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When is an author a published author?
Can someone clarify the following point? The rules on a recent short story competition stated that it was open to non-published authors only. Since I have had some work published in a local newspaper would this exclude me from entering said competition? I recall reading somewhere that an author was only termed published when an ISBN number had been assigned to their work. Is this right? Hope someone can help! Thanks.
Comments
There's no definition in law of what is or isn't a published author, so their small print really should define what it means to them in more detail.
Which comp was it?
Personally, I think if work has been selected for publication either in print, or electronically then the writer is a published author.
Cheque ... that's an even better one
Personal opinion: I consider myself published only since I appeared IN PRINT and PAID for it
Paying to get into print wasn't what I wanted - anyone can do that
Putting work on the internet wasn't what I wanted - anyone can do that
I wanted some editor to like my work enough to send me money to buy the product. And fortunately for me, about 7 editors have done just that. I don't care if 'proper' writers think it's crap, it's paid-for and I've been to New Zealand on the proceeds so that kind of crap I can deal with thank you very much.
However, I doubt my novels will ever be published - sob - tough luck, that's life. If I die before my star rises, so be it. I've tried and am still trying and have enjoyed the journey so far, the novel on the shelf would just be the (oh very welcome) icing on the Lit Cake
I think I've gone a bit off topic ... sorry chaps
Totally agree.
Many thanks everyone.
I think a published author or writer is someone who has been PAID for their work.
Otherwise you'd be taking in people who had put stuff in the parish magazine and things like that.