Where do you get books published?

Question

I know how they get published you mail them a copy and they read it cheeking for the tiniest error or a bad plot then send you a letter but what I want to know is where do you get names of publishers? How fast are they? Do they even except books from people who aren't famous writers? Please answer my question!

Answer 1

First, read the advice above mine. It is wonderful. Here is my addition to it, with some other helpful resources for you.

There are two types of publishing: Traditional 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!

You do not need to copyright your book before you query agents. The publisher who prints your story will take care of the official paperwork, but the copyright is already yours the moment you put the words on the page. Don't waste your time or money copyrighting something which you will most likely have to edit and rewrite repeatedly after you get an agent and publisher.

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

Your information on publishing is entirely incorrect. You never mail a manuscript to anyone unless it is requested. An unsolicited manuscript is instant paper shredder fodder.

You send a query letter first - in the precise format requested by the person you are sending it to in accordance to their posted submission guidelines. If they are interested, they will request a partial manuscript, and if they are still interested, a complete manuscript.

Understand that rejection letters are bound to come. Gone with the Wind got dozens. I believe Hemingway got 40 or more before he sold a book. I once read James Patterson got 61. Rejection letters can take anywhere from a couple days to 6-12 weeks.

The best chance you have with a publisher is with smaller publishers. Large publishers only deal with agents.

First of all, buy yourself a copy of Writers Market 2007. Read the information carefully. It tells you exactly what to do.

Also if you go to Resolved Questions here and search keywords publisher and publishing, you will get literally hundreds of answers with great information for you to read. Print out several of them and read them carefully. The information there will save you a lot of aggrivation and help you learn the publishing business properly. It's just impossible for people to keep typing the same answers over and over, so Im referring you to archived answers. It's all there.

Pax - C

Answer 3

You need a Literary Agent to submit your manuscript to publishers.

Buy a copy of the book The Writer's Market, it lists names and addreses of Literary Agents and Publishers.

Submit your manuscript to the Literary Agents. If interested, they will contact you. Enclose a very LARGE stamped, self-addressed envelope with your manuscript, so it can be returned if they are not interested.

Answer 4

go to www.Vantagepressinc.com