i have never written a book before. but i do have experience with writing. i am in the middle of writing a book and i have a good fealing about it. i'd like to know what are the steps to getting it published. any other input will be appreciated. thank you.
2007-03-24 09:15:33 · 5 answers · asked by ♥ 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
You will need to finish your book before you begin to submit it for possible publication. No one will consider an unproven author without a completed book in hand.
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. There are other printers that can do it cheaper, but you would have to buy hundreds (or even a couple thousand) copies of your book-- I personally don't have room to store those while I try and sell them!!!
"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!
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/
2007-03-24 10:06:42 · answer #1 · answered by Obi_San 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First finish the book. Then go to Resolved Questions here and surf - because the question gets asked at least 50 times a day.
Buy yourself a copy of Writers Market 2007 and learn how to use it. That is your best resource for learning the publishing business and finding sources. Pax - C.
2007-03-24 16:27:35 · answer #2 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone said it, but I'll put my vote for it as well. First things first: finish the book. If it's any good, you'll be able to show it to the right people as a finished product.
You should factor in revising, too. No book gets published without having gone through at least a couple revisions. Unless you're a celebrity author with a harried ghostwriter at your side.
2007-03-24 17:06:37 · answer #3 · answered by Babu Chicorico 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out Authorhouse on the Internet.
2007-03-24 16:23:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Submission by query letters to agents, publishers, and editors. (E-mail or snail-mail.)
Editing by a professional editor.
A good book cover.
And lots of luck.
2007-03-24 19:37:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋