Does anybody know how to get a manuscript published?

Question

I have written three books, all completed and fully edited, but how do I continue from there? I don't know who to contact to get my works published! I want to get them published, I won't be modest on that account, but I don't know where to start. Any advice from somebody with experience?

Answer 1

Send it to Oprah.

Answer 2

Hi - I have two published and am working on the third.. Publishers do not want unsolicited manuscripts, and agents have mostly taken over that function. You can try going the traditional route of querying agents - you can find lists on the net.

Choose ones who you think might be a good match for you and write a good query letter [ which has little to do w/good writing - it is a sales tool ] -- be aware that agents get abt 100 solicitations a week - - there is a lot of competition and they are usually not looking for new writers.. ANY AGENT WANTING UPFRONT $$$ IS A FRAUD!!! do not pay any reading fees etc.. they will make a commission if and when they sell your work and if they can get you published, then, in my opinion, it is well worth the % you will give them..

Or - due to print on demand technology, you can self publish your work and try and sell it yourself.. this is a challenge and unless you are prepared to hit a bunch of B&N stores etc.. - as an unknown.. it is not an easy chore, but it is also not expensive to produce a few copies and see what happens.. and you will at least be able to hold your book in your hand and give it out to friends etc.. but please do not be fooled by any promises of grandeur..

you do not say what type of book your is.. well, best of luck to you and if you need any specific info, you can contact me personally at [e-mail]

Answer 3

I too want to publish a novel someday (first I have to write mine). Have you gotten a Writer's Market book yet? You can buy them at all the major bookstores. These are like phone books of publishers and book agents. Start looking there. Find an agent or publisher that will accept your manuscript and prepare for rejection. Odds are good your book will be rejected hundreds of times. This happens to most writers so don't be dissuaded. Good luck.

Answer 4

I don't have experience, but I used to want to be a writer so I have read some self-help articles. Your best bet is to buy a book at amazon or your local book store that gives you a extensive list of publishing companies. (I think it's called, Writer's Market or Book Publisher's Market) Circle the ones you are interested in sending your work too, especially if they have published works in common to your own genre. Write them for their publisher guidelines. This will help you narrow down who to submit to.

Now, if you have money, maybe you should think about getting a agent. You increase your odds of getting published immensely with an agent.

Answer 5

Start off by getting rid of the idea that the books are fully edited. Search for literary agents in your genre and query them describing the books and mentioning anything else you've published. Send them a sample Chapter. I know that some houses accept unsolicited manuscripts but if you are unpublished, you are unprepared to handle the negotiations.

Answer 6

You need an agent!

Very few publishing houses even mind unagented manuscripts.

Answer 7

If your willing to Pay for publishing / printing. Try XLibris.com
It's part of Random House.

Answer 8

Grab a writer's guide on agents, editors, and publishers.