How do you find a publisher?

Question

I am trying to write a book which i am finding it harder then i thought but anyway how do i go about finding someone to publish it when i am done.

Answer 1

There are two types of publishing, traditional and self-publishing. If you choose to go with self-pubbing, I would recommend http://www.lulu.com as a great site. They don't pretend to be anything they are not, and have excellent service. All the decisions will be in your hands. However, going with a company like this is a difficult road and it is not considered a publishing credential if you look to go traditional down the road. Here is some other information about the downside of self-publishers (also known as vanity presses):
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/vanitypublishers.html

As far as novels go, different publishers specialize in different things, and fiction is a broad world. You have to try and sell your material to companies that produce similar works (ie, don't try and sell a fantasy novel to a romance publisher). 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, the major publishers will not look at unagented work so it is the first place you should start.

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).

Make sure that you follow their exact submission specifications. You can't send them your book, but you should be sending them a query letter (Nicholas Sparks has a good example on his website). Don't copyright your book first, it looks amatuer and would cause them trouble down the line when you do the revisions they ask for.

New writers will never have all the publicity taken care of. Publishers will do some, but you will have to have a web presence and do book signings, among other things. No one is going to push your book if you don't push it yourself!

Here are some websites that can help. Read them thoroughly and research, research, research! Pay special attention to Miss Snark, because her archives can answer any question you ever have about publishing:
http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Index.html
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.agentquery.com
http://www.misssnark.blogspot.com

And be warned of the people on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

Good luck!

Answer 2

You may have to get an agent first who, if he/she thinks your writing will make it, will submit to a publisher for you. The WRITERS MARKET is a huge listing of every agent and publisher available--books, and magazines. Self-publishing may be cheaper, but your book doesn't get the attention given to one that goes through a major publishing house. With self-publishing, you have to do ALL the work, including putting it out on the market, advertising it, printing it, etc. and it often costs you more in the long run.

Answer 3

It is very difficult to find a publisher if you are an unpublished author. I just finished working on my first book and I am planning to self-publish it. You can do it cheaply using print on demand technology. Check www.booksurge.com.

Answer 4

Go to the library, I've already had books on publishers, they have address and everything you need to submit your work !

Answer 5

yeah writing is tough....you'll be writing for weeks and only have a third of what you need. but your best bet would be to send it to Scholastic...i think their address is on the website.