Publishing Advice for the Young Writer
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
If you’re a young writer and are seriously considering publication, read on. One of our Good Story Learning members recently asked the following about her teenage young writer kid:
My child wrote a book, and is wondering … now what? Will literary agents and publishers take a teen’s work more or less seriously in this industry? How can I support my young writer?
Advice For a Young Writer
I believe that if someone is interested in writing and publishing, whether they’re a young writer or already an adult, they should hold off on sending out query letters until their work is completely polished. Don't submit something that's still being revised!
This question actually revolves around two interconnected topics. First, we tackle the question: "When is a manuscript finished and ready for agent or publisher consideration?" This is a question that is close to every writer's heart, because deciding when to query can be very tough, but looms in every writer’s mind. Second, we explore the concept of the young writer, whether that means a school-aged kid, tween, or teen.
Many writers send manuscripts before they’re ready, but a young writer is especially vulnerable to this mistake. Writing a complete manuscript draft is a great achievement, and many young writers (and their parents) believe that simply getting to the required novel word count when you’re a young writer is so noteworthy that agents and publishers will jump all over a project, regardless of quality.
Unfortunately, that’s not how the publishing industry works. A young writer is held to the same standards as a very experienced grown-up writer. A manuscript isn't ready to query until it has been ripped apart, revised, put back together, left in a drawer for months, and reapproached with fresh eyes. Ideally, that project will also get reads from professional freelance editors before it goes out.
When you're working on a manuscript, haste is never a good thing. So take the time to revise and refine your submission. When it comes to writing fiction, don't submit your work until it is totally and completely finished. If you're wondering what to do after you have written your book, the answer is simple: don't do anything until you have a fully finished book (LINK: https://kidlit.com/finished-book ). Trying to send out an unfinished book to an agent could mean having to go back and explain why it isn't done yet, or worse, rushing to complete it. So, wait until your book is fully cooked before you start to query, even if you’re a young writer. (Especially if you’re a young writer.)
The Market Potential for a Young Writer
Some parents and aspiring writers may be surprised to learn that being a young writer isn’t necessarily an asset. Some agents and publishers refuse to work with child or teenage authors, as these deals usually entail dealing with their parents, and all the different legalities associated with a young writer entering into a legally binding publishing agreement. Although it's rare, young writers have been known to publish highly successful works. I don’t discourage anyone from pursuing publishing when they’re a young writer, but don’t expect special treatment.
In my opinion, the biggest challenge for a young writer is something that's completely unavoidable: it takes considerable time and effort to become a proficient writer, and, of course, time is something that teens can’t manufacture. Most haven't had the opportunity to rack up a ton of life experience yet. They may have less to say.
It is important to be aware that some agents and publishers may be biased against a young writer if they choose to disclose their age during the submission process. If the young writer is an extraordinary talent, mentioning their age could be beneficial, otherwise, it might turn people off. Not everyone can be the next Christopher Paolini, and parents often wear rose-colored glasses.
For any young writer, to have the dedication to complete a book manuscript is an extraordinary feat—even if it doesn't have immediate success in the publishing world. A young writer often has dedication and perseverance and this will serve them well, giving them ample time to continue to write and perfect their craft.
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