Writing a Book?

Question

Other than the obvious, what is the process for writing a book and putting it on the shelves?

I started writing a book for fun and it's turning out pretty good. Should I decide to put the time and effort, I was wondering what steps I would need to take to actually make money from selling it. Thanks.

Answer 1

Finih the book and find some publ ishers to take it to. if they like it other people will buy it to!!

Answer 2

Never write for the purpose of making money. Do it for the love of writing.

There aren't many steps you can take until you finish the book, it's a bit of a gamble, you'll have to decide for yourself if it's worth the investment. Personally, I think it's always worth finishing something ;)

The only step you can take at this point, is to write a synopsis of the book, a summary, that you want potential publishers to read.

Now, finish the book.

After, with your book and synopsis, write a book proposal. Should be around 1/4 the size of the book. This includes a summary of each chapter. Include how it ends, give it all away. Publishers don't read the book itself, they read the proposal.

Ok, you now have a finished book, a summary and a book proposal. Look into publishers. The Writer's Market (can be found at any library) will give you useful information. Create of list of potential publishers.

Write a query letter, include a sample of your book, a SASE, asking if they would like to see more, and start submitting like crazy.

Get rejected 100 times.

Keep sending those query letters.

Once you get a positive response, the publisher will let you know what to do from there.

At this point, you have the option of looking into an agent, who may help you with negotiations. Chances are, you won't get an agent until after you're published.

For unpublished authors, best to look into smaller, independent companies who accept unsolicited manuscripts (writers without agents).

Only other option is self-publishing, but that will cost you money and there's a very slim chance you'll get any money back, nevermind make a profit. Self-publishing companies do not handle marketing or distribution, you would be on your own. Most chain book stores don't accept slef-published works. Traditional publishing is the way to go if you want to see a return.

Oh, and best of luck :)

Answer 3

A lot of publishers, if not a majority, will only deal with a literary agent. So, your first task, after finishing your book, is to find an agent. Depending on where you live, you could look in the phone book or go googleing...I think that's now a word.