How to Become a Science Fiction Writer

Many avid science fiction fans try their hand at writing science fiction at some time or other. If you like to write science fiction, but aren't sure how to get published as a reputable author, here is a general guideline to help you on your way.

First of all, don't try the self-publishing route if you want any credibility as a science fiction author. There are very few authors out there who have made it by way of the self-publishing route. You should strive to get published by the mainstream science fiction publishers. That's how you will make money and gain a good reputation as an author.

You need to research the market and see what is selling, and what publishers are looking for. That is your best bet if you want to get in to the science fiction scene more easily. Most publishers will only take established authors who they know will sell books for them. Even if you are an excellent author, with purely original work, your stuff might not even get looked at if they don't know who you are.

The best way to go about getting published in the science fiction world is to start by submitting short stories to the most popular genre magazines. They are much more likely to publish a new author. They don't pay much, but your not looking to make money yet. Your just looking to build your reputation and credibility, and to get your name out there. If you have truly good work, you will get published. This is also a way to tell if you are good enough to write science fiction professionally. There are plenty of mediocre and bad authors out there, especially in science fiction.

If the magazines give you rejection after rejection, then you might want to consider working on improving your writing. One way to do this is to get plenty of feedback on your work. Critters.org is one excellent site for getting your science fiction writing critiqued by other authors. Don't ask your friends to critique your work. They may not want to be honest with you and hurt your feelings if your writing is lacking. Thats why getting critiqued by strangers is critical.

Once you have several short stories published in the most popular magazines like Asimov's or Analog, then you can start submitting your longer novels and stories to the book publishers. Even if they haven't heard of you yet, you will still have your list of published stories in reputable magazines to make you a credible author. Now the editors might take a look at your work, and you might just get a book deal.