Question for resident writers, published or not

[TheDane]

I am an aspiring writer. Shh, don't tell my boss. When you've worked in finance all your life, you eventually realize the lack of intellectual stimulation such a job affords.

In any event, I've reached that stage where I would actually like to attempt to get something published. I figured the first step would be to actually show samples of my work to a professional in the publishing or editing field. However, I have no clue how to proceed.

My question for anyone on Extremeskins who is a writer, published or not, is this: what do I do? Do I contact a local editor? Do I need to hire an agent? Should I just air-drop paper on a large metropolitan statistical area?

If anyone has any tips or knowledge on this matter, I would greatly, greatly appreciate it. Since there are so many eloquent and intelligent posters here who could potentially be writers, I thought I'd broach this question first with this broad audience. If you would like to answer via PM that would be appreciated, but there may be more like me who would be interested in hearing your answer as well.

It's probably important to note that at this point, I'm less interested in earning money from my writing than I am in getting that writing published. Also, my genre of choice is fiction. I tend towards sci-fi (lighter than normal on the "sci" part) and fantasy.

[dfitzo53]

At one time I considered trying to be a screenwriter. I know they have a guild, so you might look into the possibility of joining a writing guild, I believe they help you protect your work against theft and they can provide you with connections to publishing groups. I'd be careful about who you show your work to until you're sure you're working with a reputable company.

I have no real experience in the field, so take that advice for what it's worth and get a second opinion, those just seem like logical steps.

[section 130]

I am in the same boat you are in my friend. I have just started writing my first story/novel over the weekend. Any advice that is given in this thread will be greatly appreciated by not only The Dane, but myself also. It was something that I have always wanted to do. I was amazed at how I just sat there for hours and wrote/typed away. Best of luck to you Dane.

[Yomar]

Originally posted by TheDane
I am an aspiring writer. Shh, don't tell my boss. When you've worked in finance all your life, you eventually realize the lack of intellectual stimulation such a job affords.

I'm currently helping to write a book, I am writing two of the chapters. Unfortunately its a finance book

You want to write up a sample chapter along with a letter explaining the idea and send it to places like Hyperion.

[TK]

You know that every time you hit the "submit" or the "rapid reply" button, you've been published, right.

[Hooper]

Get the "Writers Market" book. Then start working on your next book while you pile up the rejection letters -- it will keep you sane.

[Yomar]

I take it back, you want to write up a proposal for a non-fiction book.

For a fiction book, you want to finish the book, then send it out to agents and publishers. However, it is recommended that you focus on finding an agent, it is possible to get picked up directly by the publisher, but I am told it is unlikely

[TheDane]

Anyone else have any thoughts or feedback on this?

Thanks to everyone who already responded...

[zoony]

No feedback...sorry.

But I think it's great that you are pursuing this

good luck man