Big publishing companies & where to send your manuscript?

Question

I can`t get an agent unless I don`t have to meet with them. I prefer not to have an agent, but I doubt thats possible. Basically I was wondering if there`s a famous/big publishing company that will actually get my book out there and not just have five or six readers. If so, how can I contact an agent or, more preferably, send my manuscript immediately to the publishing company to see if I can get it published. Maybe over the internet, but I just don`t want to get scammed and have someone else steal my story. I also don`t want self-publishing, because no one will have ever heard about it. Obviously not saying huge like Harry Pootter huge, but you know, something you would find in your average book store and that most people know at least one person whos actually read it. I know you can`t make any promises with that, but I want to find a publisher where its actually possible and likely.

Answer 1

Writers Market or Writers Digest (both online) have some free information although indepth research requires a subscription fee. You can also try an agent look-up on Yahoo or Google. It is almost necessary to have an agent these days as most large publishing houses only respond to agent submissions. I'll get you some links and post.

eBooks Crossroads - list of literary agents
http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/agents.html

Simon & Schuster - publisher
http://www.simonsays.com/content/index.cfm?pid=523105&tab=1

Writers Market - lists agents, book publishers, magazines, etc.
http://www.writersmarket.com

Good luck.

Answer 2

All the answers you've been given so far are right. Writing a book isn't enough--you have to be savvy enough to know what your market is, and that includes all the dynamics of writing book proposals, query letters, etc. If you want to take yourself--and have others do the same--seriously, you need to read about the publishing business. You wouldn't say you want to design a bridge and not know something about basic engineering. Do you know anything about what is tax deductible as business expenses, etc. as a writer?

Three other books you really should look at are: (Writer's Digest), (Rachel Vater), and (Quill Driver Books). If you don't want to buy them, go to your Public Library and they should have copies for you to look through.

It doesn't seem like you've given any thought to be a "REAL" writer--you've written what you think is good and you want to hurry up and send it off. Most publishers will tell you that they won't look at a manuscript without an agent. If you send it to the publisher, it goes into a "slush" pile and when someone gets around to unsolicited material, they may read it. An agent will give constructive advice before it is sent to publishers. Remember, they work with them every day and they're on top of what is in vogue and what's predicted for the future. Don't make yourself look like an amateur.

Famous publishing companies as you referred to them, sometimes will only take an unknown writer on an established writer's recommendation. They are inundated with manuscripts. For the first time, it may be better to go with a small company who is more willing to look for a "new" voice and give you a chance. Once you get the publishing credit, you can strike off in another direction, if you want. Be careful of biting the hand that gave you the chance. When you want to read a good book, do you look to see if it's by a famous publishing company, or by reading the dust jacket or back cover? Location may be everything in real estate, but in publishing it's presentation--you as well as you're material. If you act like you have studied the business and behave in a professional way (not calling every other day to see if the manuscript was read), then you'll see results.

You might be surprised to learn that the average time from when a book is submitted to when it is published can be over a year. If you want fast money, write short stories that have a faster turn-around time.

Answer 3

You need to do some research on publishing companies. Look at your manuscript and classify it. Who else writes similar material, and then start to look into the companies that publish those people. Then look them up online or find out their requirements. Most publishing houses do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. If you are an unknown writer with little or no previous publication history it is likely you will have a hard time getting someone to look at your work. People will want to work with someone they know is going to earn them money too. Sad, but true. As previously advised, pick up a copy of the writer's market. Not only do they have great sections with interviews and answers to questions we all want to know as writers, they also list thousands of literary agents and their requirements. They list contests (some that accept novel length submissions,) and publishing companies who accept unsolicited manuscripts. You want to find someone who is willing to help you go all the way, just don't give up.

Answer 4

Buy a copy of Writer's Market-comes out every year. The new edition is coming out shortly so you can probably buy the 06 copy at a reduced price. Try Amazon. com. If your manuscript is of poetry-buy Poet's Market. In this book you will find publishers and the kinds of manuscripts they are seeking, info on contacting them and other useful tips. I have had success using the listings in Poet's Market. I agree with you about not going the self-publishing route also. Good luck..

Answer 5

The best current advice going around is to seek either a smaller publishing company found in the Writer's Market or a literary agent best suited for the genre you write. For unpublished authors, a literary agent--though most difficult to acquire--is the best route to follow.

Writer's Digest Magazine is a great reference source for inside tips on publishers and agents. And, the magazine puts out monthly tips that are needed by the novice writer. I recommend you get it.

More agents are accepting query letters and sample chapters via e-mail and that is a plus for us. It means no massive printing, mailing costs, and long waits for the rejection to come back.