I've just finished writing a novel, and I want to publish it. What is the first thing I should do?

Answer 1

If you want to self-publish then http://www.lulu.com is a reputable Publish On Demand option. You would be in charge of the technical layout and making sure it fits their specifications. Marketing would be in your hands, as well.

If you want to go the traditional publishing route, this is much tougher. Most publishing houses don't take unsolicited manuscripts, so you would have to find an agent. Agents look for people who already have a solid, successful writing background - or another area of expertise that would give you great knowledge in the subject matter of your book.

Now that you've finished your novel, you'll want to get it into tip-top shape. It's a good idea to have it edited by an unbiased party - meaning NOT family or friends - someone who can give you tips on how to make it most publishable. Once you have it edited and in stellar shape, that's when you send queries to agents.

Here's the link to the WritingWorld advice on agents: http://www.writing-world.com/publish/index.shtml#agents

I've actually been doing some research on publishing and agents while I've been working on my book, as well. Here's some of the information I have found. One thing is certain - a reputable agent never gets paid up front. Their pay comes when they've done the work for you and found the publisher. So if any agent is asking for fees up front - it's more than likely that they're shady.

I found this excerpt from "Finding an Agent" by Judith Bowen on absolutewrite.com.
-Check out books in the library that list literary agents. [2 Jen’s seen: “The Insider's Guide to Getting and Agent” - Lori Perkins “A Guide to Literary Agents” published by Writer's Market] See if they are members of reputable professional organizations. Go to writers' conferences. Talk to other published authors. Gradually put together your own short list and send out query letters describing your manuscript--the fact that yours is completed is a plus-- starting with the first agent on your list and working your way down. Chances
are, none of them will take you on.

Don't give up. Get out there and sell your manuscript to a publisher. Contrary to what you might have imagined - that it's the agent's job to sell your book - the truth is, your book is going to have to sell itself, whether you send it out or an agent does. Then, when you're offered that contract, contact your short list of agents again, starting at the top, and mention you've got a contract to negotiate and you'll be pretty pleased to find that the response will be quite different. Maybe your first choice or your second still won't be interested, but your third or fourth will. If you've done your research, he or she will still be a fine agent with a good reputation. -

Here are "Seven Essential Points on Literary Agents":
http://www.book-editing.com/nagle1.htm

Another good idea for looking for an agent is to read books similar to the ones you want to publish. See if there's any way you can find out who their agent was. It's best to know who else the agent has represented, especially when querying. It lets them know you've done your research.

Once you've done that research, check out if the agent is listed here at Preditors and Editors: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm
It’s a link to a list of literary agents, but it's alphabetical, not by genre - but this is from a reputable group that looks out for a writer's best interest. Don’t query the ones with the red “Not recommended” notes.

Best wishes!

Answer 2

The VERY FIRST thing you should do is put the document aside and not look at it for about two or three weeks. Then, come back and reread it again with fresh eyes. I do this all the time. You would be amazed at how much you see when you step away from the project and look at it objectively. Chances are, you will find yourself rewriting sections, or possibly the whole book. This is normal and positive. It means you are noting errors and correcting them.

Then you need to decide what you want to do. Self-publishing should NEVER be the first option. Particularly with fiction. The typical self-published book only sells 50-100 copies. THAT'S IT.

Your options are:
Traditional route, large publishing house: You will need an agent. An agent is someone who knows how to work with the big publishers. An agent will read your manuscript and suggest changes to increase it's chances of publication. Most large publishers will only accepted agented submissions.

An agent can even start representing you before your book is finished. A good agent can get you a deal before the book is complete. So you don't even need a final manuscript to work this way.

An agent is paid on commission, and is only paid if they place your book. Generally they will get a 10-20% cut of the royalties. An agent that asks for money up front, or tries to sell add-on services, is a scam.

Traditional publishing, small press: Most small press publishers will review non-agented submissions. However, you must query first. If they are interested, they will ask to see the completed manuscript.

Non-traditional publishing, Subsidy: Subsidy publishing in any form is a scam. In these scenarios, the alleged publisher asks the writer to "invest" in the project. They may ask you to pay for special services. Or nickel and dime you by charging you for proofreading, editing, etc. This is not how a traditional publisher works. Subsidy publishing should be avoided.

Self-Publishing: With self-publishing, you act as your own publisher. This is a good option if:

1. You have a "niche" book that would only be of interest to a small market (i.e. A book on the history of your hometown, a book on shovel collecting, etc)
2. You have a strong understanding of how to market. You will need to write your own ad copy, press releases, etc. If you don't know how to market, you won't sell books.
3. Have a strong understanding of the process. Publishing involves more than typing up the story. There is proofreading, editing, book layout, cover art, even silly things like font choices, blurbs, etc. If you don't know how to do something, you will have to pay a professional to do it for you. Which brings me to...
4. Have a budget. Self-publishing costs money. Even if you use Lulu, which has no upfront costs, you will still have to spend money. You will have to buy copies of the book to send to reviewers. You will need to send comp copies to bookstores to encourage them to stock the book. You will have to buy advertising. If you need professionals, you will have to pay for them.

Answer 3

Globetrotter gave some great advice, which in my mind is all true. However, an important anecdote needs to be added.

A close friend wrote a novella (no one publishes novellas, by the way). When I read it, I felt like I was reading another J.D. Salinger. I was blown away. After a year of dealing with a procrastinating and difficult agent he eventually sent it to Harper Collins, unsolicited. Do you know what happened? They called him up three days later and asked him to send the rest! He told them he still has to write it, and they said when he does to send it. He's not done yet. So much for needing an agent. Like Globtrotter says, a good book will sell itself.

My friend literally spent years editing his novella, full-time. He's a real professional. I'm not sure of your motives, but if you want to make it as a successful published author, get someone who knows what they're doing to read it. If you want to self-publish for friends and family, then see other comments.

By the way, I'd be happy to look at a page or two if you want some good, honest criticism. I'm an English teacher and I also write fiction and am working on novels. I have read a lot and know what is good writing. Send a page or two and I'll get back to you sometime tomorrow.

Good luck!

Answer 4

First thing? About 5 re-writes

Then I would suggest send it to two or three professional editors

Then pick up the book "The Writer's Market" (I didn't write it so I'm not trying to sell ya something) and it will give you tips on publishers, literary agents, arranging book signings, etc.

Answer 5

Approach an editor.

Answer 6

Head on over to lulu.com where you can publish it for free! Good Luck!

Answer 7

well firstly u should copyright it and then u should look for an agent.

Answer 8

may be u should try on web.