Problems getting published - does this only/mostly apply to fiction writers?

Question

I want to write a book about health. Will I still have trouble getting published?

And who do I need to approach to get published?

Answer 1

It depends. If you have something fresh to say, or a better way of saying it, you might be able to get your book published. There are a lot of books already out there. I'd check amazon and barnes and noble to see if there's anything out that similar to what you want to do. Note the publisher of those books. If there's nothing saying what you want to say, then do your outline, write a sample chapter and go to the public library and look for Writers Market or something similar to find the proper way to submit it for publication. A lot of places want manuscripts submitted only by agents; others take a certain number on spec. The Market will give you an idea. If your take is natural health, say, then try Rodale-- the're very interestered in alternative and natural medicine.

If nothing else, there's always self-publishing. Some good writers have gotten their start that way.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First write your book. After it's finished show it to some close friends and family and get their feedback. Then, your best bet is to get an agent. Do you have any idea how many manuscripts end up at a publishing company every day? And if you don't have an agent or aren't an established author, then yours will end up in the slush pile (never read or taken seriously) An agent will help you determine what companies to send your manuscript to, and then will make sure they know it is coming, Well known agents can work miracles for an author. Once it reaches a publisher, it's all in their hands. If they reject it, make some changes, then send it to another. If they accept it, don't try to argue their price, go with it. Get the book publishing underway to a point that they can't back out, then bargain. When an editor makes suggestions, always if not use them, consider them seriously, because if they don't think you are, then your deal is gone. An agent does most of the corresponding with a publisher, and it's them who the publishers really listen to.

Answer 3

No. Actually to get published is a problem for all Starting out Authors. Because to be published you need to find an agent who can really present and pitch your story line to a publishing house. It's really hard. It took J.K. rowling 9 yrs to get Harry Potter in a Hardcover.

Answer 4

It applys to all writing. Start a bit smaller and see if you can get something published in a magazine. You need to write it first and send it to them. They will have a set rate of so-much a thousand words if they accept. You have to write fast to make money - there are an awful large number of writers out there and some of them are good

Answer 5

When you've written your book, take a look at http://www.lulu.com - They are able to print off one copy at a time. So you can upload it, set up a web page advertising it, and then as people buy copies they'll be printed and shipped. That way you'll find out if it's a hit, and approach publishers once the book is successful.