You’re This Close: 14 Signs of Future Publication

The community of fiction writers has been one of the most supportive groups I’ve ever belonged to. Its members are quick to reassure others that yes, we’ll get our best work published. It’s only a matter of time.

And it’s true. It’s happening within our Scriblerians group.

I’ve read a number of blogs and articles describing the signs that an author is close to landing a book contract with a publisher. But there’s nothing like having those indicators right here at home among the Scriblerians. They bolster the confidence of all our members, and if you’ve experienced any of the following, know that your time for seeing your book in print will likely come too.

(Any or several of these signs might apply to any of our members.)

1. You find your niche and a following grows rapidly for your blog, Twitter account, Facebook author page, etc.
2. You are approached to speak about a topic you blog about or cover in your fiction.
3. You are asked to write about it for another’s blog or periodical.
4. You are hired to edit a published author’s work.
5. You win one or more fiction-writing contests.
6. You are sought as a judge for writing contests.
7. Your short story is selected for an anthology or for publication in a magazine.
8. You are selected by a publisher as an “influencer” for its books, reading and reviewing regularly.
9. You are hired for any reason by a publisher that knows you aspire to be published.
10. You become involved in the production of others’ books as an illustrator, editor, or consultant.
11. Your rejection letters become more personalized, offering suggestions for changes to your manuscript.
12. You are asked to resubmit to an agent or editor after changes to your manuscript.
13. You are referred by a published author to his or her agent.
14. You sign with an agent.

Of course, none of the above may happen. We’ve heard of authors who send out a few queries, full manuscripts are requested immediately, and they sign a contract with a publisher within weeks.

But most of us need some bolstering along the road before we reach our destination. If you seek publication of your book—fiction or nonfiction— I hope an item or two on our list encourages you.

What other signs can you cite and add to these?

Cynthia