Having one foot firmly planted in fairyland at all times, i have written a thumping good book for children. (9-11 age range). How do I get a good agent? Or should I send it direct to a publisher? I am reluctant to use magic - just yet...
2006-10-01 04:59:28 · 11 answers · asked by Frufrubella (fairy princess) 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
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/
If you have written any poetry or short stories, you should try submitting them to journals or magazines that are appropriate (Writer's Market can help you find some). It helps if you have proven that your writing can sell!
When it comes to money, you should NOT be paying to have your book published. This is a commodity that you are selling, and be wary of anyone that wants money up front. The kinds of "publishers" that charge you to print your work are called vanity presses and it will not get your book into bookstores. These can be useful if you only want a few copies for friends and family, but that doesn't sound like what you want. Places like iUniverse, Lulu, and PublishAmerica all fall in this category. Beware! Agents should NOT be charging up front either, they get paid when YOU get paid.
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!
2006-10-01 13:47:07 · answer #1 · answered by Obi_San 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have already had something published, find an agent.
If this is your first, then try to submit it to a publisher directly.
Don't know which country you are asking from, but if it is the U.S.A., then go to the library and get a copy of "Book Markets for Children's Writers 2006". Or try to find it on the net.
I am sure there will be something similar to that in the U.K. or Australia or Canada.
Browse through all the alphabetically listed publishing Houses in it until you find the ones that are looking for your type of story and age group. Then photocopy your manuscript (if it is long, the first 3 chapters will be enough, plus a brief synopsis) and send it out to those Houses.
Your synopsis has to be striking enough to get their attention, so that's hard work too! Best of Luck!
2006-10-02 05:55:48 · answer #2 · answered by kiteeze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing first get yourself an agent. Most publishing companies won't talk to you about publishing a book without an agent.
www.writersdigest.com is a magazine for writers. They have agents listed as well as tips for a submission packet to send to an agent. The agent will help you in the right direction.
Also you can do self publishing as well.
2006-10-01 05:07:47 · answer #3 · answered by butterflykisses427 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Publishing a ebook is easy in this day and age with the appearance of online publishing, self publishing and digital publishing. Do you know that the youngest author used to be 4 years ancient? With the right steering, attitude and of course, ebook in hand - you might be just to your technique to fitting the next bestseller. :) I say good success! :)
2016-08-09 15:31:34 · answer #4 · answered by blea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a book shop will sell books (writer hand book, how to get published - things like that) that will have a list of publishers etc that you can send sample copy's to all of them. If they don't like it they may suggest other company's/people who would be more interested in it! Agents charge for there services and cant guarantee you get it published!
2006-10-01 05:08:31 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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 forensic_dreamer@hotmail.com (if you do contact me, put Lulu in the subject line, or i might report as spam)
Cheers, Deanna.
2006-10-01 10:11:38 · answer #6 · answered by Deanna H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think U should search after some contest relating with children books. If U win any kind of prise U have the Ase in Ure hand.
2006-10-01 05:34:03 · answer #7 · answered by L...A... 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Agents are funny as some won't work for you unless you are better established.
Find the book "Writer's Handbook" for publishers that might be interested in your submissions.
Here's a start.
www.tenspeed.com
2006-10-01 05:03:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
networking networking networking. start searching children's publishers in the local library, check online also, and the best way I've found is by looking on the inside cover of children's books already published
2006-10-01 05:09:07 · answer #9 · answered by bayareabummer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well send a copy to every publisher there is, dont worry j k rowling did this and most of them said her books were rubbish, now look where she is! a multi-millionaire!
2006-10-01 07:29:25 · answer #10 · answered by kitten0puppy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋