My on-line writing comrades, Annie Peroutka and Kim Olsen- both 17, explained to me that the key to their publishing for money success is self confidence. Kim said, "I took it in stride, if I got rejected I'd try someplace else."
The story behind that is one day she noticed a announcement on the school bulletin board from Sex, Ect.. They were seeking a national correspondent (read: contributing writer) to help with some articles. Kim thought it was a volunteer opening and e-mailed the application in. The Editor replied within a day and assigned her the job. She gets paid for each contribution she makes and has been "working" for them nearly two years.
Annie took a different approach to gaining experience, when early in her teen years she started The 'Zine. The 'Zine has demanded attention from even national magazines as a great zine for teens. That put Annie in the spotlight more then a few times.
Now she's putting her experience to work. She landed a paid position at Channel One as a writer for the community service section, she gets a nice sum from Troom.com on a monthly basis and helps out with AOL's ELToo for free Internet service. Plus her poetic prose helped her get published in Blue Jean Magazine. She says that her confidence in herself and her writing helps her to query or apply to Editor's.
Annie was caught sounding off about the downside being published, "There's a lot of editing and proofreading involved. And you have to be sure that you say everything the way you want to say it." And she openly discusses her annoyance with deadlines. But, "The coolest part is when you actually see your work published. It makes your hard work worth it and puts a smile on your face."
Okay, so those are their stories, but how do they deal with the hard stuff? Like rejection (ouch!). "Learn to accept it because there are a lot of writers going for the same jobs and contests," says Annie. Kim offers additional insight, "Keep trying! There'll be rejections and some Editor's make you feel like you're nothing. But it's all part of the business. Editor's are just looking for the right type of writing for their magazine. Eventually you'll find a place that will work with you."
So don't stiff yourself, instill some self-confidence and start publishing for pay. I promise, you won't regret it.
Resources
For Young Writers:
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/young_writers
http://www.inkspot.com/joe/young/
Facing Rejection:
http://www.inkspot.com/moira/archives/October98.html