Can I attract a Publisher for my Book?

Question

The History of British Gospel Music:
Land of Hope and Glory

Answer 1

Do your own homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer's Market"... or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".

I absolutely suggest getting an agent instead of approaching publishers directly. I'm assuming you are not a contract attorney, so you will need someone to look over any offers and to guide you through the publishing world.

Also, you will not be seding your manuscript to agents unsolicited! Send them a query letter and see if they ask to see a partial, then a full. If you send the whole thing, it will just get you a form rejection letter. Research each agent's specific submission guidelines and follow their rules!

Here are four websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research!
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/...
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com...

All the websites and book recommendations in the world are nice, but my real advice is this-- you have to write the book first. No agent or publisher is going to consider an unfinished manuscript from an unproven writer. You have to have it done, and you have to have editted it to the best of your ability.

You will face a lot of rejection, but if you really want this then keep at it! Work hard, and good luck!

Answer 2

A lot of the answers on here are great - but tailored to the US. Presumably by your subject matter you are UK based and this is really going to be of most interest to UK rather than US publishers, so the resources available to you here are a little different. I would start by buying a copy of the Writers Handbook which has a list of UK publishers and agents in it and lots of other editorial resources. I would also go the London Book Fair next week so you can see for yourself exactly who is publishing what. If you look at the LBF website this will tell you all the publishers and agents who are exhibiting - this is also a unique opportunity for face to face networking as everyone who is anyone in the UK book trade is going to be there.

The most effective route to market for unpublished authors is normally via an agent as most other answers have pointed out here, however publishers are more open to non-fiction proposals so there is no harm is approaching comissioning editors directly too to get their feedback. Some publishers websites will even give you submission instructions. Just make sure you have a feasible professional pitch ready before you do so - e.g. synopsis, sample chapter, target audience, etc.

One suggestion - I would direct your efforts at the smaller specialist publishers rather than the bigger publishers. These are niche market areas that will not sell in big volumes so are unlikely to be of interest to the big players.

Answer 3

Your best option is to find a literary agent within the Writer's Market book. Hundreds exist, but only a few would be able to represent you and the type book you've written.

Once you've found several agents that might receive your genre go to their website and follow the submissions directives. Polish your query letter writing and request that you may send your outline, synopsis, marketing strategies, and first three chapters.

Non-fiction manuscripts are indeed difficult to submit, but they are more readily accepted than fiction.

Non-published authors would rarely find a publisher willing to take their book and publish it; therefore, a literary agent is your best and only option--UNLESS--you're willing to go the vanity press route.

Answer 4

The truth of the matter is. u dont attract publishers u go after them, U cant just put it out there or send copies to people for people to read and hope someone likes it and is willing to publish it for u, u have to PRESENT it. sell it to the publisher. and I dont mean sell Literaly. I mean Tell them what its about, who would be interested in reading it, and why people would want to read it. what it has to offer. and so on. U have to push it to make people WANT it.

Answer 5

You need to start submitting your book to different publishers. Writersmarket.com is a good place to start. Also, join a writers group. They can give you good advice. I am a member of Mike's Writing workshop at yahoo groups. Look it up. It is full of members with lots of experience and advice. Best wishes.

Answer 6

If you want to get your book published. Just go to www.cyberwit.net

Answer 7

Not really, they want you to pay first. If you find one I have several things needed to be put in books and arts.

Answer 8

Maybe!

Answer 9

just sing loudly

Answer 10

Are you magnetic ?