publishing my book?

Question

I recently completed writing a book with a the help of a professional editor. A few published authors plus myself agree that it is a real page turner and it has been my dream to get it published. Please do not reply about self-publishing as I have no interest in that at all but would be so grateful if anyone can tell me about a publishing house accepting new novels and how to contact them. I thank you in advance afor anything you can tell me. Cherie

Answer 1

You should search out an agent. I'd say, best bet is to pick up The Writers Market and read the chapter on Agents. Find one (or two or more) that specialize in your genra and follow the instructions in the market. Some accept full manuscripts, some will only accept queery letters and proposals.

Best of Luck.

Answer 2

To get big publishing houses like Random House interested in your book, you are going to need a literary agent. The big houses do not look at manuscripts unless it is represented by an agent. Small publishing houses will read a query letter, some also want the first chapter or more. If they are impressed with your story idea and your writing credentials, they will contact you. Also always include a SASE with your query. As far as not wanting to self publish, that's a smart choice. Less than half of one percent of self published book sells over 500 copies. It's usually friends and family members who buy self published books. For a professional publisher to make money on a book, a book usually has to sell at least 5,000 copies. If you want to find the names of literary agents or small publisher try the Literary Market Place reference book. Your local library shoud have it at the reference desk.

Answer 3

What you need to do is create what is called a query letter to send to prospective publishers. There is a specific format to the letter. You need to have a section about your specific audience, another about who you are, and more about the book. You cannot send your entire manuscript to a publisher. They only want the initial query letter and a self addressed stamp envelope so they can reply to you.

I sent out 60 of these after I had identified publishers who published books of the same genre. I got 58 rejections and two who wanted the first three chapters for further review before sending rejection letters.

You will need a list of publishers which you should be able to find online. You need to make sure they even publish the type of book you have. Many do only fiction, historical, women's issues, etc. Find the best fits before you send out anything.

Most publishing houses are just so overwhelmed with submissions that they only take a few each year. Now that everyone is blogging, etc. there are more prospective authors than ever before.

Answer 4

You start by querying literary agents. This is done with a one page letter describing yourself and your book. Sometimes the agent will request you include the first few pages or chapters, but that is an individual preference.

There are several websites out there that will help you find an agent, my favorite is QueryTracker.net at http://www.querytracker.net/ . It is free and has a list of literary agents and also tools to help you keep track of who you already queried and who you haven't, plus more.

They do a good job of keeping the crooks off their lists, but it is still a good idea to double check at http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.h...

There are a lot of crooks out there. Never pay anyone to read or publish your book. A real agent will never ask for money except as a percentage of your royalties.

Keep in mind that finding an agent and getting published is not an easy process. Some people have to query hundreds of agents before they find one who will accept them (sadly, some never get accepted), but be persistent and keep trying.

You should also visit http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/,... one of the largest forums for writers. They can be very helpful.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Learn to write queries and proposals. Study writers market 2007.

You've stepped into the next, less romantic stage of writerhood.

Answer 6

there are 3000 new books published every day. Good luck, get a good agent who can cut through the crowd.

Answer 7

Try Here,
http://www.lulu.com/