Is it common for first time novelists who have no fiction publications in their name to get a novel published?

Question

Stephen King's book, On Writing was very encouraging until I got near the end when he made an example of someone who had short story publications and so found it easier to find an agent.

I've written a novel and want to see it published but all I have to my name is a Ph.D. dissertation, a couple published articles, and some conference proceedings. Those are all non-fiction depicting cogntive psychology research. Do I have any shot of getting published? Would mentioning my non-fiction help me to find an agent or get published?

Answer 1

There are plenty of answers to that question. But, I do agree that you don't need an agent to be published. You do need: a good clean manuscript, determination, thick skin (there are plenty of rejections ahead :), knowledge of how to create a story and to write the story and many other things.

If you consider self publishing, I would recommend www.lulu.com. I have a number of friends who have books released by Lulu, they do not charge set up fees and offer a wide variety of additional service for reasonable fees. I've looked into all sorts of options and Lulu is a very good company to work with. You need a good price, cooperative and responsive customer service and a good quality product. Not all printers or publishers offer these things - actually most do not.

I spent endless hours researching agents that accepted my genre and who worked with unpublished writer etc - and I have a stack of over 50 rejection letters and 20-30 were never answered. I sent those almost 5 years ago. However, I talked with some friends and decided to submit my manuscript to an online publisher (which is NOT the same as self publishing) and have not gotten a rejection since I started dealing with the publishers directly. Epublishers can be a great way to get a book accepted and to start learning the business. Also, Print on Demand is NOT the same thing as self publishing. POD offers the print option without having to buy hundreds or thousands of copies of your book.

When you find a company, agent etc that you want to submit your manuscript to, visit http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ to find out if they are reputable. This is a great service and its offered for free.

I was a marketing director and first reader for a small epublishing company and I was astounded by the horrible quality of many manuscripts that were submitted. This is a sure way to be rejected.

I am working on my 5th novel and my 5th non fiction book at this time. All are released or under contract with a publisher. The non fiction books started through a freelance contract and blossomed into a series of books I never expected to write. I mention my fiction and non fiction work and also a strong background in makreting and promotions when I speak to a publisher etc about my writing.

Someone also mentioned writing articles. This is a great way to get your name out there and to start building your publishing credits. Reputable contests are another good way to get accolades and publishing credits.

Answer 2

Being previously unpublished in your book's genre will make things a little more difficult for you, but consider the following on your path to publication.

1. Writer's Market--a wonderful reference tool--has a special section devoted solely to contests. Many of these competitions are aimed solely at publishing the novel of a first-time author.

2. A common misconception is the need for an agent before you're published. You do not need an agent to be published. Once you are established, that will change; however, by that point you will be a more attractive candidate.

3. Publishing some short fiction in literary magazines would be a great way to build a reputation. Again, Writer's Market can help you.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

I'm a fiction writer myself. From what I have ascertained, it is difficult for any new writer out there to get published, regardless of the genre. Non-fiction however, has a better chance than fiction as long as you have the credentials to back your book up. I have been told by many sources that the way to get a book published is to first obtain an agent. Publishers are less likely to read your query if you are not represented. Then again there is also self publishing which tends to be expensive and a lot of work. I continue to hunt for an agent for my fiction works. If I should find out anything else that would help you, I'll be sure to send it along to you.

Answer 4

This is exactly the question I have been asking myself! I have a masters thesis (which won an award), a few history articles in a couple of academic journals, articles in our local press, a weekly column at our local newspaper. But no published short stories. So I'm having trouble getting any agent interest. Unfortunately, I have heard that it can be even more difficult getting short fiction published than a novel.

Answer 5

It can be very difficult to find an agent and almost impossible to publish without one. Your best bet is to attend a writers' conference, where you can sign up to present to an agent in person. Google 'writers' conference' to find one in your area. Put a lot of work into your manuscript before pitching it. Have at least ten other people read it - not just your friends, but your old English teacher and anyone you know who is educated and well read. Take all criticism to heart and rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.

Source(s):

I have had six novels published.

Answer 6

Nonfic won't help much. It's something, but unless it's related stuff (say, articles on writers, or something related to the topic of your book) it won't help much. (Then again, I don't know you, but if you've written a dissertation it's quite likely that there *is* a relation between that and the subject of the novel. I'm on that path myself and I know well how after that long studying something, you're essentially useless for anything else... ;) In that case, it can sometimes be quite a help.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

No. And no.

And this isn't me being a jerk to you.

Unless your book is based on your experiences, all you'll get is a politely written or a generically-written rejection letter.