Becoming published...

[Cyra Stenet]

There's this short story (and when I say short, I mean it. It's only a couple pages. Which, for me, is REALLY short) that I wrote a while back. I think, near the end of eighth grade. I decided that I really like it and want to get it published! ^.^ I realize this will not be easy. I probably need to edit it. Which I am bad at. I already had my grandparents read it. they say it's good....but they are grandparents. they may be in the books buisness, but they are....how can I say this nicely.....realted to me and also old.... (that didn't come out nice, did it?). So maybe I'll ask someone else to read it for their opinion. I wouldn't want to send out complete...um...'crud'. It's called 3 words. (which is a bit misleadding. The most famous 3 words are "I love you." This is definately not a "I love you" kind of story.) I really like it. It's written in the present tense writing that I usually don't write in, but I like it. My grandfather said it was close to being poetry (um, yay?). But I do like it. It's kind of....um......well... my grandmother said she was worried about me getting it published not because it isn't good enough, but because someone might wonder about my at home life or something..... .... .... .. I SWEAR I'M NOT MESSED UP OR ANYTHING! I wasn't in a particulary bad mood or anything..... you can be sainging the yellowbrick road and kill off your character...... sigh.... well, my goal? By then end of 2007, getting something published! >>the crowd cheers<< GANBATTE CYRA!!!!! yes...ganbarimasu! (love my Japanese skills? You know you do....)

[Mrs. Millam]

The best authors can write things that are not about them. If the character's are kind of messed up, it certainly doesn't mean that you have a problematic life.
I think Teen Ink would be a great place to start in getting published. I've heard many success stories that began with getting published in Teen Ink.
You can take your short story to your language arts teacher and I would be glad to look at it as well. I've edited tons of stuff in my 20 years as a teacher.

[mitty]

if you really want to test out your story i recommend fanfictionpress.net there you can publish and people respond that way its not just your grandparent's opinions.

[Mrs. Millam]

Great idea Mitty!