Getting a Book Published?

Question

I am trying to write a book, an Autobiography of my life's struggles. I am in college. How do I get it published? Does it cost a lot of money?

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!

Also keep in mind that this can be a long process. You will probably not get a lot of positive responses right away, and the rejection can be disheartening. But keep it up and you will find a home for your story (once it's finished, that is!)

Last piece of advice: check out the website Preditors and Editors. They will help you avoid any scams which will make the road that much smoother:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Answer 2

The first thing to do is write the book. Then get yourself a copy of Writers Market and read it. Also spend time surfing the Resolved Questions section here - the question has been answered dozens and dozens of times in great detail. No, it doesnt cost money unless you use a vanity press/self publisher. You can always sell it to a small publisher. Start writing and read a lot - the information is here for you already. Pax - C.

Answer 3

If you desire to understand approximately publishing a e-book your self (i.e: with out going by way of a reputable publishing corporation) the reply is - do not. Self-released books certainly not promote sufficient to hide the printing expenditures. Booksellers may not inventory them or even your peers may not purchase many. If the e-book is any well in any respect (i.e: whether it is a minimum of forty,000 phrases in duration, has a well plot line, exciting characters, tons of movement and is written with a well common of English and many others., and many others..) you can be capable to discover a writer inclined to take a danger on it. You can take a look at sending it out to dealers and to publishers each while. Look up the Writers and Artists Yearbook to your public library for addresses and personal tastes of all british publishers.

Answer 4

My book "Happy Birthday Mr Sidney" was self published through Authorhouse.com.

I suggest you make sure your story is well edited and I say this a lot, DO NOT EDIT YOUR OWN BOOK. Have someone else do it if you want it done right.

Authorhouse will put you on amazon.com and barnes&noble. If you type in my book name "Happy Birthday Mr Sidney" on the web you will see how many different places it is listed. Also it is known as print on demand, as it is ordered they produce the book. You can as with all selfpublishing houses purchase at cost your own books and sell them double the price. It works but its hard work.

I do suggest once it is edited try to submit to normal publishers first. It all takes time to do and be patient and expect to be rejected, but its worth a try.

One more thing, once finished you should copyright your manuscript. A publishing company will do it for you, but I did it for myself before sending it to anyone.

Good luck