Frequently Asked Questions - I want to be a published author

Dear,

Congrats on your anniversary, it actually looks like I've been reading Myne Whitman for like 3 years,

I have been meaning to ask, how do I go about being/learning to be an author, its not like I consider myself much of a good writer, but good or not, I have some little things I write every now and then and I dream of publishing them someday.

I don't want to keep thinking about it all on my own, just said to ask some more established writers like you people.

I work as an Engineer, I speak more with figures and drawings, so English sef na difficult thing. but writing as always been a dream.......you want to help me start off?


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Hi,

Thanks on your email. It is readers like you that has brought the blog so far, maybe I would have fallen off without supporters, who knows?

To be a writer is not too hard, one just have to keep writing. For this, there are a lot of resources out there on the web and you can also buy some books that help. Personally, I am still taking some online courses and the exercises that come with them have been a great help. Check out some of them here.

To be an author on the other hand, you have to find a publisher. I was able to get enough finances to publish myself but that is not the only possible way in the industry. Usually, you send in your manuscript to already established publishing companies until one of them buys it and gives you a contract. That way they handle all the more time consuming chores of publicity and marketing of your book while you continue writing. Check out www.agentquery.com

Also, if you can direct me to your blog, I can help by drawing publicity your way. Also I can read and comment on your work. If you want a wider audience, you may check out www.naijastories.com It is a website I set up for aspiring Nigerian writers and is really bustling. As time goes on, I intend to send out short stories published there for national and international contests.

I wish you all the best.

Myne