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How should I network to become a well-known fantasy author? Where can I publish my works for free to give a platform for my audience?

I'm a senior at Queens College. I currently major in English and minor in writing. I love to write and have had my writing pieces selected for a scholarship, publication, and awards.

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Amanda’s Answer

I have a friend who used Amazon to self publish their work. I believe Amazon lets you choose how to publish (in print versus ebooks). I wrote on FictionPress once upon a time, but I don't know that that really gets you into making money as a writer.
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Kaylin
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Daniela’s Answer

Hi Kaylin!

You can take a look on The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association.
The purpose of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association is to promote, advance, and support science fiction and fantasy writing in the United States and elsewhere, by educating and informing the general public and supporting and empowering science fiction and fantasy writers.
The Association has a volunteer program. Additionally, volunteering is a great way to meet people, acquire new skills, and contribute to their community:

https://www.sfwa.org/about/volunteers/

I hope it helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Daniela for the advice. Kaylin
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Matt’s Answer

Going to conventions is a great place to meet people in person. I think its also a good idea to actively practice your creative writing. Theres a lot of online communities that offer creative writing prompts and you can submit your works for discussion. Good way to improve but also to maybe network
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Kaylin
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Kenneth’s Answer

There's no one way to do it, but based on what I've seen, conventions and even directly reaching out to an author you admire to see how they were able to get where they're at and any advice they my have. Always be polite, concise, and appreciative for any response you get. At the point where you're starting, I would say go to ANY convention, big or small that has a Sci-Fi or Fantasy element. You never know who you'll connect to both professionally and personally.

In terms of where to publish, I think the suggestion of making sure you have your own site is important as a base to work from. Wix/Square Space are good option, but if you don't have the money for that, a simple, free website would be a great starting point: https://wordpress.com/free/

Beyond that, while social media is ever changing, following authors and trying to interact with them could be helpful, but additionally, publishing snippets of your work with maybe some illustrative art, either yours, a friend's or someone else you have permission from could help. AI Generated art might be an option, but it might be a little controversial in some circles, but it would be worth exploring.

And finally, find supporters that you can not only geek out with about fantasy, but also are encouraging and will help you through the times you're feeling in doubt or discouraged.

Kenneth recommends the following next steps:

Go to conventions where other fantasy authors attend
Make a website either paid or Wordpress
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Kaylin
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Marcelius Levites’s Answer

Hey, Kaylin. Congratulations on about to complete college. I would tell you to ask your professor who teaching you that subject. They have a connection or themselves has been in the same position that you have been at. If you already had a writing piece selected for a scholarship, publication, and awards, that's right there is already a connection network. Call that place and ask them questions since they already know your writing and you received an award from them.

You can also create your own website
-www.wix.com
Go shadow some authors.

Marcelius Levites recommends the following next steps:

Ask your professor
Search and ask your peers
Use resources that already at your hands
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Kaylin
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Rosa’s Answer

LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with others and seeking their thoughts and complimentary guidance.
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ashna’s Answer

Try publishing on KDP it's free and more convenient.If it doesn't work out then try Apple books

ashna recommends the following next steps:

Try publishing on KDP it's free and more convenient
If it doesn't work out then try publ
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