<p>while some people are right in the sense that an admissions officer won’t read a full book, they may read small portions, and saying that you published a book on a transcript will look really good – so i’d say go for it! it can’t hurt, right? also, if you’re looking into something like creative writing, that would really be useful for your app, and for yourself…not everything has to be about grades and apply to school, afterall…</p>
<p>Professional, published novelist here. I agree with everyone who stated that self-publishing does nothing more than prove that you own a checkbook. While I respect your entrepreneurial spirit, I would suggest exercising it elsewhere. </p>
<p>There’s actually another issue: I also work as a professional ghostwriter. At some point I hope some colleges wise up to the fact that even a book published by a major house might very well be the product of deep pockets and no talent – I could tell you stories. Me, I turn down any job where it is the wealthy parent of a student looking for an “edge” in the admissions process. The same goes for ghosting essays. That being said, I’m probably more ethical than most ghosts. </p>
<p>Write your book. Send in a sample with your app. Once you finish your book, try to get a real agent and a real publishing contract. Perhaps even write about that process – now THAT would be an interesting essay (that idea is free, no charge).</p>
<p>I’m a book editor.
Do not send your manuscript! Everyone thinks they’re a writer.
Have your manuscript reviewed by a professional in the field before you do anything with it.</p>
<p>I spent one summer working at the lowest level of office assistant at a publishing house. Trust me, when i say that sending in a manuscript does jack. They keep them but the envelopes were not even open. All the readers, etc…are busy on working on things that have already been pre-approved (i.e. second pieces of work and people who knew the editor)</p>
<p>Okay, there is a big problem in all of this.</p>
<p>Apparently, self-publishing is for delusional rich kids who have convinced themselves that they can write… yet they can’t. Thus, it is pointless for me to self-publish my work because no one will take it seriously, regardless of my writing ability. But in the realm of traditional publishing, nearly all first-time writers are denied proper recognition even if they do have writing abilities, because publishers focus much more on already accomplished authors. This is even a greater issue for me since this process is exponentially more difficult for teenagers (especially an Asian male like me).</p>
<p>So what exactly do I do?</p>
<p>I would disagree that age is a barrier – it could even be a help in securing an agent if you are a great writer, and if you are writing about a topic that publishers think is hot. First of all, learn how to write a great query to send out to agents (try mediabistro.com for this). See if you get any bites. It might be easier than you think and it will certainly give you some objective feedback if nothing else.</p>
<p>Does anyone know any publishers that don’t require an agent besides for Publish America (which requires you to be 18)?
… Is Publish America considered to be a method for self-publishing?</p>
<p>(btw I learned about that particular POD from [Pitzer</a> College - Claremont, California](<a href=“http://www.pitzer.edu/admission/profiles/01.asp]Pitzer”>http://www.pitzer.edu/admission/profiles/01.asp) <- a girl had a book of her poems published before going to college)</p>
<p>And I guess you professionals agree that other online PODs like Lulu are no-nos?</p>
<p>How exactly would you begin publishing via the traditional route?</p>
<p>Traditional publishing usually means sending in queries to a literary agent who would then represent you to editors, publishers, etc. Look at the archives for the Miss Snark blog and also Pub Rants. I’m subscribed to both of those and they really answer a lot of questions about the publishing industry.</p>
<p>of course, I have no first-hand knowledge about this. I’m a rising senior, and I’ve written four full novels and have bits and pieces of lots more. I am going to a governor’s school in my state for creative writing, though. I hadn’t even thought about mentioning the novels, except maybe in my essays. I haven’t really considered publishing until I completed my most recent novel because I finally feel like my writing style is developed enough. But, the way I see it, if you want to use Lulu because you want to see your book in print and don’t plan on making any money/losing money, go ahead. </p>
<p>Also, you really ought to look at National Novel Writing Month (it’s called nanowrimo, it has a nice website with forums) I’ve been doing it since 8th grade and you write 50,000 words in one month. It’s actually an amazing experience but, so much work. If you like writing, give it a try.</p>
<p>Publish America is self-publishing. Google them and read all about it, the good and the bad. </p>
<p>Being young does not hurt you in getting a literary agent. Ever hear of “edgy”? Agents looking for hot, new, trendy, edgy things are expecting it from people in their teens and twenties, not older folks. They are constantly talking about “new voices.” Again, when “new” is the key word, what age group does that benefit? You!</p>
<p>4th House–Do you know any good literary agents who specialize in the Young Adult genre?</p>
<p>If it is actually published, it would augment your application, if it is not published, it will not help a great amount in my opinion.</p>
<p>I have heard terrible stories about Publish America. The worst part is, you’re paying them. </p>
<p>If you are truly serious about writing, I’d avoid self-publishing. I think winning big writing contests, such as Scholastic, would do more for your application than paying a vanity press to print copies of an unedited manuscript. Writing, revising, and rewriting a book, however, will help you improve your craft in the long run.</p>