The following post was written by Alicia Zadrozny, Associate Editor of READ and Writing Magazines.
At 15 years old, sisters Jessica and Danielle Dunn achieved what many people of all ages yearn for--they published a book.
The first edition of A Teen's Guide to Getting Published came out 10 years ago. What makes this book so interesting is that the authors want to help other teens get published, too. The second edition was published just last year in 2006. This edition features updated information. Basically, all references to typewriters are out. Blogs and online publishing are in.
A Teen's Guide to Getting Published offers teens a common sense approach to becoming a writer. Each chapter is filled with the nuts and bolts of all phases of the writing process. There are sections about finding inspiration, editing, and selecting the right market for your work. The second half of the book contains valuable directories of writer's markets, contests, and creative writing programs around the nation.
Jessica and Danielle included some of their own early publishing experiences as a resource for other teens. Their advice is encouraging and realistic at the same time. For one, they advise teens to "start small and work your way up." They tell teens not to expect to be paid in the beginning and to expect some rejection along the way. And still, the book's tone remains optimistic.
"Writerly" teens would be lucky to have Jessica and Danielle's combination of motivation and enthusiasm that infuses their book.
READ and Writing Magazines recently featured A Teen's Guide to Getting Published in our electronic issue, Student Writing Showcase. To read the excerpt, click here.
