Any advice on publishing a book?

Question

Im working on a small book on metaphysics, healing with the mind, things of that nature. Any advice on the process of writing/editing/publishing the book? Helpful links? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You should have a finished manuscript. Then you need to find
a Literary Agent to represent you and your novel. The Agent's
are very well connected to various Publishers. There are very
strict protocalls when trying to get a book published. There is
a right way and a wrong way. Literary Agents and Publishers
a very subjective in what type of material you send. Some may
like it and some may not. So don't take it personal. There is so
much involved, that most people don't have a clue. I didn't. But
I attended a writers workshop with editors from Readers Digest
They gave invaluable information!! Here are a few links or web-
sites to go to: www. aar-online.org Reputable agents here.
www.publishersweekly.com gives info to writers.
www.publishersmarketplace.com access to database
Must go to: www.anotherealm.com/prededitors tells you
what to look out for. The Author of Harry Potter, J.K.Rowling,
didn't get a publishing deal for a year. Her Agent kept trying to
find a publisher who believed enough in her work to do it.
Rejection letters come with the territory. Every writer gets
many. I've gotten some myself. Your book has to appeal to a
specific "genre". Meaning a target audience or market. Who
will want to buy your book ? Why will they buy it ? Your main
goal is to first, try to get an Agent to read "sample" pages of
your novel. If they like it, they will ask for the whole manuscript
if they don't, sometimes they won't even bother to write back.
So, don't pester them at all.....You have to just let THEM get in
contact with you. That's the way it is. It's kinda like the Music
Industry, it's hard to get that big break. But once you do, your
considered a credible writer. An "established" author. So, I
hope I gave you some advise you can use. Just keep reading
up on what Agent's and Publishers expectations are.
Good Luck, oh, make sure you send your"query" letters to the
"right" Agent, who is into the sort of books you write. bye now

Answer 2

An agent is your best bet, especially if you are unfamiliar with the industry. Go to www.agentquery.com and look for agents that rep non-fiction. Then go to those agent's websites and carefully read everything they have to say.

For a non-fiction, unless its a memoir style, you usually do not need the manuscript to be finished. Non-fiction books are usually sold on proposal- which can consist of a table of contents, sample chapter, outline...etc. I'm a fiction writer so I'm not as familiar with this-- but do some searching and read some articles, on creating a solid proposal and writing query letters. You also need to know your market--- where does your book fit?

Once you get an agent, your agent will get you published. My agent is about to pitch my work to the major publishers- publishers that wouldn't even LOOK at my manuscript if i didn't have her.

Answer 3

Go to the library or bookstore and get a copy of "Writer's Market." It explains the whole process. And as previous answerers have said: real publishers pay the author, not the other way around.

Answer 4

Get great links, advice, tips and publishing addresses here. It's a fantastic writer's site!

http://www.writersdigest.com/

Answer 5

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Answer 6

All the best of luck,because in this hobby/business its dog eat dog,and worse.
By the way that site V below will frustrate you,its not worth even the look see.

Answer 7

Think of the TITLE of the book first...
after that keep on the title n write...