Aspiring author seeks publishing information?

Question

I'm working on a book right now, but I don't know much about the publishing game. I'm in New York. Can anyone give me a little overview about the steps I need to take in order to have my book successfully published? Any information is helpful. Thanks.

Answer 1

First you need to finish the book and edit it (repeatedly). I recommend that, once you finish, you put it away for a month without looking at it. Then go back and reread it, and begin to edit and rewrite. That extra time will give you more perspective and a fresh look on what you wrote.

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 synopsis 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!

The publisher you'll use does not have to be located in the same state you live in (in fact, most authors do not live near theirs). So don't let distance be a worry!

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

And don't think about taking an agent from this list, they are SCAMS:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

Good luck, and happy writing!

Answer 2

You cannot get through the publishing game on your own - speaking from personal experience.
You need to find a literary agent.

Here's a very good and comprehensive directory of literary agents as well as anyone else you might need.
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm

Good luck!

Answer 3

hi, i'm an aspiring teen author to boot, so possibly i will relate to you somewhat. * keep writing, not in any respect provide up. * don't be discouraged even as someone would not like your writing. * Get inspired- song continuously facilitates me. that's the most suitable I even could provide you. sturdy success =)

Answer 4

i am sorry. those two opinions, taken together, ?
awsome!!!!!

Answer 5

dunno