Can someone explain the process of publishing a book?

Question

My boyfriend has been working on a novel and while he's almost done with it he's now claiming it isn't "worth" finishing and that he has no idea how to go about getting it published.

So, how does publishing work? Does a person get paid a base value based on how successful their book is estimated to be? Or do publishers already have a value set for new writers? Does an author get royalties as it sells?

How does it work?

Answer 1

Major publishers won't read an unsolicited manuscript; don't waste your time sending them. You/he might have better luck with smaller houses if you do some homework and find one that pubs titles similar to yours.

If you think the book is really good, try finding a literary agent who'll shop it around. This is easier if you've already published something in a journal or magazine. Creative writers sometimes know other writers who have representation and can give a recommendation.

Payment and royalties are part of contracts that are individually negotiated. It's complicated and I don't know all the ins and outs, but it comes down to this: You sell rights for them to publish in a certain region. Selling limited rights gets you less up-front. Selling all rights will yield more but you get nothing else later.

American fiction rarely sells outside of the English-speaking world, so publishers usually buy only First North American rights ("First" means a single printing, the amount they hope to sell). They won't pay for rights to reprints and other regions unless you're a known, bankable author. But if it's so popular it sells out and people want the book translated into different languages, whoever owns reprint or worldwide rights reaps the harvest.

Finally, don't fall for subsidy publishers that advertise in magazines. They're known as "vanity presses" and you pay for everything.

Answer 2

Ljn:
If published by normal route. (Not self published) The publisher usually gives the writer an upfront $$ amount based on how they feel the book might sell. Less for unknown writers. They the pay the writer as books are sold. Percentage is set up in a contract agreed on by both writer and publisher. I must admit that finding a publisher is next to impossible but you can check the route I recommend below.
I have written and self published two books, a very hard row to hoe. Then I discovered this! I recommend, If you browse to New York Literary Agency and follow their instructions. They ask you to send them a query letter with a promise to answer in two days. (They Do) If interested in your work they ask you to send your manuscript by email and show you how to do this. They promise to get back to you in two weeks and again they do. They charge nothing unless they find you a publisher and then only 15% of books sold. You can't beat this. I know of no others that do this in this time frame. Trust me, if you go the snail mail route with others it takes up to three years to get an answer if you get one at all. Please, please let me know how you make out if you take this route.
Wayne Russell The Vagabond Writer www.wizeoldphart.com

Answer 3

In a nutshell, first you want a e book to submit. 2nd, once you're a beginner to the industry, that is greater effectual you have an agent characterize you. in any different case, publishing homes won't supply a rattling. The agent will attempt to cajole the writer approximately your e book and the flair you're able to desire to offer then earnings. although, the main considerable draw decrease back of that's the agent will require you pay them (and it generally fees lots). If a publishing house is involved, they're going to touch you individually. An editor will study over your artwork. that is time eating because of the fact they're going to generally require you to delete scene, rewrite others, and upload new bits in. ultimately, the e book cover is made via specialists, format is finalized, and then that is sent to the print abode.

Answer 4

Publishers have a standard contract for authors. In there they explain things like the advance and royalties. Unfortunately these things are non-negotiable. All there is to do is go to your library, ask for the Writers Market and look for un-agented publishers.