Something we pride ourselves on here at the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook is getting you the best advice from the professionals. In our interview with Edward Monkton, he has the following to say about starting out as a writer or artist.
I call him 'Edward Monkton', as you'll probably know him by that name, but he is in fact Giles Andreae, the artist, writer and poet behind everything from Purple Ronnie to the Hamster of Madness.
Giles Andreae's advice for starting out:
• Create your work from your heart rather than for the market. If it's not from the heart people can feel that. You still have to be aware of why people might want your work, and how they will engage with it.
• It's quite obvious, but people still get it wrong: only present your very best work. Even if you only have three pieces out of 50 that you think are brilliant, show those. You only ever have one shot with your submission.
• It's important to realise that publishers are desperate to find good material, it's in their interests. If you're rejected five times, there's probably a reason for it so listen to what they have to say.
• Some people create something and never submit it, but I think that's unforgiveable. Don't be frightened to submit your work. Even if no one takes it up, it's better to know that's the case.
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