Anyone written a book and tried to get it published?

Question

I understand that most publishers don't even read unsolicited manuscripts. Did you get an agent and what does that mean in terms of cost?

I haven't even written one yet, but am about to start I am not even sure if you type it double spaced or anything... any experiences welcome..

Answer 1

Hi there,

I am in the process of trying to get my book published, so can tell you all about it!

Firstly - it is best to have written the book before you start looking to get it published. I mean that genuinely, without any sarcasm - as all agents and publishers will ask you how far along the book is, and if you have only written 40 or so pages, they will not take you seriously.
Also, if you are inexperienced at writing, it is good to get the practice in, and to see if you are able to sit downand write that many pages!
I speak from experience, I thought it would be easy, but in the end it took me over 7 months hard writing just to get the first draft done!
Don't worry about double-typing or layout until you've written it all.

Then, when you are completely happy with it, and have edited it to the best of your abilities, and made sure there are NO spelling mistakes (agents and publishers loathe spelling errors!!!), then set it to double space, as most companies prefer this.

There are different routes in - but the way I did it was to find an agent. The agent will act on behalf of you to get the book published. IF AN AGENT ASKS FOR A FEE UPFRONT, SAY NO. The genuine agent will work for free, then take his cut when the book sells, simple as that.
Buy a copy of the WRITERS HANDBOOK - as this will have a list of agents, or look on the internet. Don't send to agents who aren't appropriate to your work, most will have a specialist area.
Most prefer hard copy, in the post, but gradually nowadays they are warming to the idea of email!

Read their specifications carefully on their website.

And don't be offended if you get turned down. Try to remember that they get sent a ridiculous number of manuscripts a day. You will find someone in the end.

Good luck to you, I wish you all the best, and hopefully we'll all see your book on the shelves soon!

Answer 2

Hi there. I'm a published fantasy author. My latest hard cover book just came out in April. The title is THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. It's a medieval fantasy epic with lots of mysticism, magic and mayhem.

This book took about 3 years to write and another 2 years to get published. It has been reviewed very highly in the mainstream media and is being considered for a movie production.

As for your own writing, my advice is to read samples of as many of the top titles as you can get your hands on in your genre. The library is good for this--no cost. Now, you don't have to read every page of every book. Just scan them for characters and descriptive material, then put YOURSELF into a storyline. For example, if you were writing fantasy, what would you do if you were trapped in a cave with a giant 'whatever' blocking the entrance? What have some other writers come up with? Was their solution believable?

In most of my books, the characters do all the writing--I just sit back and type the words onto the computer screen. In other words, let your mind wander over ideas of how YOU would handle a situation and then allow your characters to react.

As long as you stay away from the central storyline of the other major published books, you should be fine. Always try to think out of the box. For example, what would happen if you had a dragon that kept falling asleep as it flew over the countryside? Messy, huh?

And last but not least, write every day, whether you want to or not. That's how you become a true writer. Study your grammar and spelling! Most computer spell-checkers will NOT catch mistakes like using "affect" instead of "effect" or "you're" instead of "your".

Publishers these days DEMAND perfect manuscripts. If your work is full of errors, you can forget it. It's tough enough to make a buck with books and that's why publishers are so picky. And yes, it takes time. Figure on 5 years from when you first start your book 'til you see it in print (assuming it's good and you can find an agent to rep it.) But hey, what's five years? You spent at least 12 years getting through school, right? Trust me, it's WORTH it when you hear, "Your book is like Braveheart meets the Lord of the Rings," which a Hollywood producer just said to me a few days ago.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your writing.

Jon F. Baxley
[e-mail]

*****

Answer 3

Yep, 12 point, double-spaced, single-sided is best. It's true that a lot of people don't read unsolicited msnuscripts, and it's almost a sign that you could be publishable if you can GET a good agent. I never got an agent, but I wrote a book about a decade ago (Jeesh...had forgotten it was that long)...and sent 25 pages and a synopsis to a national radio programme that had a section called "The Slush Pile" - what they did was take unpublished writers and put their work in front of actual publishers. I was put in front of a few and HarperCollins said they were interested. Worked with them for a good while trying to get the manuscript into a form they were happy with, and eventually, they dropped it due to 'financial constraints' - a new business year had started and all that kind of nonsense.

As for the cost of an agent - technically, shouldn't cost you a penny till they get you published. Agents tend to take between a 10-15% cut of any deal they broker for you, but they don't do that until the deal is done.

Good luck.

Oh by the way, beware - The disappointment at my failure to get published made me train to be a journalist out of sheer spite. It can be a dangerous business, this authoring lark.

Answer 4

three of them. two are under consideration. one is in the final editing process. all i can say is if you're serious about this thing, you can't give up on it. i could build a house with my rejection notices. it was worse than the f. scott fitzgerald thing, but it's looking okay now.

type in 11 or 12 point double-spaced and edit the hell out of your work. i didn't need an agent, but it doesn't hurt to get one. if possible, submit your book to publishers and agencies simultaneously. that actually worked for me because right after the books were being seriously considered, i was able to let potential agencies know that. it really got their attention. generally, agencies want somewhere between 10 and 15 percent. any more than that and it better be like random house and you'd better be selling books hands over fist. and, of course, if anyone asks for money up front, just run.

make sure you've got plenty of ink, stamps, mailers, and a good working relationship with the post office. most publishers and agencies will take electronic submissions but there are a few who won't. for those guys, you'll need a SASE if you want your manny back. if not, make sure you tell them they can toss it. this can get a little expensive, but the cool thing is you can write this stuff off on your taxes if you find that's something to consider.

anyway, i hope there's something in there you can use.

good luck.

Answer 5

Hi Emily, I'm a part time writer with published non-fiction and short stories to my name. I have written one novel but it didn't get picked up. If I'd known how long it would take (nearly three years part-time) I doubt I would have started (although it was really fun and I'm very proud of it).
To be a novellist you need to be either already famous, have contacts in the media, or be very very lucky. Talented comes last, since in the modern publishing business marketing spend counts for far more. An agent certainly helps (and they make you far more money than they take) but they have their own slush piles I'm afraid!
You might look into web publishing as there are businesses that will allow you to print copies of your own book quite cheaply and only in the numbers you need.
Write a few articles or short stories first and try to get them published, that'll give you some idea of what to expect. Writing a novel is quite different though!
Good luck - read up on this before you start, and give it all you've got!

Answer 6

Hey
I'm just about to start writing a book but before I do I definately need some English lessons. I've been reading other books and my vocablary is much better and now when I practise writing - describing random things - I've definately improved.
Basically I know I've got to work hard on my writing because I know I've got to interest my reader, in this case the publiusher! Take this example: Harry Potter, Jk Rowling writes like its a play because she describes EVERYTHING like the 5 senses and how people feel with deep emotions!!

Then once you know what your writing about and probrably done reasearch on it or sumthing you can begin writing. Remember Publishers read a lot of books and they are probrably looking for something different! A good opening is what makes a publisher read on!!
gd luk and I hope you READ this
x X

Answer 7

Double spaced, yes. Some publishers accept unsolicited mss, and an agent will generally charge you 10 - 15% of what you make.

I've had lots of books published. I didn't use an agent.

Answer 8

this is stressful to get revealed. maximum agencies purely settle for books submitted with the aid of brokers, and this is stressful to get an agent. whilst they take unsolicited manuscripts, oftentimes purely one individual reads it (an intern of a few form sometimes) and in the event that they do no longer think of this is totally great and could make a variety of of money, they gained't bypass it directly to the actual people who submit. you spot celebrities submit SUCKY books with the aid of fact their call will sell it; you need to have the main suitable e book ever yet no person is conscious you so as that they gained't on the instant purchase your e book. It expenses plenty to industry a e book and carry it in the shops or despite, so the publishing agencies do no longer take opportunities on new skills oftentimes, yet Stephen King ought to write a e book of undesirable jokes and it may sell. J.ok Rowling have been given became down numerous cases for Harry potter, and look how valuable those books are. this is a great variety of success and timing and sturdy success to you! Oh or you are able to self submit yet those books are no longer taken "heavily" and that they are called arrogance press.

Answer 9

Why bother with a book when Talent Agents are crying out for Script Writers....after all English scriptwriters are far and few between when it comes to the Movie Business...

Answer 10

Hey, I too am an unpublished writer. I did a degree in creative writing and am planning on doing a masters. Of course this isn't essential but it sure as hell taught me alot.
more importantly though it puts you in contact with other writers. Students of course, but also published authors. All my tutors where published writers and it was really good to hear their view on my writing. Their enthusiasm for my writing really give me a push and made me realise that i could do it.
My tutor has also put me in contact with his agent, who seems very keen.
It seems in the world of writing its all about contacts and of course a sprinkle of talent! good luck!