A Flood of Possibilities

So, yesterday I went to a workshop on "How to Get Published", which was hosted by Tinlids. I must admit, going in, I was nervous. I mean here were Publishers and Editors and Authors and (GASP) Agents!!!!! But, in the end it truly was helpful. I learned a lot of great things that I would have NEVER thought of.

So, in the event of yesterday, here is a small list of things to have in your story:

• In order to create a believable story you must have at LEAST one of four conflicts: Personal (Your value system), Interpersonal (a fight between two or more characters/people), Institutional / Society (Work or school or a club), and Enviromental (forest fire, attacked by bear, car crash).
• Your story must have a TWIST
• Know your voice and insure that it is not only an exciting story, but that the plot is CHARACTER DRIVEN
• Less is more (allows readers to form their own views)
• Is is essential to have a "Narrative Pull" (which takes the reader by the hand and compels you to turn page after page)
• Have a character under pressure
• And always keep your mind open! Don't stick to the outline.

Here is a list of things that relate to submitting and writing ability / talent:

• Stop hitting delete, save all your copies so that you can compare
• Target a publisher (Go to bookstores, websites, buy books with lists, and visit http://www.bookcentre.ca/ ) It is important though that you visit the publishers website and read their guidelines for submissions. There is no point in sending a Paranormal Romance to a Non-fiction publisher!!!! (By following the guidelines, you show you can work as a team and are professional)
• Send your manuscript by mail, and also send a copy to yourself for proof. DO NOT OPEN IT WHEN YOU GET IT!
• Publish as much as possible (Short stories, magazines, poems, whatever you can)
• Know what makes your work stand out and is unique
• READ A LOT
• Take different courses at Ryerson and UofT
• NEVER EVER EVER write "Dear Editor" or "Dear Art Director" or whatever. Your work automatically gets chucked. Send to a name (get involved and connect with people in the industry)
• Know what you are passionate about and DO IT!
• Read frequently because publishing trends change
• Make sure your manuscript FITS with the publisher
• Editors and Agents want CLEVER and WORD PLAY
• Remember you will get better
• If you are not passionate then the work will be soulless
• Find an editor and have it professionally evaluated

There is a lot more, but I think this is a great way to get started! Look it over and have fun! Have a great weekend! :)