how do you publish a book?

Answer 1

As far as who to send it to, we can't answer that question because we have NO knowledge of what your manuscript is about. Different publishers specialize in different things, so you can't send a romance novel to a publisher that specializes in science fiction.

So 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. It seems that you have a lot to learn about the way publishing works, so they can be your guide through the tricky parts.

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! These can help you determine if the agent is legit or not:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com

Again, read Miss Snark. She has attitude, but is a real-life agent and her archives can answer any questions you possibly have. Read, read, read. When you pick up "Writer's Market" or "Guide to Literary Agents", don't just look at the listings, read them!

And don't submit to anyone on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

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

Answer 2

1. Submit it to a publisher that does not charge and does accept unsolicited submissions. If accepted, the company will do everything: printing, binding, advertising, distribution, collection and paying you, and perhaps flogging it to other media as spelled out in a contract given you.
2. Do various of these steps yourself. There are a number of vanity presses that will take your manuscript and produce printed bound books for a fixed contract fee which they ship to you for distribution - you promote, sell, and distribute.
You can create camera ready copy on a computer program, go to a printer with the paper or file copies, collect the pages, bind them yourself or take them to a binder to make into books.
What you should not do is deal with a company that says "we like your book, but it needs some editing and we need the fee for the editor which is $500" That is a racket, they don't accept outside editors and keep wanting more money, "just a few more changes"

Answer 3

NOT SURE, BUT WHAT EVER YOU DO PLEASE DON'T TAKE ANY ADVICE FROM A GUY ON HERE NAMED HAWAII J.! HE PRETENDS TO RUN A PUBLISHING CO. AND , WELL HE'S JUST A FAKE!!!!!!!!!!! BE CAREFUL!