The brilliant, exciting idea you’ve developed for weeks, months, and years is now ready; ready to be read, appreciated and revered by others, but you’re lost on how to get it out there, on how to get it out to the world.
Making a move towards publishing seems infinite, with the drafts, re-drafts and edits, and whether it be through traditional or independent publishing, getting your work out there and producing as a student writer is a difficult field to navigate.
To complete your manuscript is the first step; ensuring it is finished, revised and clarified, and en-route to a beta reader, someone to consume your piece, and return it with feedback and guidance that provides space for final edits- may that be through professional sources online or a known individual. For a student writer, the final step of completion of your work may be much more affordable through free editing programs, rather than the hiring of a professional editor which may seem unrealistic at this position of your career.
Choosing a publishing route can be daunting, but the publishing route you choose will shape your experience as an author.
Traditional publishing follows a structured pathway, highlighted through its title, with the process involving querying agents through book proposals and heavy research, and then finally submitting to publishers, in anticipation for approval and result. While this method guarantees prestige, and the appealing advance payments, sometimes there is a loss of liberty and creative control, alongside the potential extended timeline of the process.
Self-publishing is much more, in my honest opinion, ideal for a young writer, especially one in university; it allows for a faster process, while maintaining full control over your work. However, some may argue that the marketing responsibility and the steps needed (the formatting, uploading and pricing of your piece) can be quite intimidating for a first-time author, yet the overall lessened cost and independence can be practical for a young writer’s position.
Whichever path you take, you must remain motivated and self-confident, because single-handedly you created this manuscript, from an idea in your brain to an entire novel, novella or even a collection of poetry. Research and understand your rights, copyrighting, and legal contracts and then create a profile for yourself as a writer- promote your authentic creation and personality.
Reading this should bring you credence and support in your future of writing; you have a gift to be showcased, shared and produced. Don’t sit on your complete manuscript and wait for a result; take action. Now.