Where can I get a book published?

Question

I wrote a book and I want to get it published but I dont know the steps I need to take to get there. Do I need an editor? Copyrights, or will the publishing company take care of all of this stuff? Also how much does it cost?

Answer 1

If all you want to do is get your book published and available you can self-publish at lulu.com for free.

If you're looking to have your book published, promoted, sold and all that by a publishing house, then the process is much more complicated.

See the below website for information:

Answer 2

It only costs money if you self-publish or go to a vanity publisher. They don't have any criteria, do very little editing, no promotion, etc. You pay them to lay out and print your book, and that's it.

To be published by a known publisher (Random House, Harper Collins, etc.), you don't have to pay anything.

It's probably best to start by submitting to agents who represent the type of book you've written (fiction, non-fiction, mystery, women's fiction, fantasy, young adult, science, etc.).

You can find listings online and in books available at bookstores and sometimes libraries. Get the most current one you can. The book will describe what the agent is looking for, and what they want you to send to them.

Follow their instructions to the letter.

Chances are, most of them will reject you. Don't take it personally. Some might ask for sample pages or your full manuscript. Reply promptly.

If the agent wants to charge you money up front, run away. You should only pay the agent after they've sold your book to a publisher (some might charge for photocopies). Then they'll take a portion of your royalties.

It's a long and difficult process. Good luck, and hang in there! Develop a thick skin, if you don't have one already.

Answer 3

It shouldn't cost you anything. Never pay an agent or a publisher. Only the crooked ones ask for money.

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.html.

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 4

You need an agent first. Most publishing houses will not take unsolicited manuscripts. An agent is your middle man or woman between yourself and the publisher. They shop your book around for you.
To get an agent you have to write a short (one or two paragraph) blurb about the book and maybe include a chapter. This needs to be attention-grabbing. Agents and publishers get thousands of manuscripts a day.
There are books at your local library and bookstores that outline how to get a book published. "Writer's Market" is a good one to check out- they list all sorts of info you need- like the names of literary agents and addresses.

Answer 5

Start with the following books:

Writer's Market 2008 by Robert Lee Brewer, Chuck Sambuchino

Guide to Literary Agents 2008 by Chuck Sambuchino