What are some guidelines for writing fiction books for teenagers? How to get published? ?

interested in writing fiction books for older children - teens (12-16 years)


guidelines: style, interests, subjects


teen interests and characteristics links


publishing informationWhat are some guidelines for writing fiction books for teenagers? How to get published? ?
[Please excuse length... is needed...easy reading.]





1.) Since you include a fairly wide range of age, one (12, often 13) will be called children's books; others in Young Adult category.


2.) Young people have a wide range of interests in books re: subject matter: realistic fiction, fiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, history, fashion-art-visuals books, etc.


3.) Once 'done' with first draft, re-write.


2.) Once all polishing is done, have a trusted mentor go over your work: all authors miss some errors in consistency, grammar, spelling, etc. due to much work on same material.


4.) Get, borrow, use online or use at library (make notes, copy relevant pages on free copier there) the current issue of The Writer's Market.


Read the first section only, 'How to Publish,' until you Really Know it.


5.) You'll see there: Don't get a copyright. As you work on a book, it's already legally copyrighted to you even as you write it: just put your name, a working title and a date (year will do) in every header and Always Keep a copy at home (floppy, hard-drive, CD, print-out; any of these), even when/if asked for more.


This is because copyright is what reputable publishers and editors buy via contract.


You will also find a link in Writer's Market to tell you who is reputable among agents, publishers and editors.


6.) Prepare the best query you can. Writer's Market gives examples of good and bad as well as tips on everything by agents, writers, editors, publishers and more.


7.) Be persistent (send out as many great queries as you can, but Only to people who take unsolicited queries, and not to same people.) Don't pester, just keep sending them out.


8.) If you want to begin with an idea, a book proposal is another way to go; same 'rules': not to any who do not take unsolicited material and following advice in book.


10.) Be optimistic in face of rejections all writers (even some established) get.


11.) Best of luck...


http://www.writersmarket.com For look at site. Membership required for full reading and constant updates. Last time looked is $3.99/month.


ADD: Strongly suggest against 'self-pubication' unless you want to pay rather than be paid, have lots of capital for travel and promotion, have contacts regards booksellers, etc. Vanity press does not help with editing, promotion and are often unscrupulous re: type of book actually given, ultimate price.


Altogether it makes this type of book a 'hard sell.'

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