How do I get a published book without self publishing??

Question

I really want to get my book published. I don't want a self publisher. I want someone who markets and sells the book for me, and can help with editing. If possible, a company who has artists who can design a cover (I'm not very artistic!). Does anyone have a website I can go to or phone numbers I can call?
Please help!

I have tried to use search engines, I just don't exactly know what to type in.

My book is fiction and it's about 24 pages on college-ruled lines. My audience I am trying to get to is about 3rd or 4th grade. Thank you so much for all of your answers, this is really helping!

Answer 1

If you don't want to self-publish, then you want a traditional publisher, one who will pay you royalties, edit, design, produce, and market the book.

This article on my web site explains what a publisher does--which you would have to do if you self-published, and quite rightly you don't want to: http://www.underdown.org/publisher-expertise.htm

Unfortunately, many of the larger publishers do not accept submissions from authors. To submit your manuscript to them, you would need an agent. But there are other options.

Here is a list of independent publishers, many of whom publish fiction and DO look at submissions from unpublished authors: http://bookmarket.com/101pub.html

If that doesn't help, try "Writer's Market" or one of the more specific market guides--there are similar books for the magazine market or for writers of novels, for example. You can easily find this book and many others like it by searching on the title at Amazon, or by going to a bookstore and looking in the Writing section.

ADDED: Since you have written a children's book you should join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: more info at http://www.scbwi.org . You will also find "Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market" to the be market guide you want. And my book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Children's Publishing," is a good introduction to the children's publishing world as a whole. More info and sample chapters at http://www.underdown.org/cig.htm .

It's hard to find a publisher, and you may end up putting as much work into it as you did working on your manuscript. And even then, if it's not good enough, or not in a genre that interests a publisher, you still may not get published. So you might want to join a local writer's group, for support and networking. You'll need both if you're in this for the long haul.

Good luck!

Added: DO NOT go to the New York Literary Agency, as someone else suggested. This company will take your money and do nothing for you. Check out what "Preditors and Editors" says about them on this page: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pealn.htm . But if you ask about them on any good writer's discussion board, or look them up at writing information sites, you'll find similar warnings.

Answer 2

Hi: I wrote my first book and after many, many manuscripts sent to publishers with no results I went the self published route. Try New York Literary Agency, type this in brouser and should find above.
They may help you? Good Luck.
Wayne
History as it truely was. My own life with other stories I have saved for 40 years. All tied together with a family I call WEED.
If you like true stories check my site at www.wizeoldphart.com for a preview of "MY" books. True stories of kids growing up during the 40's and 50's. Pee your pants funny with a few tears. After the first book I had so many emails from my readers that I wrote the second. THE GOOD WEEDS and THE FAMILY WEED.
Thanks, Wayne

Answer 3

I agree, try searching it online. Sorry I couldn't help more. Could you email me? My email is on my profile, and I would like to ask you some more questions about your skating career.

Answer 4

wat kind of book is it? im trying to get my horror book published and im needing the same info and im not good at art either. another question now many pages? If its fiction try publishamerica.com

Answer 5

i dont have any connections but have you tried yahooing or googling it yet?