2006-09-24 20:58:13 · 8 answers · asked by Mpir 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Check out the books "Writer's Market" and "The Guide to Literary Agents". I would suggest starting with an agent. Not only can they help move your book through the slush pile at publishers so it will actually get read, but if you are ever offered a contract they can negotiate it so you keep as many rights to your book as possible. Unless you are a lawyer, I would not recommend that you try this on your own.
You will need to do your research to find out what each particular agent likes. Some only want a query letter and a summary to begin. Some want a full outline. Almost no agents or publishers will ever want your full manuscript right off the bat-- normally if they like your original query they will request sample chapters and THEN request the entire manuscript.
So, make sure to at least take a look at the books I recommended. They are a good place to begin the research process. Another place to check is Preditors and Editors, as they can help weed out the scams:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
Remember, you should never have to pay these people up front. You are the one selling the commodity.
Also, I cannot emphasize enough-- you will get rejected. A lot. Every author does, but if you want to have your book published then you will have to not get discouraged and keep submitting! If you have written any short stories or poetry, you might want to take another look at "Writer's Market" for magazines and journals to submit them to. Sometimes, having previous publishing credits can make an agent take a slightly longer look at your query. It can show them that you ARE a salable commodity.
In the meantime, edit. Repeatedly.
And then query!
Good luck, and happy writing!
2006-09-25 00:45:29 · answer #1 · answered by Obi_San 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
As an experienced writer and published fantasy author, I suggest you find a good editor to clean up your manuscript and get it ready for submission to various agents. You'll have to research those, as there are no right answers when it comes to agents EXCEPT that you need one if you're a new author.
Most publishers these days won't even open unsolicited manuscripts unless you have previously published something or an agent is submitting for you. Publisher slush piles are in the thousands, so don't waste your time, postage or printing costs submitting direct.
Once you have a finished, polished manuscript and an agent to handle it, you should be able to find a publisher sooner or later. Agents know the game and they know what the publishing houses are looking for. Trying it on your own is a long, tedious and often disappointing road to oblivion.
That's my advice. Good luck with your book.
Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)
THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)
(For a FREE copy of The Scythian Stone or a full color, four chapter illustrated demo of The Blackgloom Bounty, email me at FiveStarAuthor@aol.com).
My author blog: http://the-blackgloom-bounty.blogspot.com/
2006-09-25 08:59:41 · answer #2 · answered by FiveStarAuthor 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at this web site www.stephenleather.com
Read all the hints on getting published and how to get an agent (if you need one at all) then follow the tips. If your book is any good it will get published.
Good luck.
2006-09-25 05:12:58 · answer #3 · answered by chrchrbrt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First find a publisher who may be interested and then find an editor who will prepare it for publication. Good luck, I've always wanted to do the same thing.
2006-09-25 04:01:12 · answer #4 · answered by fed up with stupid questions 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This will only happen if your writing is worth reading!
Make many copies and send them to publishing houses and editors near you. Call them and stalk them until one of them publishes your work.
You can also search for writing contests, where they publish the winner's work.
2006-09-25 04:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it to a good publishing house and that's it....But hey, tell us more about your book. What's it about?...fiction...thoughts....ideology...what?
I am gonna do the same someday.
Well, all the best for your book.
2006-09-25 04:39:20 · answer #6 · answered by The Sorceress 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you managed to get it published the publisher will do that.
2006-09-25 04:00:25 · answer #7 · answered by survivor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to take your manuscript to a publisher, they will handle the 'getting it to bookstores' part.
2006-09-25 04:07:52 · answer #8 · answered by noogney 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋