Which publishing company is the best?

Question

I have written a teen fiction book, but don't know who to get it published by. I want a well-known and great publisher. Which is the best? How do I send my manuscript to them? By e-mail or just regular mailing? Do I get a copyright before or after I show them my manuscript? I want to become a bestselling author. Do I need an agent? Where do I find one? Are xlibris, iUniverse, or Bookstand Publishing any good? I do NOT want to self-publish. I want a publisher to publish for me. Do publishers accept ALL the manuscripts they read? Which ones do they look for? What are their expectations and standards? Please tell me EVERYTHING you can! Thank you!

Answer 1

I second the recommendation that you check out the newest edition of Writer's Market. It will have a whole host of resources for you that will help you in finding places to submit. If cost is a concern, since it is expensive, see if your local library has a copy that you can check out.

You have to submit different things to different publishers-- they all have different guidelines as to what kinds of submission packets they are looking for. Things that could be included are a query or cover letter, a synopsis, sample chapters (generally the first three), a chapter-by-chapter outline, etc. Most publishers will not look at entire manuscripts that are sent in without being asked for. Some might only want a query letter and outline of your story, and then will request sample chapters if they are interested. Some publishers will not accept any unsolicited manuscripts (ie, you'll be rejected before they start to read).

This is why research is critical!

I also have a book that is published from the Writer's Market people, called Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript. It has a ton of information on submitting in every genre-- novels, screenplays, short stories, poetry, greeting cards, whatever! They have a Guide to Literary Agents as well, if you want to see what might be involved in taking that path. All of these books have a ton of information (far more than can be conveyed here!)

No, publishers do not accept all the manuscripts they submit. The better known the publisher, more often than not the smaller your odds will be of having it accepted. However, don't be discouraged by that! Every great writer has had a mountain of rejection slips. Start at the top, and eventually someone will find and love your book.

As far as what expectations and standards they have, that really varies from publisher to publisher. Take a look at some of the books publishers you are considering have been printing. That will give you an idea of the kind of work that they look for.

I'd stay away from self-publishers, including xlibris and iUniverse, until you've tried traditional publishers. If, eventually, you decide to go this route, I really like Lulu.com.

All in all, you really just need to have patience and persevere. If this is what you want, you CAN do it. It might take time, but do some homework and have faith!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I'd look at teen authors you like and find out about their publishing companies.

I'd highly suggest picking up the new edition of Writer's Market (they do a new one each year), which is a wonderful book listing thousands of publishers, what they look for, and their guidelines for submission.

ETA: From what I've heard from slush pile readers (slush pile being the term for manuscripts sent in), about 80% of manuscripts are rejected within the first chapter, and most of those within the first few pages. So make sure your beginning is up to snuff if nothing else. Also, an agent is not at all necessary, but can definitely smooth the process.

Answer 3

Here's a website I found by searching "teen fiction book publishers" on google.

http://www.stephanieiser.com/teen/index.html

Search it and you may find other resources not listed here.

Good luck to you!