I'm writing a fantasy novel, is publishing possible for me even if I'm not a 'big-time well known' writer?

Question

I am currently working on a fantasy novel, and it has been going well so far. When I'm done, I hope to be able to possibly publish it. Stocking in a bookstore is covered (my uncle owns a bookstore), but how do I get actual copies made??

I am completely clueless and new to the whole publishing idea....thanks for any ideas or advice you have!

Answer 1

I didn't get the impression you were wanting to self-publish your book. Instead, I thought you were asking how you go about getting it published after it's finished.

There are many avenues you can take, and self-publishing is one of them. However, if you're looking for more satisfaction than seeing your book in your uncle's bookstore, then you'll want to pursue publication in other ways.

You can try getting an agent. An agent would shop your work around to interested publishers. She would also negotiate your contract, collect your royalties, and represent you when talking with publishers. It's very difficult to get an agent.

You can also try making submissions directly to small, independent publishers without the aid of an agent. I have two books on the market and one waiting for release. I do not have an agent, but I have gone to small, independent publishers. It's worked for me. But there were many years I tried to get an agent. I still may seek an agent in the future. However, it will be easier this time around because I have some sales records to my name and am not an unknown (or as big an unknown as I was before two publishers took my work).

It's not easy finding the right publisher, either, but it worked for me.

Once your manuscript is completed and you've edited it for proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar, then go to the library and use the Literary Marketplace--a resource book for writers. It lists publishers and agents and gives the details about what genres they represent and how to make submissions to them. Follow their guidelines to the letter. You only get one shot at making a good first impression.

Good luck to you. Don't let the rejection letters get you down. Just persevere and you will be successful! :o)

Answer 2

Assuming that you really don't want to self publish and that you'd rather avoid a publisher that thinks getting your book into 42 bookstores is a "whopping" success (yes, that's a dig at publishamerica), you'll want to check out resources like Writer's Market for hints on where to submit that manuscript, be it directly to a publisher or working through an agent. As others have pointed out, nobody starts out as a big name, one of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time was just published this year by a first time author. So it can be done. The key is persistence and asking the right questions in the right places. I'd recommend the Deep Genre website, it's dedicated to writing Fantasy and SF and contains a sizable section on writing your first novel.

Answer 3

tomboy, anyone can pay a printer to make copies of their novel for placement in their uncle's bookstore. But it won't make you a published novelist.

Every big-time well known writer was once a nobody hoping against hope that a legitimate publisher would want to buy their first novel. Maybe in time that will be you. And when they do, it's a far bigger achievement than paying to publish and using family connections for product placement.

Answer 4

Use the search engine and look up publishers. There you will find a number of options. Publishing is no longer a far away place you've never see and are afraid to try. You can also find certain office supply stores that can do desktop publishing for you. Staples Office Supplies is one and I'm sure there are plenty of others. There are many ways to publish including Internet publishing. Check them out, scrutinize what they have to offer so you will get what you want.

Answer 5

Remember, even J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and J.R.R. Tolkien were not "big-time well known" writers before their first submission was accepted and published but a publishing house that decided to give those unknowns a chance.

Answer 6

the first poster is completely correct: you CAN publish the book yourself, but is that really your ultimate goal? if you do a little research, you can probably find some small literary agencies like http://scribeagency.com/ who might read/edit your work and help you get it published.

Answer 7

Everybody has to start somewhere. Try http://www.publishamerica.com/
Publish America accepts
work from new and unpublished authors. The website wlll tell you how to submit your book to them for consideration. Good luck!!!