how do you go about getting a book published?

Question

I have some great ideas for books and I want to create them before my idea gets stolen. who should I send my work to and how long will it take to get published and availabe in stores?

well, its more of a picture book. I really dont care if you steal it now cuz I dont think I can do it myself, but I thought it would be awesome to take pictures of the things written in bathroom stalls and publish them in a book. have chapters and everything... it would be called bathroom graffiti and I already designed the cover artwork for it.

Answer 1

I fear that you have 'got your cart before the horse' !
Having 'some great ideas' for books is not enough - and unless you voluntarily go around disclosing them to all and sundry, there is hardly any chance of your ideas being 'stolen' !
...You have to first get at least a draft-outline of each book ready - only after which you should contact the Author's Agents located near you - seeking their representation.
If they find that your 'ideas' are worth their time and energy, they will accept to represent you - and keep sending your books' outlines to various publishers, who might be interested.
...If any of the Publishers gets interested, the Agent will bargain on your behalf - and get you the possible 'royalty' deal - out of which, a certain percentage [which varies, and is usually based on the Author's saleabilty !] goes as the Agent's fee.
If you have the completed manuscript [entire text, exactly as it is to be published] of your 'book' readied by then, you have just to forward it. Or else, you will be expected to deliver it within a certain deadline - which will be fixed by your future Publisher !
...Once your manuscript reaches the Publisher, it will be sent to a team of Editors - who will (a) check and correct your spellings and grammar, plus (b) verify your book for accuracy of each little detail.
If your work is really good, this would finish in a week or so - but if you have made too many errors, you may be even told to rewrite certain parts, or even entire chapters ! In extreme cases, the book can even be rejected at this stage...
...Depending on the number of other books that are already in line for printing and publication, your book will next go for composing and layouts. This could take anything from one week to even two years - because those books, which are expected to be sure-fire bestsellers, will naturally be given precedence over those categorised as 'also-ran's...
After this formatting (composing and layouts) of your book is complete, it has to be printed, bound and readied.
...All told, even a competent newcomer who has produced an obvious 'bestseller' will have to wait for a minimum of 1 year - before the work is made 'available in stores' !
Other wannabe authors may even have to wait for 2-4 years.
...Hope this helps you have a more realistic idea about book publishing - which involves a lot more than just having'some great ideas for books' !
Best of Luck.

Answer 2

Self-publishing could be a good option. Do a search online for "self publishing" & sites will pop up.

Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print, and Sell Your Own Book, 14th Edition by Dan Poynter
* Complete Guide to Self Publishing: Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish, Promote, and Sell Your Own Book (Self-Publishing 4th Edition) by Tom Ross
* Smart Self-Publishing: An Author's Guide to Producing a Marketable Book, 3rd ed. by Linda G. Salisbury, Jim Salisbury
* Self-Publishing For Dummies by Jason R. Rich

There are lots of free informational resources out there as well. Check the source box for links to articles.

Also, be sure to copyright your work. You can do this at the US Copyright Office. Go to the last link in the source box for Literary Works. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Get a book listing literary agents and a book on how to prepare a book proposal. Look through the book of agents and find one that manages the genre you are writing in. Send them a proposal. Before you send the proposal, though, have your manuscript notarized, mail it to yourself certified and DONT OPEN IT. It will provide proof that you wrote it and when should any funny business go on.

Another option, is to publish it yourself. You can get info on that from a Barnes & Nobel Booksellers in your area.

Answer 4

Take one of your ideas, write an inaquiry letter and send it to several publishers and agents. Then while waiting, maybe months, write your story. Then when you hear back, send copies to each publisher that wants to read it, with a self addressed, stamped manila envelope or manuscript box. But what ever the replies, don't give up!

Answer 5

check out the following site they may have the answers to your questions.

http://www.lights.com/publisher/

Publishing can be a very trying thing to do, I haven't had anything published but when I was younger I wanted to become a writer.

Good luck on your endevors.

Answer 6

this process is very long and competative.i'm in the same situation as you in every way.there are online publishers that i've heard are great.if you know someone who knows someone who is a publisher,i've heard that works out well.good luck.see you on the shelves one day.

Answer 7

go to the library reference Dept. & ask to see the Writer's Digest ...