Publishing?

Question

Hey, I'm writing a book and I want to know what I have to do to get it published?

Answer 1

There are two types of publishing: Tradition and Self-Publishing. You will first need to decide which of these methods you want to pursue. Each has advantages and disadvantages that need to be researched. For instance, traditional publishing can be a very long road, littered with MANY rejections. Self-publishing will guarantee you a printed copy of your book, however you will not see it in a brick-and-mortar bookstore.

http://www.lulu.com is, in my opinion, the best self-publisher around. You can set up your book on their website, for free, and they will print copies as they are purchased. They do not edit your book, so you will need to take care of that on your own. This will also NOT get your book in a traditional bookstore, although you can purchase a very affordable package that would allow sale of your book through online bookstores like Amazon.

"Writer's Market", along with "The Guide to Literary Agents" are my two suggestions for diving into the traditional publishing market. I suggest looking for an agent first because they are the best step through the publishing door. You will create a submission package that matches the agents preferences (some, for instance, just want a query letter and summary in your first contact with them while others want more). Once you find an agent that is willing to represent you, they will market your book to publishers. Remember, in traditional publishing you should not be paying for anything! They get paid when you get paid!

Answer 2

It seems like at least two people ask this question every day. This is a good question, but the answer is the same for you as for everybody else; check to make sure somebody hasn't already given a strong answer to your questions before you post a new one.

The first thing you need to do is make sure your work is perfect. Not just "good enough," but PERFECT. Publishing is a highly competetive world, and if your work is the slightest bit wobbly you are on the short end and you're out of work. Get feedback from trusted parties (NOT your family, friends, or teachers) and work your manuscript over until it gleams in the sunlight like a ruby.

Then go pick up a copy of the Writers Market. You can purchase a copy if you want, though most libraries have copies in the reference section. Compare and contrast possible markets. check websites. If you can read a copy of a magazine you're looking at or read a book by a publisher that interests you, so much the better.

The most important thing to know when you're starting out as a writer is that writing is work. The only way you'll enjoy even modest success as a writer is to treat your writing as seriously as a job. Put in at least six hours a day in the writing and peddling. Writing is very rewarding (I just got my first handshake from a fan, and my shoes haven't touched the ground yet) but it is also very very hard work and you will sweat a lot before you get your first reward.

Answer 3

There are a few ways to get published. You can self-publish by paying a company to produce a run of your books for you which you can then sell and promote yourself. You can also seek out a small publishing house and send them a query letter asking them if they would be interested in reading. Or you can seek out a literary agent and query them to represent you. You will never get a major publisher to read your material without an agent. You can also send it to literary contests and hope to win. However, I would suggest you visit Preditors and Editors or Absolute Write Water Cooler Bewares and Background Checks sites and check out the person you intend to send it to first. There are a TON of fakes out there. Never send a manuscript unsolicited ... always query first. Learn how to write a good query letter and always always always follow submission guidelines posted by the party you are sending to. Something as simple as not sending your submission in the wrong size envelope can often be a definite rejection. It is a very tough business to break into.

Answer 4

I asked a similar question not too long ago. You might get the same people that answer but here is the link anyway:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgotssJp7ljk0VAPpkDMAmzsy6IX?qid=20070123185207AAkB8Xp

Maybe you can get a look at more answers. Good Luck!! =)