I am thirteen and I wrote a novel. Where can I find a good publisher who will take me seriously?

Question

And I mean it. I have asked around a bit, but so far the few publishers I have tried thought that because I was only thirteen that my book would suck. They never even read the manuscript!

Answer 1

Buy "Writer's Market", then just start sending it out to publishers and agents. If your manuscript is great they will read it and buy it. You do not need to put your age in a query letter or on your manuscript. Let your work do the speaking and they will not consider your age in accepting your manuscript.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Look at Writers Market for publishers. An agent is a good idea too, but yes, do NOT tell publishers your age right off the bat.
Young authors have been publishers. There was a sci-fi/fantasy author whose 1st work was published when she was about 13, and I have a kids' book by Ally Sheedy (you probably don't know her; she was an actress in the 80s) written when she was 12 (She was Nice to Mice) & illustrated by a 13-yr-old.
Try to be as professional as you can in your cover letter. I do have to disagree with the person who said have your parents talk to the publisher--not beforehand, though they would probably have to be involved in any contract since you're under age.
Best of luck!!!

Answer 3

First of all, understand that you cannot do anything without your parents. They will have to sign all contracts so you should include them in the process from step one.

You need to purchase a copy of Writers Market 2007 and read it.

In it, you will find lists of major publishers, small publishers and agents.

You cannot get through to major publishers without an agent. Small publishers will accept your query, but there are many out there who are scams and frauds.

You must read the book carefully and find agents or small publishers who are accepting books in the genre of your book. Then before you query anyone, check with Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write Water Cooler's Bewares and Background Checks and make sure there have been no complaints or problems with the publisher or agent.

Then follow that person's submission guidelines exactly. It is written in the book and differs from agent to agent and publisher to publisher. Send them exactly what they request - no more no less. Do it on neat stationary, error free presentation with plain flag stamps. No cutsey stationary, funny stamps or little presents in the envelope for the agent.

If they are interested, they will ask for a partial or complete manuscript. Make sure it is flawless --- no errors, and properly formatted -- before you send.

You can also go to Resolved Questions here and search keywords "publisher" and "publishing' for a lot of great archived answers you can print out and study.

Good luck. Pax - C

Answer 4

Sadly, it's a rough market to break into. There are several avenues you can take. You can go to websites like Preditors & Editors and www.writers.wall.com These websites have lists of agents and publishers. You can also go to the library and look at books like the Literary Marketplace and the Writers Market. Both publications list publishers and agents as well.

If you decide to get an agent, be very careful that you research the agent before sending them anything. Agents make their money the same way a writer does...buy selling your work. Never pay an agent any type of fees like reading fees, editing fees, or representation fees.

If you want to skip the agent and go directly to publishers, research those that accept unagented manuscripts and have open submission calls. Make sure you read their submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. Never just submit your work. Always do as they say and submit only what they ask for.

Of course, there's also self publishing. Lulu.com allows writers to publish their work for free.

Lastly, never give up. If your passion lies in writing, don't allow rejection letters to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Best wishes to you for success with your writing. :o)

Answer 5

Whether you're thirteen, or thirty-three, the first rule of thumb is to find a good literary agent. You should visit your local bookstore and pick up a Writer's Market. It'll give you the name of every book publisher in North America, as well as literary agents.

It's tough to get published, but with some luck, you can do it. Also consider selling to a magazine or other publication that can print it as a serial.

As a last resort, there are companies that are called "subsidy publishers," where you actually bear the cost of publishing your book, but then you get a much larger share of the profits if your book sales take off.

Answer 6

Go to the reference area in your public library. There are books with listings of publishing companies. They will tell you what those companies will accept ie: some want childrens books, some only accept mysteries etc...

Most times, publishers want you to send just a portion of your book. You could also contact the English department at a local college. They would be able to aim you in the right direction. Don't mention your age when you send your manuscript. Let it stand on it's own! Good luck!

Answer 7

Age should not be a condition for getting published. I would check with writers forums such as www.writersweekly.com. You must join to post a question but it is free. Books should be evaluated on their merit, not the age of the writer. Any publisher who conditions acceptance of work based on the age of the author is one you should stay away from.

Today you do not need an agent to get published. I am published and never used one. My book is Integrity: Do You Have It? 2nd edition published by Infinity Publishing. Check my web site www.myqualitywriting.com for my free download of my publishing journey. It presents things I have learned in the process of getting published and offers suggestions on reviewing publishing contract details.

Any publishing contract must co-signed by your parents as you are not legally allowed to sign contracts. My site is also a resource for other authors on providing links to marketing opportunities and articles.

Answer 8

Write to agents. No matter how good your novel is, there must be a market for it.

Do a little research on who publishes the kind of book you have written.

Make sure you letters are well-written and free of typos. Maybe you shouldn't mention you are 13 until someone tells you they like the book.

In other words, think like an adult and get out there and "pound the pavement."

Answer 9

I don't know about publishers, but maybe you should send the manuscript to them and have them read it before you reveal your age, if that's possible. Also, you could have your parents talk to the publisher without saying you wrote it. I know it's not fair, but there's a lot of prejudice against perfectly capable "small people, "and that's the way it is.

Answer 10

You are 13 and I'm sure you think your book is awesome, but face facts: your book probably sucks, unless you are some gifted prodigy. I doubt you are a prodigy. Hold your manuscript for a few years and then take another look at it.