I want to write a book and get it published. How do I go about doing this?

Question

Most of it is actually written already if that helps. I don't even know where to start.

Answer 1

First, you are going to want to finish writing and then edit your book. Unknown authors won't get a second glance if they just have a proposal in hand.

You will want to get a literary agent. Most publishing houses won't read unsolicited manuscripts unless they come from a reputable agent. Not only that, but an agent will negotiate the terms of your contract for you so that you can keep as many of your rights to the book as possible.

I really like the current issue of the "Guide to Literary Agents". It is from the folks at Writer's Market, who do an excellent job is creating resources for authors to start their research of agents. I'd also recommend their book "Formatting & Submitting your Manuscript".

As for finding out if they're reliable, and excellent resource is the website Preditors and Editors-- they are a good jumping off point to start your quest!
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Do your homework, and find out exactly what they want in a submission package or a query letter. Then submit over and over until you finally find an agent who accepts you. You will face a lot of rejection, but keep going!

Answer 2

I wouldn't even think about an agent at this point. Is this your first draft or have you been editing and getting opinions from those who won't automatically tell you it's great because they don't want to offend you?

Check into a writer's group. Writing.com has several great groups, and other online sites do, as well. You'll find your best info from talking to others who have been there.

You'll need to research which markets are best for your book and start writing queries. Start with the smaller markets.

Even agents won't generally touch you unless you have some sort of sale potential already. Be sure to stay away from agents who charge you anything. They should never do this. Their money comes from selling your book, and the honest ones will not accept you unless they think they can sell you and get paid that way.

If you haven't started editing yet, be aware that editing a book takes at least as much time as writing it, and if you aren't naturally attuned to grammar, you'll need to hire someone who is. Contrary to popular belief, that is NOT a publisher's job. If they accept you, yes, they will assist with editing, but if it looks like too much work, they will never accept you in the first place. There's too much competition.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You HAVE TO GET AN AGENT TO GET A BOOK PUBLISHED NOWADAYS.

Go to the library and check out "The 2006 Writer's Market.

It will tell you step by step how to sell your book.
There is a protocol to these things and the people who end up published are the same ones who learn the ropes.

I know because I have had 5 books published in the past 5 years. This is a highly competitive market and the ones who win are not necessarily the best writers, but rather the ones who know how to play the game. Good luck!

Answer 4

i recommend self-publishing. I self-published a book through http://www.lulu.com/
they are completely free and very easy to use. You can then buy a global distribution, or ISBN, which will put your book on Barnes and noble, borders, amazon.... i really like lulu, i think they are great. They also offer a great customer service if you get stuck.
If you think they are too good to be true (which was my original opinion) you can view my book at http://www.lulu.com/dchooper
Hope this helps. Good luck with your writing.
For any more information about Lulu you can contact me at [e-mail] (if you do contact me, put Lulu in the subject line, or i might report as spam)
Cheers, Deanna.

Answer 5

Shoot if you figure it out lemme know I want to be a psychologist/ famous author!! I love to write as well!!!

Debbie 16