how to publish a fiction novel?

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

You start by going to Resolved Questions here - the question has been answered many many times. Go over some of the answers.

Then buy a copy of Writers Market and start reading it.

Then join Absolute Write Water Cooler and start exchanging ideas with other authors. They often have publishers, editors, agents and authors as guests to ask questions to.

Then visit Preditors and Editors and start reading about how to determine who is genuine and who is a scam.

Pax - C.

Answer 3

In Malaysia, it is easier to publish paper back book through publisher. I have written 2 non-fiction paper back books and converted 1 of them to eBook.

Talk to the local publisher, for example Leeds Publications (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. with open mind. Discuss with the publisher on any issue from writting, editing, book cover design, publishing, marketing etc.

I used Mobipocket.com software to publish my 1st eBook. Mobipocket.com is owned by Amazon.com. It is a French company incorporated in March 2000.

Mobipocket.com is the universal reader for PDAs: the Mobipocket software package is freely downloadable from the Mobipocket eBook Reader description page. This software consists in publishing and reading tools dedicated to PDA devices (Windows CE, Palm OS and Psion).


You can download the Mobipocket publisher software (it is free) and Mobipocket Reader software (it is free too). You can convert your fiction novel from microsoft word to mobipocket file within minutes.

All the best!