publishing a book?? any free publishers??

Question

i have written novels, short stories, and children's books that have been approved to be published from several publishing companies, but you have to pay a fee for all of them. does anyone know of a good publisher that will give you the time you deserve and not charge you to publish?? thanks.

I dont want to self publish because i feel that no one will know about my book and no one will get to read it and it wont be in stores or anything....

Answer 1

First you have to finish writing and editing the stories. Make sure each is the absolute best you can do before you start trying to submit it.

You will want to research journals and magazines that publish in the same genre as your story-- really look for things that print similar works. Each publisher will also have their own length guidelines-- some publications can support much longer pieces than others, so look for one that matches this as well!

To begin your research, take a look at the current edition of the book "Writer's Market". It is a fairly comprehensive listing of locations to submit work. Then, head down to your local public library and see if you can track down copies. Make sure it is appropriate or it will be a waste of time and postage to submit.

Each publisher has different submission guidelines, so make sure to research the specifics. Oftentimes, they are now on the web so it's much easier. Most only want you to submit one story in each submission package, and they generally have length guidelines as well.

Do not submit your story to multiple publications simultaneously unless you specify it in your cover letter and you are sure that the particular publishers accept simultaneous submissions.

For formatting your story and manuscript, see if you can locate a copy of "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" (which is actually published by the folks at Writer's Market). It's my favorite reference for all sorts of literary queries. I write poetry primarily, but my submission package generally includes a cover letter introducing myself and the work that I have enclosed, plus my poems (each page having my name, address, and the page number at the top). Like "Writer's Market", many public libraries have this book in their reference section!

It could take a long time, and be prepared for multiple rejections. Such is the life of an author! But, if you are persistant, you will find a home for your story.

Let me also suggest checking out the website http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ to help you avoid other scams in every aspect of writing. It isn't the absolute authority, but it can be very helpful for research.

As far as novels go, different publishers specialize in different things, and fiction is a broad word. If you try to sell a fantasy novel to a publisher that only works with romance, you are going to get a rejection no matter how good your writing is.

So do your 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!

No publisher or agent should charge you any money up front! That is the sign of a scam! They make money by selling your book.

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.publishersmarketplace.com
http://www.absolutewrite.com/

And be warned of the people 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

The stories were all approved without being read, because those places make their money from naive authors. You need a copy of Writer's Market, as current as possible. It lists both agents and publishers. Send the short stories directly to the publishers that take them. Make sure the story is a good fit for the magazine. For the children's books and novels, send those to agents that buy those sorts of books.
DO follow all guidelines to the letter.
DO join a workshop to help polish your stories.
DO network, go to conventions, etc.
DO learn to take rejection well.
DO keep writing.
DO NOT send the same thing to more than one publisher unless they all approve of this in their guidelines.
DO NOT send the same thing to an agent and publishers.
DO NOT give up.
DO NOT stop writing.

Answer 3

Any writer that asks you to pay any money is a no good scammer! actual publishers on no account ask the author to pay out any money, and that they themselves will cover all expenditures of e-e book and distribution because of the fact they suspect your e book will cause them to money. purchase a replica of the Writers and Artists' Yearbook handbook to getting revealed - they could have a protracted record of publishers/publishing residences you will get in touch with.

Answer 4

You can self-publish on LuLu.com