Dear Agony Aunt,

So here’s my story. The kids have left home. I’ve stopped doing paid work and at last my time is largely my own. I’ve always been mulling over stories in my brain and now I am fulfilling my passion to write fiction. Friends who have read my work are all very encouraging. But the question from me is one I’m sure you are always asked. How do I get my work to a broad readership? Out Write, Dulwich Hill

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Dear Out Write,

So many wonderful thinkers and wordsmiths need the definitive answer to this question! If only I could wave the wand of success, I certainly would. But as you already know, there is no easy way. However, there are many successful writers who got going later in life: think Elizabeth Jolley for instance who was first published at the age of 53 and went on to have a stellar writing career. So here’s a few tips from people I know who are travelling your road. Start by finding a supportive network of other writer peers who are facing the same challenge. It’s great for the sprit and gives you the opportunity to test your work amongst a sympathetic cohort of trusted critics. There are lots of writing groups around. You may already know about the Inner West Writers Group which meets at Marrickville Library every Saturday morning during school terms. But you will probably want to check out several different groups to find ‘your people’. You will need to be pragmatic because your path will require patience, entrepreneurship and a thick hide about rejections. An essential resource is the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) which is Australia’s peak body supporting writers and illustrators. There is a plethora of useful information on its website. At the point where you have a manuscript, you may want to get an editor. Maybe someone in your network who is skilled and experienced can perform this role for you. If not, you can hire a professional to give you an objective opinion. But choose wisely. Getting the right match for your style of writing is pretty crucial. Hire a Book editor Next, you need to decide whether to try the traditional publishing route or go for self-publishing. The traditional gold standard is to get an agent. As a first-time author, this will not be easy as most of them are oversubscribed. But without one, it will be much harder for you to secure a publisher. Agents are usually deeply embedded in the industry and have close relationships with acquiring editors. When you work is ready, they will make the pitch to publishers. They also can help you negotiate a good contract so you don’t get ripped off. To find an agent, start with the ALAA (the Australian Literary Agents Association), the peak national body for literary agents. You also may want to check The ASA’s Guide to the Book Industry. If you want to try a direct approach to publishers, google to find the list. Carefully check what they require of you and whether there is a match with your kind of work. At the least, they will need a letter of request and a sample of your work. Your letter should include critical details about the work: genre, target audience, estimated word count, working title, book chapters, synopsis and sample chapter/s. You should also provide some details about yourself. In Australia, established publishers will often accept unsolicited manuscripts directly from writers but will take more notice of a submission from a literary agent. A great opportunity for you to meet publishers is the ASA’s speed dating pitching service but you have to be a member to apply. The next one is coming up in July. Finally, there is the self-publishing route. Writers Victoria provides a useful guide. While self-publishing gives you much greater control, it is really effortful!!! There will be no support from other professionals like editors, designers, and marketers who are well-versed in the publishing industry. It will be essential for you to truly know your audience and how to reach them. You will likely use social media marketing as well as offline and local marketing strategies. There is no getting around it - you will need to work a lot harder to generate a buzz around what you have written. Also all costs will fall on you. But it is a legitimate option if others fail. I am sure all this sounds pretty daunting but you might strike gold. Definitely worth a try if you are serious.