***This is PART FOUR of a five part series to uncover some myths about becoming a published author. Make sure to come back next week and find out more insider secrets about the writing industry!***

5 Common Myths About Getting Published, Part Four
by Donna L Martin

So far we’ve looked at whether a new writer needs to have a degree, an agent, or a huge platform in order to become a published author. The constantly evolving publishing world of today allows a wide range of publishing paths which otherwise helps some writers, like myself, to become published authors when it might not have been possible years ago.

That being said, what ARE some of those publishing paths available to us today? Let’s look at another myth…

MYTH #4…LARGE TRADITIONAL PUBLISHERS ARE THE ONLY PUBLICATION PATHS A SERIOUS AUTHOR CAN TAKE

Don’t get me wrong. I would LOVE to get a phone call saying one of my stories was picked up by one of the BIG FIVE, but that does not dim the awesomeness of finding out a smaller publisher is interested in my stories as well. I guess it all depends on what drives a writer to become published.

The chances of my getting a six figure advance are slimmer than my winning the lottery, so it’s good I’m driven by the sheer joy of sharing the worlds of my imagination with others. Small presses and independent publishers, as well as self-publishing, can help me achieve this goal as long as I do my due diligence and adequately research before submitting which is what I did after receiving my picture book offer from a small press.

Ebooks, book apps, and self-publishing are other options beyond traditional publishing available to new writers as well. Whichever path you take, make sure to check out a potential publisher against sites like Editors & Predators (http://pred-ed.com), Writers Beware (http://accrispin.blogspot.com) and Publisher’s Marketplace (http://www.publishersmarketplace.com) to make sure they are legit before submitting or signing on the dotted line.

Below are a few sites listing small presses, independent publishers, and ebook publishers which might be of interest to you.

Poets & Writers…http://www.pw.org/small_presses

Flavorwire…http://flavorwire.com/417838/25-independent-presses-that-prove-this-is-the-golden-age-of-indie-publishing/view-all

New Pages…http://www.newpages.com/book-publishers/

Bookmarket…http://www.bookmarket.com/101publishers.html

Publishers Global…http://www.publishersglobal.com/directory/media/e-book-publishers/

Every Writers Resource…http://www.everywritersresource.com/bookpublishers/

Whichever path to publication you take, remember that it all starts with a strong story. Focus on becoming the strongest story teller you can and the publishing avenues are sure to eventually follow.

Have you had any experiences with small presses, ebook publishers, or self-publishing? Let’s us know what worked for you in the comments…

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International best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, LUNADAR: Homeward Bound (a YA fantasy), is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers.