AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of getting published through commercial publishers, ebook publishers and self-publishing I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology, acronyms and manuscript formatting. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009. I've also published short stories in regional and national magazines as well as freelance feature articles.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Books: Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing; Magazines: Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, many others.
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Expert: Cathy Clamp Date: 3/22/2008 Subject: Starting out
Question Cathy
Any ideas you can offer on getting some of my ideas to the 'write' people would be appreciated.
Something like a movie script or novel is many steps down the road,but coming up with a short story of almost any genre I am capable of.
I am great at making up and embellishing my own true stories to entertain people on long trips,around the campfire,etc.
Just how does one get his/her foot in the door? I am a little too old to go to university,and if I already am creative do I need to take a creative writing class?
Some suggestions on various publications and periodicals that would look at a story is what I am after.
With a pot of coffee and a few hours I could write a decent short story in the mystery,sci fi, sports,hunting,just about any genre.
Just get my foot in the door,so I have something on paper and a little cheque!
Answer Hi, Bud! Well, you're right that you probably don't need a creative writing course if you feel you're capable of writing in short form. Getting your foot in the door depends solely on writing a great story. Really. Magazines are inundated with stories, and are only looking for the absolute top of the line ones to pay for.
It's a tough market.
That said, though---if you've got a GREAT hand at it, it's as simple as writing the story and starting the query process. Most magazines want the manuscript, unlike novels, where they want just a short sample (if any pages at all.)
Since you write lots of different genres, a couple of good places to look for markets are:
This should get you started. If you don't already---make sure you pick up a few of the magazines at your local bookstand/bookstore and READ what's being published right now. Follow the magazine's guidelines to the letter (most of the links above offer other links to the magazine's guidelines) and send, send, send.
Be prepared for lots of rejections. It doesn't mean (AT ALL!) that the story's not of good quality. It often just means that it's not quite right for the magazine on the day that the editor looked at it. Nothing personal.
Hope that helps get you started. Feel free to ask any other questions, and good luck! :)
