Getting Published

[steph_86]

Hi everyone,

I was looking for a forum to post this thread, so forgive me if I may have posted in the wrong forum.

In any case, I have written a series of four essays on science, religion, and the problem of knowledge and its relation to the existence of God. My main argument is that science is limited by its methodology and its philosophy on the knowledge it can provide. In recognition of that fact, simply because science does not provide knowledge on the existence of God, does not mean that it cannot be ascertained apart from scientific knowledge, and that in fact, it can be known by reason. For the preceding reasons, the problem of knowledge and of the knowledge of the existence of God, needs to be addressed at the philosophical level.

I would like to get them published either as a book, or to another Catholic blog, or perhaps, even a Catholic magazine. The essays are only ten pages long in total, and I really think that they are worth the read.

In any case, I would like to know if anyone knows of any editors, and publishers or even Catholic editors and publishers I can send my manuscripts to. I really have little to no budget, so I would appreciate if someone can refer me to a company or agency that can help publish at an affordable price.

Also, if anyone is interested, I can forward them the essays so that they can be read, reviewed, and edited. In fact, I would like for someone to assist in this regard.

I appreciate all the help.

 

[SnowAngels]

Hi! if you are open to self-publishing, check out this site: smashwords.com/. It will put your essays in all the online stores for free, and you will just have to pay them a fraction when someone buys them. In my opinion, audio-books is the way to go! You can put them on the site under a certain category, and when people search that category in online stores, you essays will come up! Good luck to you!

 

[surritter]

If they are indeed top-notch stuff, then the magazine First Things accepts manuscripts.

Or blogs are always a good option – even if they don’t directly deal with that topic.

 

[Jared2914]

It’s pretty easy to get an e-book published. There are several websites that let you setup an account for free, the biggest one being Amazon. The websites take a cut from the sale price every time a copy is sold. Usually, it is no more than 3-5%, and typical e-book prices are $1-5. For physical publishing you might be able to find a small, local book publisher that does low volume orders.

 

[on_the_hill]

I’ve had a few pieces published here and there over the years.

First rule taught to people who want to start writing: Book publishers don’t want short stories/essays.

However, it seems like that’s what you have. Did you check into magazine/website publishing? Those media are all about short pieces like essays.

There are a lot of websites and services that regularly post want-ads for writers. Just do a search for ‘freelance writing,’ and any combination of those words you can think of. You’ll be overwhelmed with the possibilities.

And, believe it or not, people post job ads to Craigslist.

 

[steph_86]

I’ve had a few pieces published here and there over the years.

First rule taught to people who want to start writing: Book publishers don’t want short stories/essays.

However, it seems like that’s what you have. Did you check into magazine/website publishing? Those media are all about short pieces like essays.

There are a lot of websites and services that regularly post want-ads for writers. Just do a search for ‘freelance writing,’ and any combination of those words you can think of. You’ll be overwhelmed with the possibilities.

And, believe it or not, people post job ads to Craigslist.

Can you please recommend websites or magazines I can publish to?

 

[Viki63]

I recommend you do a Google search on “Catholic online magazines”. You will find more than you can shake a stick at.
Catholic Exchange publishes articles all the time – check out their requirements. And First Things is the most respected, IMO.
I would offer to read them for you but know nothing about philosophy. Maybe someone in the Philosophy forum would like to.
Good luck!

 

[edwest2]

As a professional editor who’s been looking at manuscripts for a while now, a few tips.

1. When you contact a place where you would like to be published, ask for their “Writer’s Guidelines.”
2. Ask if they pay for articles and how much and when payment usually occurs. Get that in writing, or, at least, in an e-mail from the person responsible for this.
3. If your article is rejected then add a few more choices to the list and contact them.
4. Waiting is a difficult thing but you may have to wait a month or more to see publication. Ask about that as well.
5. It was customary for writers to receive a simple rejection/acceptance notice without further comment. If you don’t hear anything in 30 days, make contact and ask if your manuscript has been read yet.

Speaking very generally - not referring to anyone in particular - the vast majority of manuscripts I see cannot be published since they are just not written well. All I know is that the people who persist, who educate themselves about how to write, usually get published. I suggest getting a used copy of the following:

amazon.com/Writing-Magazines-A-Beginners-Guide/dp/0072864915

Peace,
Ed

 

[steph_86]

I recommend you do a Google search on “Catholic online magazines”. You will find more than you can shake a stick at.
Catholic Exchange publishes articles all the time – check out their requirements. And First Things is the most respected, IMO.
I would offer to read them for you but know nothing about philosophy. Maybe someone in the Philosophy forum would like to.
Good luck!​

It is alright. I can still send them to you if you would like. I want to have secondary opinion, even from anyone unfamiliar with the subject matter.

 

[on_the_hill]

Can you please recommend websites or magazines I can publish to?

Honestly, there are so many that there’s no way I could narrow them down. I haven’t been keeping up with them.

Believe it or not Craigslist carries ads for freelance writing. You can also check one called write_jobs that posts via Twitter feed, which you can subscribe to. There had been a (free) subscription service called Morning Coffee, but I don’t know if it’s still operating. And a free email service called Writer’s Newsletter, something like that.

About.com has a freelance writing page that has sites listed as well.

 

[Viki63]

It is alright. I can still send them to you if you would like. I want to have secondary opinion, even from anyone unfamiliar with the subject matter.

I tried to look at your blog in your signature but it is closed except by invitation. You won’t get many readers that way!
I’m not sure I’m up to 10 pages of philosophy (my brain tends to go into stupor mode) but will look at one if you want to send me a private message with a link.

 

[steph_86]

I tried to look at your blog in your signature but it is closed except by invitation. You won’t get many readers that way!
I’m not sure I’m up to 10 pages of philosophy (my brain tends to go into stupor mode) but will look at one if you want to send me a private message with a link.​

Thank you for your interest. As far as the blog, I haven’t used it in a while, and in fact, I do not think that I will be using it much in the future.

I am sending you a private message.