When is the right time to show my story to someone?

Question: When is the right time to show my story to someone!?

Hey, I'm 16 and I've always dreamt of being an author!. Recently I started writing down a story I've had planned in my head for years but I don't feel confident enough to show someone!. Do you think anyone would be interested in it now (would they take me seriously!?) or should I wait a few years before showing it to anyone!? also, I'd love to have it published so those same questions ^^^ but to getting it published!. Please help :/Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You're young, but S!.E!. Hinton was eighteen when she did 'Rumblefish' so I don't think you are TOO young!. The mistake so many people make is sending stuff out to publishers after the first draft!. Any kind of writing takes time- you have to chip away at it until it's as good as it possibly can be!. I think that I throw away eighty percent of what I write, and believe me when I say I think that is a perfectly acceptable ratio!. I write for thirty hours a week on top of a full time job and I've been working on a new novel for the past six months, and the depressing fact is that I reckon it will be at least another three months until I'm ready to let my publisher read it- some of the writing is good, but it's not consistently good enough for publication and I don't want to waste their time and put them into a situation where they need to point out the obvious flaws!.

Read a writing magazine- I like 'Writers News' and above all, practise!. By all means post your work for criticism, but remember that it's a double-edged sword- most of the people reading it won't be fans of whatever genre you're aiming at and their criticism will be meaningless!.

Don't listen to Spooks- vanity publishing is not your only option!. The reason that publishing is so hard to break into is because most of the work simply isn't good enough, but if you can write something exceptional then most publishers will take you seriously!. also, consider freelance writing- a good portfolio of published short-stories, articals and filler will showcase your work and give you invaluable contacts in the industry!.

Be prepared to work hard and suffer rejection- it took me five years to write something that somebody considered worthy of publication!.

Don't pay a professional to read your work- reputable publishers and agents will do this for free, and provide positive feedback if the work shows promise!.

Good luck!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I can tell some of the people who answer "they are also writers" aren't because you shouldn't give the story to "someone that knows and loves you" because they won't be honest!.

complete your story, re-write a couple of times untill you are happy with it!. even put it away for a few months then go back to it and see if it still exites you then post a chapter or two on a writers forum not on here where everyone is an expert on nothing!.

I have seen some answers from professional writers on here before and that's fine but without knowing their level of experience take it with a pinch of salt!.

I only comment because I want to write and have read a few how to write and get published books!. they are really good to point you in the right direction!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I'd wait to show it to someone as soon as you are happy with it as it is, or alternatively, if you need a little help/feedback!. Don't be shy, but I suggest showing it to someone you trust, like a friend or a teacher!.

Otherwise, you could post an extract of it anonymously on here, or better yet, somewhere like http://www!.abctales!.com!. That way people can read it and leave criticism!. They're usually nice over there, but be warned that if you do post it online, someone may say nasty things about it, just because!.

Good luck with your writing, keep it up!

Www@QuestionHome@Com

Trying to get it published is like trying to crack a walnut with a feather!. The only way for that to happen is for you to get it done by what is called vanity publishing!. You pay to have so many books printed and then try and sell them to a local bookshop!. If they catch on that's fine!. If they don't well you're out of pocket!. What I would say is never give up on your dreams and hopes!. Keep on writing and go back to books or stories you have previously written and keep revising them!. That's what I've been doing for ages!. You never know someone might take interest!. Good Luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

im a writer too!. look, my personal theroy is you outline it for a year, write a chapter (or more) every day (but take one day off a week), then finish the sucker!. when youre all done, give it to someone who loves you and will be honest, but not mean!. i hate negative critisism (dont we all)!. belive in yourself!!!! ;)Www@QuestionHome@Com

The best way is to show people you dont really know!.
That way it will be true statement in what they say!.

Go to www!.worthyofpublishing!.com
Post your manuscript there and see what people say!.!.!.
Of and have in book form not all over the place!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Showing it to anyone in the idea stage is premature as it will change as you write it out into a complete novel!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

when you feel comfortable and confident to show itWww@QuestionHome@Com

look for someone you know that wont judge you or dismiss your story because of your age!. try a teacher you trustWww@QuestionHome@Com

Uh, when it's finished!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Why don't you show us a little snippet then we could decide!?Www@QuestionHome@Com