Friday, January 20, 2012

Are there any publishing companies that will take the work of anyone under the age of 18?

And I'm not talking about a simple little story, I'm talking about a novel. I've written something and I want it to be published, but as far as I know, no one will take the work of anyone under the age of 18, unless it's something less than 100 pages or something. Does anyone know of a company that will?



I'll save self-publishing as a last resort.Are there any publishing companies that will take the work of anyone under the age of 18?
Christopher Paolini was published by editor Alfred A. Knopf, who is part of Random House, but he self published his book first (at the age of 15).



Cafe Press will help you self publish by creating and selling your books online. There is also Creative Byline. I don't really know much about it but I guess they match writers with publishers.



It shouldn't really matter what age you are though as long as the book is good. But to be on the safe side don't advertise yourself as a minor, why sell yourself as inexperienced or young? Let your work speak for itself and don't give into the prejudices of publishers who may only view your work as that of a kid. The movie 'Almost Famous' is a prime example of not letting age get in the way of your pursuit.
so, why do you feel it is necessary to reveal your age? Your creative talent and ability is all anyone needs to know.Are there any publishing companies that will take the work of anyone under the age of 18?
Just get a copy of Writers Market. See who is buying a novel from an unpublished author. Submit it the exact way they tell you to submit it.



No need to state age.
The hitch is that until you're 18, you cannot legally enter into a contract, publishing or otherwise.



If a parent will sign in your behalf, yes, publishers will consider your work. Few writers that young have work that's good enough to be marketable, but it's possible you're the rare writer who does.



Go ahead and send out query letters once the novel is complete and polished. It's possible that by the time you sell it, you'll be 18. Publishing moves slowly.Are there any publishing companies that will take the work of anyone under the age of 18?
I'm not sure...but tell me the title cause in a few years, when it's published...i'll buy it!!!
How would a publisher know your age when you submit your manuscript? I would never mention my age. It's not their business. They are just interested in the story, trust me.
A publishing company will only accept submissions from an agent. There are a few exceptions, but not enough to skip the agent stage. Start learning about legitimate agents, learn how to write a query letter and a synopsis, then try to get an agent.



An agent will take you on and you can be published if you're under eighteen, however, your parents will have to sign the contract for you and will probably get most of the control over your royalties account--which isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as your parents are complete pains in the neck. It will also be a pain to have the rights signed back over to you when you are eighteen, and most agents and publishers hesitate to take on anyone under eighteen, usually because his/her writing is not up to snuff just because of the age.



Someone used the Paolini example. I hate that example. It's a bad one. Paolini self-published his book, then his parents spent tons and tons of money on him to help him tour his book. Someone from Knopf saw good money potential in him and published him. Paolini's books are some of the most despised. Try http://www.anti-shurtugal.com if you don't believe me.



I recommend you try publishing short stories and continue to practice novel-writing. I'm not saying that someone under eighteen can't be published at all because of their skills, but it's highly unlikely. You'll have more success writing for short stories and, unless there's a contract involved, you don't have to worry about a bunch of legalities.



I wanted to get published when I was under eighteen, but I realized I wanted to wait so I could improve and make a career out of my writing. If you want to go on, do so. Make sure you do your research, behave professionally.



Good luck and happy writing!

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