How do you get a book published?

Question

I have written a few good stories, although they are spell checked they are unedited. After searching online for a company that publishes, they all want a large amount of money. Basically you buy to have your book made. Is this the only way?

Answer 1

You need patience, and the a book called The Writers Yearbook, which is avaliable from public libraries. The book gives all known publishers, and some advice. Good luck!

Answer 2

It isn't the only way, but its the only sure way. Some people think its worth it. Some people say if a book is worth publishing you should never have to pay for it yourself.

Look up "vanity publishing" and "self-publishing" (something else again), and research the angles and disadvantages of these.

Authors who get published by a publishing company sometimes began by finding a book publisher who deals in the type of book in question, write a letter to ask if the publisher would consider reading the manuscript, and if they are then the manuscript is sent.

What you really ought to do is either look online for articles on getting a book published or else go to your local library and look for a book on it. Some books may give you ideas on other ways to publish your manuscripts.

Answer 3

One should never pay to have their work published...UNLESS you have made a conscious decision to go the self-publishing route. Anyone who offers to publish you "cooperatively" (i.e. asks you to pay a portion of the costs) or expects you to "invest" in your book is a scam.

I would suggest you should first focus on building a portfolio and getting some experience with the submission process. If you have written a lot of stories, submit them to to various magazines and e-zines that deal in the subject matter you write about. For example, horror stories should be submitted to horror magazines, not teen magazines. Join writer forums to learn the ins and outs of the business.

Legitimate publishers will never ask you for money.

Answer 4

Juj:
There are many publishers out there and believe me, it is hard to find one. I spent two years and many, many manuscripts sent with only three replies to the negative. One took three years to reply? Just type in (Canadian) USA Literary Agency's and try some of these.
I went the self publish route. Very hard row to hoe. It worked for me only because I am retired and had time to do many book signings.
I write this mainly to warn you about the bad guys out there trying to take your money for nothing. Check (Warning &Cautions for Writers) May save you some headaches.
Wayne Russell, The Vagabond Writer