Non Fiction

Writing as a Job Interview

Samantha Viles

In the pursuit of trying to become a published author, many novices fail to realize presentation is the key. When a person applies for a job directly with an employer, the employer has the advantage of being able to check references and meet with the person before any agreements are met. With writers, when work is submitted that work then becomes the only thing the publisher knows of you.

For the typical job interview, we would don our best business attire and polish our appearance to make a good first impression. When submitting work to a publisher, their first impression is your query or cover letter. Imagine trying to impress someone with a handwritten post it note stuck to the front of a handwritten collection of your work.

Under those circumstances would you take you seriously? No you wouldn't. The point of this question? DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If you desire to be published then do the research. Read submission guidelines. Find out what the publisher is looking for before you send any work. If you do not review this information you are wasting not only your time but the publishers as well.

Publishers will often tell you if you need to submit a query letter first or if you can send the entire work. If you the writer can't read far enough to submit as the publisher requested then how serious can you be in your pursuit for publication.

If you succeed at the query stage and your work then moves to the read pile on the publishers desk, the next important must have is a clean copy. Again if you expect to be taken seriously then do not submit a work that has not been spell checked and edited. The amount of effort you put into editing should not depend on the size of the publisher you are pursuing. You should treat a submission to large publishing house the same as submission to an online magazine.

Respect your audience. No one should ever struggle to read your work due to grammar or structure. If you know you have a weakness in the area of editing then seek help from another source. Be prepared to pay accordingly for the expertise you find. Do not think that you'll get free help so that you can publish the work and be paid for your effort. The best things in life are not always free. Your editor can make you into a desireable commodity.

If you love your art then work for it. Research, query, edit and polish. There a numerous resources available if you feel you need assistance to reach your goals and dreams. It's okay to admit weakness and seek help. If you can't be honest with you, then the publishers will be honest enough for both of you.