What is the best way to get published for a teenage writer writing a fantasy novel?

First, and don't take offense to this, but make sure your fantasy novel is different from all the other stuff that has been put out or is being put out or will be put out. Because I was in the same boat as you, writing a fantasy novel until I realized how similar it was to a lot of other stuff out there. And it was a complete accident because I thought I was being so original, but sometimes, because fantasy is so often limited to magic and such, leaving many writers in a deadend, the best way to get published is to stick to real life, because you actually have so many more options. there's so much that can happen in real life that hasn't been written about, whereas fantasy is a lot harder to get into.


Many literary agents I've spoken with have said that they don't want another harry potter, or fifteen year olds thinking that they can write the next eragon because he was young when he did it.


I 100% respect you and commend you for wanting to be published so young, we have a lot in common. Stick with it and know that it's a great goal!!!!!!!!!! All I'm saying is think about how likely your story is to get published before you put a lot of work into trying, because it is A LOT of work. good luck!What is the best way to get published for a teenage writer writing a fantasy novel?
Listen to that other guy...what he says is true. Fantasy is a hard genre to write in, mainly because people will compare you to other fantasy writers. Especially Tolkien, who practically created the genre. What you need to do is create something new, or make something your own. Hard to do.





Personal preference: I think dragon riders and epic quests are done over and over. I'd love a fantasy that's great without journeying a thousand leagues out of its way, or with a dragon as a companion instead of a horse. But, if you're gonna do the ';quest'; thing, try and come up with a better reason for your hero to leave his home besides: ';a normal boy/girl caught up in something bigger than life'; or ';his/her hometown is destroyed.'; And I have no info for a dragon rider story, except to read some Pern.





You know what we very rarely see? A fantasy that taks place in modern times. Something that takes place in 2006.





IDEA!!! I'm part of a Yahoo group of writers that specify in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Drop me a line at jcspiritseternal430@yahoo.com. Give me a sample of your work, I'll pass it along to the group, mainly the leader, and see if you can join. Don't let age bother you.What is the best way to get published for a teenage writer writing a fantasy novel?
These days, the mainstream won't take teen authors.





But that doesn't mean you still can't get published on the internet or self-publish your own work.





Otherwise, you'll be in for a loooong wait for the traditionals to get off their butts and publish you. (Because everyone I know--and myself at one time--is still trying to get in.)
Consult the Writer's Market or Novel and Short Story Writer's Market books at your library. They are also available at bookstores.





Within are lists of literary agents and publishers that will state their preferences in genre, type of manuscript, and methods of submissions. A literary agent is the best approach for an unpublished author. Always check their websites for additional guidelines.





Another must-have reference grammar tool is “Elements of Style” by Strunk and Williams.





Format your manuscript in accordance with acceptable guidelines--always double-spaced with pertinent contact information on the cover page. Find the booklet, “Formatting %26amp; Submitting Your Manuscript” by Cynthia Laufenberg. It is an invaluable tool for the writer.





Edit your story and then hire, if you must, disinterested editors to go through it and catch those areas that you didn't or cannot find. Don't ask relatives or close friends to edit your manuscript; they will hesitate to be truthful with you and already have their biases. Concentrate on catching errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Any manuscript submitted prematurely without corrections will surely be scrapped immediately upon receipt.





Learn how to craft a powerful query letter; they are the door openers to representation.
Like mercury said, definetly make sure that you aren't unconciously channelling some other author, that's humiliating. But then, just get your book out there. Tell friends, family et cetera. Talk to your counselor (if you have one) and see if they know anybody who may be interested in reading a manuscript. Check out the ';writer's market'; books and website to look for different publishers that may be interested.





If you're really confident, you could go so far as to get an agent to represent you to some publisher. They'll probably charge quite a steep fee, but if you think you'll be the next Christopher Paolini or Patrick O'Brian, then give it your best.





Also, check out magazines, such as Realms of Fantasy to see if there's an ad for fantasy novelists.





If you just want to get your story out, you can ';publish'; it at FictionPress. They'll copywrite it under the penname of your choice and people can read it, but you don't get a hardcover book or any money.





The main thing is: revise, revise, revise. Let all of your friends read your novel and ask them to give you their completely honest feelings. Plus, take their advice, or at least acknowledge it.





May your pen be mighty and your luck be good!





Oh, and I'd really like to read your story. It sounds like you're serious about this and that's definetly a good sign.