geting a book published?

Question

I am working on a major novel about a civil war in Russia.

It has gotten a lot of attention and i know a lot of people who would read it.

I am also wanting to get it considered for a video game (based on the story line).

but first i need to get it published.

Once i get it copyrighted,

Should i wait untill i have it all published or send a couple of chapters to someone? I have heard of people doing both.

Please give me any advise you can.

Also for a military novel, where's a good place to start? I know Clancy sent Hunt For Red October to the Naval Academy Press, and wonder if that might be good. All though it has very little to do with navy.

Answer 1

I have posted this for other writers who have asked similar questions:

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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.
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Also, define "a lot of attention." If you are talking about friends and family, they are completely irrelevent to any publisher. By all means do not make that statement in a query letter.

As far as selling the concept to video game developers, that would be something to discuss with your agent. I wouldn't just start randomly sending out ideas to game companies. They get thousands from gamers all the time.

Answer 2

Finish your story. That's the first part. You need to be sure that it's as perfect as you can get it before you send it out. The publishing industry is very competitive and agents and editors have so many manuscripts sitting on their desk If yours isnt perfect, grammar, punctuation and spelling wise, it gives them cause to toss your story into the reject bin without even reading it. The general idea is, if you are not committed enough to your story to check your formatting, knowing that is what they look for, how dedicated could you have been to your characters. Afte you know your story is the best it can be, seek out agents. Check books that are similar to your own and see if you can find out who was the agent of those books. It will do you no good to submit your book to an agent who works with romance novels if yours is Sci/Fi.... make sense? Do some research on this... finding the right agent might take some time, and be prepaired for rejection... it's part of the business. Before you submit your full book to agents, you need to send them a summary letter. Only send a full manuscript AFTER they request it from you.... and be sure that it's printed in the right format - but that would take a while to explain all on it's own. The best advice.... prefect your book and then find an agent.

Answer 3

Clom:
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 or English Literary Agency's and try some of these. They will tell you what type of books they handle and how to send your manuscript. If your work is excepted there are no charges to you. They will give you upfront $ and a percentage on books sold. Usually about 15%. Best selling authors can demand much, more. Good luck.
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 (Warnings & Cautions for Writers) May save you some headaches.
Wayne Russell, The Vagabond Writer

Answer 4

Well, it's not up to you to get it turned into a video game. find an agent who works with things liek your novel and focus on getting it publsihed it. If someone likes the idea then they'll approach your agent. I don't think it matters whether you're finished or not. Once you have what the Agent or Publsiher is asking for that'll do. Also, a good place to start depends on who the main character is, but I suggest their home town. That way you can make them get a bit happy (just a bit) then tear them from their peace and get thrown into the world of war. Good luck with it anyway.

Answer 5

You're dreaming too high. Really, you are.

What exactly is a "major" novel?

If you're looking to get a book published, why don't you look up publishing companies that publish your genre? Don't worry about what comes after or getting it copyrighted, the publishers will take care of that.