How can you go about getting a book published in New York?

Question

Also, are there different procedures for publishing different genres of books? I've written a great deal, I just have no idea where to start in terms of getting my work published, so I'll take all the advice I can get. Thank you!

Answer 1

First you have to finish the manuscript and edit it to the best of your ability. No agent or publisher will consider unfinished work from an unproven author. You are entering into a business world full of contracts and responsibilities, and you should know as much about the industry as possible.

Were you looking to self-publish, or go the traditional route? If you want to self-publish then I would second the recommendation to check out http://www.lulu.com but keep in mind that this road has many limitations.

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. There are some smaller presses that will look at unagented material, but none of the bigger ones will.

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. Agents work on a commission (generally 15% of the amount of money the publishers pay you).

Here are some 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/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.duotrope.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

Hi Sweetie,
Your work is copyrighted from the moment you start writing. Its your work and no publisher or editor would risk there reputation stealing your work. Secondly a few publishers take care of the copyright for you, by sending you a link or actual forms to fill in. You may do so yourself by going to one of the following:

Canada
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/cp/cp_main-e.html

USA
http://www.copyright.gov

The first thing you should do is one follow the authors guideline with the selected publisher. Check out a list of publishers by searching Google. Or I may send you my personal list email me. Remember that not all publishing companies have websites set up this doesn't mean that they are not legit. Therefore I would suggest for you to contact the editorial director or publisher and ask a few questions.
You may also want to contact my own editoridal director at [e-mail]. Last you don't have to find a publisher in New York, the world largest publisher is located in Toronto, Canada "Harlequin Books". If you have any further questions feel free to email me personally. Good luck! Jgal

Answer 3

You get a book published in NY by first querying agents. See Miss Snark's blog. Tons of useful info there. Just Google Miss Snark.

Answer 4

Do NOT copyright your work first!! It is considered amateur. If you sell the work, the publisher handles that. Your work was automatically copyrighted the moment you wrote it. Registering it shows you are unprofessional. Pax - C

Answer 5

you need to get a literary agent to represent you, and that's hard b/c agents hear from tons of people like you. but basically you send a manuscript to a bunch of literary agents and hope one will like your writing enough to make an effort to get a publisher interested.

Answer 6

first you have to copyright your work. then look for a publisher.research which publishers are interested in what type of material. send out your work to everyone.

if it's worth looking at, someone will pick it up.