Can a 14-year old get published?

Midnight Star · Jan 5, 2010

I was just kind of wondering, because my novel has gotten some pretty good reviews from the people I've permitted to read it. I'm kind of on the fence here because I want to possibly look at publishing, but I'm afraid that the company will try and judge my writing by my age before actually reading the book.

By the way, I'm not quite 14 yet...my birthday is in March.

Cyia · Jan 5, 2010

There's no age limit for being published if the work is solid. (Youngest I've seen is a 4 year-old). BUT your parents will have to sign the contracts.

Kitty Pryde · Jan 5, 2010

Well...Nancy Yi Fan was published by HarperCollins at 14...with a book she wrote at the age of 12. And if your book was published, it wouldn't come out until your 16. So it's happened before.

The question is, is your book publishable? And the answer to that is, I don't know. But good luck with it

Wayne K · Jan 5, 2010

S.E Hinton was a 15 year old girl. She got me off my arse.

Midnight Star · Jan 5, 2010

Cyia said:
There's no age limit for being published if the work is solid. (Youngest I've seen is a 4 year-old). BUT your parents will have to sign the contracts.

I think that they'd be okay with that. Especially after I let them read it.

Cathy C · Jan 5, 2010

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes was pubbed at 14. There are plenty out there. But, as stated earlier, it'll have to be done with the approval and cooperation of your parent or legal guardian, who will be responsible (and liable) for your performance and income until you're of legal age in your location.

Midnight Star · Jan 5, 2010

Well...now I have a bit more confidence...and a strange urge to edit haha. Thanks for answering my question you guys.

AryaT92 · Jan 5, 2010

Try to find an agent, that would be your first step after finishing / editing.

Midnight Star · Jan 5, 2010

Thats what I've been looking into. My friend knows an agent for a company in NYC, but I'm not sure he's the right one. Any tips on finding one?

stormie · Jan 5, 2010

www.agentquery.com Use the search box.

Best of luck!

.

Kitty Pryde · Jan 5, 2010

You need to query LOTS of agents, not just one

Go here: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/ and read the "Essentials" listed on the left side of the page. You will learn all you ever wanted to know about the querying process (how you sell your book).

AryaT92 · Jan 5, 2010

stormie said:
www.agentquery.com Use the search box.

Best of luck!

.

Google :

Writers Market

Publishers Market

I would have people beta read your MS before you send it out, if your only readers are friends and family then you might want another set of eyes.

Midnight Star · Jan 5, 2010

AryaT92 said:
Google :

Writers Market

Publishers Market

I would have people beta read your MS before you send it out, if your only readers are friends and family then you might want another set of eyes.

Actually, two of them are people I met via the NaNoWriMo site. But you make a good point, and I will look for betas in the near future.

waylander · Jan 5, 2010

You might want to meet the Queryshark too: queryshark.blogspot.com

Danthia · Jan 6, 2010

I did a long blog post on finding an agent, so this should point you in the right direction and give you lots of links.

Best of luck!

NancyH · Jan 6, 2010

Hi,
OMG! Good for you!!! What an accomplishment! (ok, sorry, but at your age! wow!)
and
May I also suggest posting a portion or two on the share your work boards.
Best!
Nancy

Cyia · Jan 6, 2010

When you do look for an agent CHECK HIM/HER OUT before you sign on. There are a lot of scammers out there.

Check Preditors and Editors (site) and here in Bewares and Background checks. Just because they're listed as an agent somewhere doesn't mean they're legit.

jilly61 · Jan 6, 2010

My daughter has some books written by a 9 year old. They were children's books but they prove that it does happen.

I hope it happens to you. Good luck

Can a 14-year old get published?

Midnight Star

We are once in a lifetime.

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Wayne K

Midnight Star

We are once in a lifetime.

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

Midnight Star

We are once in a lifetime.

AryaT92

Midnight Star

We are once in a lifetime.

stormie

storm central

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

AryaT92

Midnight Star

We are once in a lifetime.

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Danthia

NancyH

Blunt. But kind.

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

jilly61

aye aye in search of an agent