it is so kind of you to share your secrets and hints/tips for others out
there looking to get published. Thank you!
(Lily Shah 11:24am February 22, 2016)
What wonderful advice to those who have a story in their
hearts that they want to share with others. I love the
don't give up advice! Amish fiction is my favorite and The
Amish Market looks like a great book.
(Maryann Skaritka 10:09am February 23, 2016)
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