Publication Credits – Build Up Your Bio (Super Fast) For Your Cover and Query Letters

 

Many new creative writers are often frustrated when they don’t have any publication credits in the biographical section of their cover and query letters. “How will literary agents and editors at magazines and journals ever take me seriously if I don’t have any publishing credentials?” writers ask. Many writers feel there is a catch-22 situation in publishing: writers must be published to get published. So how can you break the cycle?

First and foremost, writers who are serious about publishing must develop good writing techniques and an effective, habitual submission strategy. There is no substitute for true publishing credentials: seeing your byline in a reputable print magazine or literary journal is valuable not only to your morale, but to your reputation. But if you’re in a pinch and you’d like to pad your writing bio while you’re waiting for the acceptance letters to start coming in, here are some techniques you might use.


Join a national, reputable writing organization. By joining a professional organization of writers in your genre, you are demonstrating that you are worthy of being among those writers and that you are serious about your writing. You are creating associations between yourself and that professional, established, reputable group. If you are writing romance novels, join Romance Writers of America. If you write literary work, consider the Association of Writing Programs. You will need to spend some money on the registration fees for these organizations, but it will be worth it if you can indicate that you are a member in good standing within specific writing groups. You’ll get to include their name on your query or cover letter; you’ll get access to great resources and a network of writers who may be willing to help you; and you’ll demonstrate your own professionalism. The credentials in your bio will show that even though you have few (if any) publication credits now, it’s only a matter of time.


Join a small, local organization. If you can’t muster up enough money to join a professional writing organization, you can often join a smaller local organization for free. If you can note on your cover or query letter, “I am part of a writer’s group that meets every month,” you’ll show that you’re resourceful and devoted. To find a local writing group or organization, visit your local library and ask around. Or you can find them by looking into social networking sites. Just take the necessary precautions to stay safe. The professional bio in your cover letter will look more writerly and your writing technique is bound to improve with your new commitment to critique and discussions of craft.


Volunteer. Writers and readers love people who volunteer with literary advocacy groups, and literary agents and editors are no exception. When you volunteer for a literacy organization, you look good because you’re doing good. Not only might you discover that your publishing credentials look better when you volunteer your time, but you may also learn that you enjoy sharing your passion for all things writing. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved.


Take classes. Research local schools or find local writers who teach classes. Studious writers are perceived as serious writers. Plus, being able to write that you “studied at the University of ABC” or that you “worked with award-winning novelist Joe Anybody” does a lot for your credibility. If you can’t get to a school, check out online classes available through your local colleges or other national writing schools.


Go to a writing conference. If your time and finances allow it, go to a writing conference. Not only will you be able to learn and network with literary agents, editors, and writers, you’ll also be able to note your attendance in your bio. If a literary agent or editor recognizes the name of the conference (perhaps he or she attended the conference in the past), it may work in your favor.

These are just a few ways you can quickly build the credits in the bio of your cover or query letter. You may not have stellar publishing credentials–maybe you haven’t published anything at all–but by demonstrating that you are committed to your work and your craft, you prove that you are reputable, dependable, and devoted. Just remember, when it comes to your commitment to publishing, strong submissions and publications are the BEST way to prove your skill! Good luck.

Ronnie Smith is President of Writer’s Relief.  Ronnie tells us “Writer’s Relief (est. 1994) is a highly recommended author’s submission service. We act as specialized advisors and industry-specific personal assistants to help creative writers navigate the ins and outs of publishing. Along with strategically targeting submissions to the best-suited markets, we provide professional manuscript preparation, formatting, proofreading, market research, and tracking. We are endorsed by many in the writing community, and our clients include established authors, celebrated poets, tenured professors, editors, and promising new writers.”

Visit http://www.WritersRelief.com to learn how we can help you submit your creative writing to agents and editors. Our FREE Writers’ Newsflash offers useful articles and fun contests for writers of all levels. See you there!

Enjoy that? You can read more from Ronnie at The Cuckleburr Times here.

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