15.3 Publishing and Sharing Written Work
3 min read•july 19, 2024
Writers today have numerous platforms to share their work, from personal blogs to literary magazines. Each option offers unique opportunities for exposure and audience engagement. Understanding these platforms is crucial for aspiring authors looking to build their presence in the literary world.
When preparing work for publication, writers must consider formatting, layout, and file types. Attention to detail in these areas ensures a polished, professional presentation. Additionally, writers must navigate legal and ethical considerations, including copyright laws and prevention, to protect their work and maintain integrity.
Publishing Platforms and Preparation
Platforms for sharing written work
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Top images from around the web for Platforms for sharing written work
Portfolios – Support View original
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Sample Blackboard Portfolio Layouts View original
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Content Sharing on Different Social Media Platforms View original
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Portfolios – Support View original
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- Blogs
- Personal websites for sharing writing, thoughts, and experiences
- Platforms like WordPress, Tumblr, and Medium allow writers to easily create and manage their own blogs
- Literary magazines
- Print or online publications that showcase creative writing from various authors
- Well-known examples include The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Granta which feature short stories, poetry, and essays
- Online portfolios
- Websites that showcase a writer's best work and achievements in one centralized location
- Platforms like Contently, Clippings.me, and Journo Portfolio provide tools for creating professional-looking portfolios
- Social media
- Sharing short-form writing and engaging with readers through posts, tweets, or captions
- Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram offer opportunities to build a following and promote longer works
Formatting for publication
- Layout
- Arranging text and images on a page for readability and visual appeal
- Considerations include choosing appropriate margins, organizing content into columns, and utilizing white space effectively
- Typography
- Choosing appropriate fonts, sizes, and styles for the publication to enhance readability and convey the desired tone
- Factors to consider include ensuring consistency throughout the piece and selecting fonts that align with the publication's style guide
- File format
- Selecting the appropriate file type for submission or publication based on the platform's requirements
- Common formats include .doc, .docx, .pdf, and .rtf which are widely compatible with most word processing software
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- Ensuring the work is error-free and polished before submission by thoroughly reviewing the content
- Checking for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and formatting issues to present a professional and well-crafted piece
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Legal aspects of publishing
- Copyright
- Legal protection for original works of authorship that grants the creator exclusive rights
- These rights include the ability to reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works based on the original creation
- Plagiarism
- Using someone else's work without proper attribution or permission, which is considered a serious ethical violation
- Consequences can include legal action, damage to the writer's reputation, and loss of credibility in the publishing community
- Intellectual property rights
- Legal rights that protect creations of the mind, such as inventions and artistic works, from unauthorized use
- Types of intellectual property include patents (inventions), trademarks (brands), and trade secrets (confidential business information)
- Creative Commons licenses
- Allows creators to grant permissions for others to use their work under specific conditions
- Different license types specify requirements for attribution, commercial use, and modification of the original work
Process of submission and feedback
- Researching potential outlets
- Identifying publications that align with the work's genre, style, and target audience to increase chances of acceptance
- Reviewing and requirements to ensure the work meets the publication's standards and formatting expectations
- Crafting cover letters
- Introducing the work and the author to the or publisher in a concise and compelling manner
- Highlighting relevant achievements, themes, and reasons for submitting to demonstrate the work's suitability for the publication
- Handling rejection and feedback
- Dealing with the emotional aspect of rejection and using it as a learning opportunity to improve the work
- Incorporating constructive feedback from editors or beta readers to refine the piece for future submissions
- Persistence and professionalism
- Continuing to submit work despite rejections and setbacks, understanding that success often requires multiple attempts
- Maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions with editors and publishers to establish positive relationships in the industry
Key Terms to Review (16)
Abstract: An abstract is a concise summary of a larger work, such as an article, thesis, or report, that highlights the main points and findings without going into excessive detail. It serves to give readers a quick overview of the content and purpose of the work, allowing them to determine its relevance to their interests or research needs.
Audience awareness: Audience awareness is the understanding and consideration of the audience's needs, expectations, and characteristics when creating and presenting written work. This concept is crucial for effective communication, as it helps writers tailor their message to resonate with the intended readers, ensuring clarity and engagement in the material being shared.
Blogging platforms: Blogging platforms are online tools that allow users to create, publish, and manage their own blogs easily. These platforms provide various features such as customizable templates, user-friendly interfaces, and options for sharing content on social media. By enabling writers to express their thoughts and connect with audiences, blogging platforms have revolutionized the way written work is shared and consumed in the digital age.
Copyright infringement: Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses, reproduces, or distributes a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright holder. This can involve copying text, music, images, or other creative content without authorization, which violates the rights granted to the creator. Understanding copyright infringement is crucial for anyone involved in publishing and sharing written work, as it helps protect the intellectual property of authors and creators.
Digital publishing: Digital publishing refers to the distribution of content in electronic formats, allowing for the creation, sharing, and reading of written works online. This method has transformed how authors and publishers reach audiences, enabling instant access to a global market while utilizing various platforms such as blogs, e-books, and online magazines. The rise of digital publishing has also led to new forms of storytelling and interactive content, making it essential for modern communication.
Editing: Editing is the process of reviewing and revising written material to improve clarity, accuracy, and overall quality. It involves correcting grammatical errors, enhancing word choice, and ensuring that the content is organized logically. This process is essential for presenting information effectively, sharing written work with others, and conducting thorough self-editing and peer review.
Editor: An editor is a person who reviews and makes changes to written content, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to specific style guidelines. Editors play a crucial role in the publishing process, working closely with writers to refine their work, improve the overall quality of the text, and prepare it for publication or sharing with an audience.
Literary agent: A literary agent is a professional who represents writers and their written works to publishers and other potential buyers. They play a crucial role in the publishing process by helping authors secure book deals, negotiate contracts, and navigate the complex landscape of publishing. Agents often have extensive industry knowledge and connections, making them valuable allies for writers looking to get their work published.
Online journals: Online journals are digital platforms where individuals can publish their thoughts, research, or creative works and share them with a wider audience over the internet. These journals provide a space for writers to express themselves, connect with readers, and engage in discussions about their work, thus enhancing the sharing of written work in a more accessible and interactive way.
Peer review: Peer review is a process where experts in a specific field evaluate the work of their colleagues to ensure the quality, validity, and relevance of research or writing before it is published or presented. This practice fosters a critical assessment of ideas and methodologies, enhancing the credibility and impact of written works and presentations.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's words, ideas, or work without proper acknowledgment, presenting them as your own. It is a serious ethical violation in academic and professional settings and can lead to severe consequences. Recognizing and understanding plagiarism is essential for anyone involved in writing and sharing written work, as it ensures that original authors receive credit for their contributions while maintaining the integrity of the writer's own work.
Proofreading: Proofreading is the process of reviewing written material to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. This critical step helps ensure that the final document is polished and free of mistakes, enhancing its overall quality and clarity. It connects to various aspects of writing, such as recognizing common grammar errors, refining the style of a piece, and preparing work for publication and sharing with others.
Query letter: A query letter is a formal letter sent by a writer to a literary agent or publisher to propose a manuscript for publication. It serves as a brief introduction to the work, including a summary of the content, the writer's credentials, and why the manuscript fits the agent's or publisher's catalog. Query letters are crucial in the publishing process as they can determine whether a writer's work will be considered for publication.
Self-publishing: Self-publishing is the process of publishing written work independently, without the involvement of traditional publishing houses. This approach allows authors to maintain complete control over their work, from the content and design to the marketing and distribution. With advancements in technology and online platforms, self-publishing has become increasingly accessible, enabling writers to reach audiences directly and establish their presence in the literary market.
Submission guidelines: Submission guidelines are a set of rules or instructions provided by publishers, journals, or websites that outline how to prepare and submit written work for consideration. These guidelines often detail formatting, length, style, and specific content requirements that authors must follow to ensure their work is reviewed and accepted. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial, as failing to do so can lead to immediate rejection of the submission.
Title page: A title page is the first page of a document that provides essential information about the work, such as the title, the author's name, and institutional affiliation. It sets the tone for the reader and establishes the context for the written work, making it a vital component of any formal document, especially in academic settings.