Where can I publish my book?

Question

Does anyone know how, when I am finished with my book how can I get it published?

Answer 1

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.

And contrary to popular myth, it is NOT impossible to get an agent. Agents are always hungry for new talent. Remember the mantra "Every published writer was once an unpublished writer."

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.

In either traditional route, it will not cost you one dime. The publisher will use it's own editors, proofreaders, book designers, and salespeople to design and market your book.

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 2

If you want to try to be compensated for your efforts, you need to get an agent to represent your book to a publisher.

Self-publishing, while a major ego boost, rarely resulting in any financial success. Also, agents will take into consideration what your writing resume credits you have, such as working for a magazine or newspaper. Self-published books (I haven't seen too many with an ISBN, maybe that's changed) can be viewed as a vain attempt to get noticed, but a great way to share a printed, final copy of your work to friends and family.

Enter some contests, work for a local periodical, and query agents are the best ways to get ahead in the world of writing.

Good luck, hope your work makes it to the shelves soon!

Answer 3

Normally publishers only accept submissions by agents. So find a list of literary agents, you can find many online, and submit your manuscript to them. If an agent takes it on then they will go to publishers and try to sell your book. Be wary though--agents shouldn't charge a fee if your book isn't published. They should only charge royalties or something to that effect if it is. If they can't make money by publishing books and actually need money from the unpublished authors they represent, then they suck.

Answer 4

Wow, it seems like at least two people ask this question every day. Don't you people double-check to make sure you aren't asking a question that's been answered satisfactorily in the past?

If you are confident your book is perfect--and I mean PERFECT, not just "good enough," because a book that's merely good enough will get bounced back to you so fast it'll make your head spin--then go to the library and thumb through the market list books you can find in the reference section.

The best of these books, in addition to listing markets, also have articles on how to present your manuscript in a clear, professional manner. Please make sure you do so, because if you send your book to a publisher looking less than pristine, the editors won't even read it, because they are strapped for time and can't be bothered with anybody who is less than perfectly professional.

Answer 5

I'll give you the best advise you've ever heard right now, ignore everyone here who's said anything to you.

Agents are useless, you do not need an agent, they cost money that you likely don't have.

Look for a medium sized company that accepts manuscripts through standard mail, and send it in. If you get turned down, move on to the next publisher.

I would suggest going to a writing convention and talking to the people there, it never hurts to have a friend on the inside. And let people you know read your manuscript, they'll be able to see if it's worth publication or not, you might be blinded because you wrote it.

Answer 6

Buy this book , and it will give you guidelines in publishing a book-
2007 Novel and Short Story, Writer's Market