One of the first questions to ask in a writers group is “do you want your work to be published?” This is essential to both knowing your audience and to alerting members of the group of your needs going forward.

If you have decided you want to be published, then the group can and should be helpful Even from the very beginning of a project any idea or piece of information about a potential publisher can help prompt action or, at the very least provide support.

Members, start by paying attention to what you read. Have you recently read an article or a book that reminds you of the work of someone in the group. If so, make a note of the title, the publisher or publication and, if there is an acknowledgement page, perhaps an agent or editor. Notice online magazines and local publications, indie publishers and boutique/self-publishers. Any and all information you glean that is relevant to a specific project will be helpful.

There are hundreds of ways to get published. The trick is finding the right fit. Having the help of group members is a true bonus to any writers group.

In the next few blogs I will introduce and discuss some of the tools that are helpful in this search.