Are there any book publishers in the South East of England?

Question

I'm a 1st time writer, and I'm sought after getting my book published, but I don't know of any book publishers in my area (East Sussex, England). Is there anyone who knows of one?

Answer 1

This answer is going to be harsh, but I *do* know what I'm talking about.

Where a publisher is, is irrelevant. Most of the UK ones are in London anyway. You can find them by getting the Writers & Artists Yearbook. It also contains lots of very useful articles about writing and contacting publishers and agents which you definitely need to read.

Getting the words down is only a tiny fraction of the job. You have to learn how to present yourself as a professional writer ... before you get published.

Even if you've written a masterpiece (and it's possible, I won't deny it) if you write the wrong sort of covering letter a publisher or agent will send back your book without even reading it.

Sounds harsh? They *have* to be like this, they get so many stories that they have ruthless methods of thinning out the ones they receive. Just getting to the point where someone will read the first page is a major achievement.

Reading your question I know your story isn't ready. You say "and I'm sought after getting", now that isn't English. If you make that sort of mistake in your covering letter, they won't read any further.

Have your work assessed by someone who you don't know -- you cannot trust the judgements of friends and family. They will not tell you it's bad (if it is). There are companies that do this, "Writers' Services" for example, or you get on to an online reading group (there are lots, search Writing Circles).

In the last two months I have been forced to read two first-time books (it's one of my jobs). The authors thought they were good and that they were ready -- but they were utter drivel. I'm not saying that to imply that yours is drivel, but you have to consider the possibility that you may not be ready to talk to publishers yet.

You also say "Is there anyone who knows of one?" One? You think that you're going to contact one publisher and they'll publish your book?

J K Rowling had virtually exhausted the entire list of publishers before Bloomsbury took her on. I have a friend who kept over 300 of the more interesting rejection slips he received. It took him 15 years to get published and he wrote about 20 books in that time, and kept sending them. He is now a successful author.

Getting to be a published writer is HARD, you have to be dedicated and willing to take a lot of mental punishment.

Good luck.

Answer 2

DUH!!!! what a dopey question...they are nearly all in the south east...mostly in London..OK...but there is a famous literary prize done every year nearby you. Get a Writer's and Artist yearbook..if you can't afford one..your local library will have one. It has publisher details, locations, and most importantly..what they will and won't publish...cos there may be a publisher on your doorstep, but if they don't publish the type of book you have written..they won't be interested.