They Wrote It (Or Maybe You Wrote It) - Section II: Don'ts and Misconceptions

Ravenstone Press *Stories of Kansas and the Great Plains*
They Wrote It (Or Maybe You Wrote It) - Now What? Assisting Authors at Your Library Section II: Typical Situations, "Don'ts" and Misconceptions

Section I. Twenty Ways to Assist Writers in Your Library Section II. Typical Situations, "Don'ts" and Misconceptions Section III. 18 FAQs About Writing and Publishing Section IV. Books and Online Resources about Writing and Publishing
Typical situations: An aspiring author 1. Wants you to critique a story or article. 2. Has written something and wants to get it published but has no idea how to go about it. 3. Has unrealistic expectations about publishing or inflated ideas about his or her work. Three important “don’ts”: Unless you are a qualified editor of their genre 1. Don’t critique manuscripts for aspiring authors. 2. Don’t tell aspiring authors their work is wonderful and should be published. 3. Don’t tell an aspiring author that his or her writing is terrible, even if it is. Ten Common Misconceptions about writing and publishing: 1. It’s easier to write for children than to write for adults. 2. If you write a children’s picture book, you have to find the illustrator and get the illustrations done before you submit the book to a publisher. 3. You don’t have to worry about grammar, spelling, and editing because the publisher will do that. 4. If your children, grandchildren, family, students, or friends “love” what you wrote, it’s great and a publisher will love it, too. 5. You’re the only person who ever thought of “your” idea, plot, or story. If someone else writes something similar, they “stole” it and violated your copyright. 6. You have to have an agent to get published. 7. Once you get published, getting more books or articles published will be easy. 8. Your publisher will advertise your book. 9. Everyone will be interested in your book or excited that you are an author. 10. Authors make a lot of money.
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Last Updated April 4, 2006.