Has anyone here written a book?

Question

I am interested in getting an idea of what to epect when looking for a publisher. What are the requirements

Answer 1

I've written a book, yes. Several, actually. (Thanks, NaNoWriMo!).

Anyhow, maybe you should change your question to "Has anyone here published a book?", which I haven't done.

Answer 2

I've written a novel and am looking for a publisher, but I've picked up some tips along the way.

The most important things are:

1. Make your manuscript the best it can possibly be (revise, revise, revise, and get opinions from people you respect). There's no substitute for quality.

2. Make your presentation the best it can possibly be. Just like on a job interview, you want to show that you're a professional, so read the guidelines and follow them to the letter as much as possible. Generally speaking, margins should be 1 inch all around, type should be 12 point, and a standard novel manuscript should be 80,000 to 120,000 words long. Different agents and publishers have different guidelines on whether to send them a full manuscript, a sample chapter (or chapters), or just a query letter. Make sure your query letter is well written, and personalize it a little to the agent or publisher if you can, but don't make it too flashy.

3. Don't send your manuscript where it doesn't belong. Some agents and publishers are looking for new authors, some aren't. Some are looking for the kind of thing you write, some aren't. A good resource for this is http:/www.agentquery.com. This is also a good place to get the info you need for #2 above.

4. Never pay anyone anything up front. A reputable agent will take 10%-15% of your profits from the publisher but won't bill you anything. A reputable publisher will pay you an advance and then a percentage if your book sells enough copies. Neither one will ever ask you for money. These days even a reputable vanity press will only charge you for the copies you buy.

For more information, go to agentquery.com or one of the other Web sites like it, and you can probably find a lot more information related to your specific needs.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I've written and published a few, and it all depends on the what type of book you're writing. Is it fiction, non-fiction? Have you published anything before (articles, etc.)? Do you have or need an agent? If you're working with a small publisher, your work might be handled in-house by the owner himself. But even some smaller publishers will farm out aspects of the book (layout, editing, legal aspects) to others, which means you'll be dealing with a freelancer. Get a copy of THE WRITERS MARKET, which might give you some ideas.

Answer 4

Every publisher has their own guidelines. A resource you need to get is the most current edition of the Writer's Market. Inside this book you'll find listings for publishers of all different genres of writing, and also a section with agents. You may want to consider trying to get an agent, since they are experts and know the ropes to getting published.

Answer 5

Hiya,

I've answered lots of questions like this one on this forum and Ed Wise is right, it is worth getting yourself an agent, especially if its your first time. Believe me, it is worth it in the long run.

I've been published several times (still not made my millions yet though!). On each occasion, I've submitted a concise precise of the book (delineating plot and main themes) and a sample chapter to show my writing style.

My best advice is to develop a thick skin ! You will get many rejections unless you are very lucky, and many people will not even read your submission. Persevere and you'll get there in the end (or wind up self-publishing).

Answer 6

I wrote two books and had to self publish, It is very, very difficult to find publishers today. I know my books are good because of the emails from my readers. Even so, almost 100 manuscripts sent out with three answers to the negative. There is a company in New York that promise to check your manuscript and get back to you in two days. They do! Then they say they may try to find a publisher for you.New York Literary Agency. Hope this helps.
Wayne

Answer 7

Expect a lot of rejection. The market is competitive and only the big names or best work make it into print (excluding self-publishing.) You'd be wise to get a copy of Writers Market

Answer 8

You need will-power. And faith in your writing. Plenty of rejection and "I'm busy don't bother me editors." It's a struggle with little chance of success. Without a doubt, you have to dedicate your life to writing to be successful. That's why most forget the idea after a string of rejections.

Answer 9

be willing to chip in the cost of making plates and marketting.