Publishing First Novel - Need advice?

Question

A friend is working on a first novel, doesn't know how to go about finding agent etc, is the Writers and Artist Handbook worth buying or not? Any advice greatly appreciated?

Sorry should say it is UK and Ireland not US.

Answer 1

writers and artists year book is available at the library in the reference section so i would use that. Look at cornerstones.co.uk website as this is a useful source. Usually the publishers want a synposis and the first chapter or 3 so ensure that the opening of the book is snappy so it grabs their attention. Ensure that if she doesn't have an agent that she only sends it to publishers that will accept unsolicited material. GOod luck!!!

Answer 2

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 major 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 [e-mail]).

My author blog: http://the-blackgloom-bounty.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

try not to buy it, go to the library and do the research, remember the saying , you wont Know until you try, write a short synopsis of the book, maybe a chapters worth, from your list of publishing houses select those that publish in your genre, send off your work/synopsis, start with the nearest work in circles of delivery to the farthest, pin up all the rejection slips , write a large card to yourself reminding yourself that for every no brings you closer to a yes. good luck LF

Answer 4

It is a good source of info, however, getting responses from the people you send off too can by a bit of a trial - have a look at this site
http://www.excaliburonlinepublishing.com/
(based in the UK but accessible worldwide as a .com)

Good Luck

Answer 5

Depends if you want your work to be taken seriously or not. If you truly think its up to publishable standard, go see a literary agent and get the book printed on paper. Kindle/Amazon just want your money.

Answer 6

first get your book published very difficult unless you have money try lulu press they are making great strides in self publishing and are becoming well known take a look at mine http://www.lulu.com/content/454006 and it will also take you to there web site and read it good luck Dave

Answer 7

beware of rogue agents, and there are a few out there. they will offer to represent you (for a fee) and give you all kinds of baloney about "chief editor is going to give us a decision next week" etc. but you're book will never be seen.

Answer 8

Try sending a taster (First chapter) to an online publisher - E.G. BAEN books.

Answer 9

Try typing 'the Writers guild of great britian' into google.
Unsure about other countries...