New writer not sure how to do some of this stuff.

[ChristopherAllan]

I just had my first story rejected and I don' have a clue how to fix it. I tried a different story but I can't seem to submit it from word on my phone. I tried to find an editor but can't seem to get past the page that tells me to read the guidlines. I don't know how spell check on the site. I am new to computers. The only thing I have to write on is my phone.

 

[LexxRuthless]

I just had my first story rejected and I don' have a clue how to fix it. I tried a different story but I can't seem to submit it from word on my phone. I tried to find an editor but can't seem to get past the page that tells me to read the guidlines. I don't know how spell check on the site. I am new to computers. The only thing I have to write on is my phone.

It's going to be tough for you to be successful at this using only your phone. I would suggest checking Craigslist or something similar to see if someone is getting rid of an old laptop. All you need is a working copy of Word or a similar word processor--it has built-in spell checking for you--and an internet connection so you can copy & paste the text into the "New Story" field on your author dashboard.

Alternatively, you can submit the text file directly. That does take a bit longer for Laurel to review, so there will be a delay in getting your stories online.

 

[Privates1stClass]

I just had my first story rejected and I don' have a clue how to fix it. I tried a different story but I can't seem to submit it from word on my phone. I tried to find an editor but can't seem to get past the page that tells me to read the guidlines. I don't know how spell check on the site. I am new to computers. The only thing I have to write on is my phone.

I agree with LexxRuthless, find yourself a cheap computer. You can save some $$$ by downloading a free office suite, LibreOffice, at https://www.libreoffice.org/

LibreOffice works almost like Microsoft Office, so if you know keystroke shortcuts for Word, they work as well on LibreOffice Writer.

You can save even more money by installing free Linux instead of paying for Windows. Check here: https://www.linuxmint.com

Lots of luck getting your story posted.

 

[Rustyoznail]

I actually use Google docs. I flick between a PC, a Note 8 phone, and an iPad. I use the phone for notes, rough drafts, and reading the final story on the train to work, the iPad at home while my wife watches reruns of Lucy, and the PC for final editing and submitting.

I started off using MS-Word, but trying to keep the latest version on all devices was a pain.

***edit *** I then save it as a word file and upload it.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

Alternatively, you can submit the text file directly. That does take a bit longer for Laurel to review, so there will be a delay in getting your stories online.

I upload my text (Word doc. file) to the new stories page. I haven't noticed any significant delay. Aside from my first story, all of my have posted in a few days or a week. Which seems to be about average, based on other comments.

Maybe it did take longer for Laurel to review those earlier, and I gather that just sending an email with an attachment takes a lot longer. But, uploading the file to the story page seems to work as well as copy/paste into the text field. And I've not had any problems with formatting, including using italics, etc.

Your advice about getting a cheap computer is sound, I think. I write on a tablet, but it's got Word loaded on it, and I have a bluetooth keyboard. I can't imagine writing anything longer than a few notes directly on a phone. But then, i'm an old fogey.

 

[Maeven_quinn]

I agree with LexxRuthless, find yourself a cheap computer. You can save some $$$ by downloading a free office suite, LibreOffice, at https://www.libreoffice.org/

LibreOffice works almost like Microsoft Office, so if you know keystroke shortcuts for Word, they work as well on LibreOffice Writer.

You can save even more money by installing free Linux instead of paying for Windows. Check here: https://www.linuxmint.com

Lots of luck getting your story posted.

Adding to this, you can get refurbished computers with ubuntu operating systems on them for $200-$300. Operating system takes some getting used to, but ifOP is new to computers in general...

So cheap, open source, ubuntu machine and google docs? That might be the quickest set up.

 

[ThisNameIsntTakenYet]

Adding to this, you can get refurbished computers with ubuntu operating systems on them for $200-$300. Operating system takes some getting used to, but ifOP is new to computers in general...

So cheap, open source, ubuntu machine and google docs? That might be the quickest set up.

Or just get one of those tablets with a built-in keyboard in the cover. Not sure if those would be available under 200 bucks, but that should also work. Or just get a bluetooth keyboard and use that on your phone. I don't see a reason why that wouldn't work and modern phones are practically small tablets anyway...

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I would suggest Linux Mint instead of Ubuntu. A much better graphical user interface and comes with open office already installed.

 

[Maeven_quinn]

I would suggest Linux Mint instead of Ubuntu. A much better graphical user interface and comes with open office already installed.

Libre office is a annoying to set up, so you're probably right that that mint is better than ubuntu.

I did some googling and found refurbished 13 inch laptops for about $150. The cheapest way to start a new writing hobby that I can think of.

Of course, there is the tablet option. I still prefer laptops to touchpad things. Not sure why, to be honest. Maybe its because I'm too cheap to buy apple products anymore.