Advise on publishing

[A Grey Day]

Hello, I am looking for advise on trying to publish work of mine. I have several short stories lying around that I feel might be ready to be published. The problem is I have no idea about how to go about it. On the advise of a forum member, I've created this thread to ask.

Firstly, since I do not have a job currently, how hard will it be to get an agent as I hear to have works published you would be very beneficial with an agent.

Second, is it a good idea to try to publish works that have been posted online?

I'm not quite sure how to ask for this kind of advise, really.

Any guidance will be of great value!

(P.S. I was not sure on which section to make this thread, so please move it accordingly)

[LlewellynMcEllis]

Hi Grey Day. Publishing shorter works isn't easy because the market is really competitive, but it is a good way to start building up your portfolio when you're ready to move on to publishing larger works. I'd start by checking out online resources. I recently switched computers, and haven't grabbed my bookmarks yet, but hopefully before the end of the week, I can grab a few of them and point you toward some great sites. One, for instance, that is incredibly helpful, is Duotrope.com. They are an online writer's market that lists thousands of markets and you can browse them for free.

You might also head out to your library and check out the most recent edition of the Writer's Market for Novels and short Stories.

Just start submitting. Don't be afraid to submit to non-paying markets in order to pad your portfolio. There are hundreds of excellent online markets, and the numbers grow every day.

If you have no prior publishing experience and no novel you want to start shopping, you don't need an agent. Most markets accept unsolicited short story manuscripts, so just start sending stuff out. Follow guidelines to the letter for each place you submit to, including specific formatting guidelines. Every market is different when it comes to what they want. Always include SASE when going through snail mail or they'll just toss your manuscript and never get back to you.

Go for it.

[A Grey Day]

Thank You LlewellynMcLlis for taking the time to respond to my questions.

I'll try to take your advice and submit some of my stories and some poems to both paying and non-paying magazines and will start reading Writer's Market

Thank you agian!