Getting writings published......?

Question

As anyone who has been to my 360 site knows, I am a prolific writer; some of it it very good, actually.
My question is: How does one go about getting published? I know not to send anything unsolicited, and it's kind of difficult for me being in Iraq right now, since I can't just pick up a phone and call someone, but I know you need an agent. So how do you know which are the good ones and which are the scammers?
10 points plus an autographed copy of my first book to the best Answerer!

Answer 1

first you need to get a list to work from. There are many lists on the internet, most are free.

Look for an agent (and you can also send to publishers that take unagented work) that deals with your genre, check their submission requirements, and procede as they instruct... part of their "test" to see if an author is willing to follow their "rules" and edits is to see if you can follow their submissions instructions.

I will caution that if you get a lot of rejections, don't be discouraged, but it could be a sign that your work needs more polishing. AND if you've put work on an internet site of ANY KIND it is consider published, and you can only sell it as a reprint (speaking of short stories and articles, which don't need an agent--as a matter of fact an agent won't consider selling short stories or articles, you're on your own.) AGAIN check all the submission guidelines and comply to them.

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/ gives you a list of agents and editors, with comments from others

http://writingcorner.com/publishers/publishers.htm epublishers

http://www.duotrope.com/ free listings

http://ralan.com/home.htm another free listing

http://writersmarket.com/ not a free market

Answer 2

Getting Published

Non-fiction is easier to get published, but by no means is it easy. Outlines, synopses, market strategies, and prognosis of sales are among the additional requirements. Other than having a certain newspaper editorial page or a magazine suited to the short story or article, an author should:

1. Visit the library, check out the "Writer's Market" book, and search for a publishing house that best suits the manuscript.

2. Write the best query letter you can wherein the first paragraph is better than the opening line on your manuscript. Follow all query letter and manuscript guidelines as set forth by the publisher and the writers' guide.

3. Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) in the submission.

4. If the author is not fortunate in getting a response from the publishing house, repeat the above steps in seeking agent representation.

5. Your manuscript is automatically copyrighted once it is in a tangible form, but you can still submit it to the Library of Congress on a TX Form at a cost of $35. In approximately eight months, the registration for the work should be received. For details in copyright submissions, log on to the Library of Congress website.

Unless an author is at the right place, the right time, and with the right publisher or agent, the prospects of getting something published is extremely difficult. A fiction novel is even more difficult unless you are already established as a published author.

There is much more to this topic on getting published that takes months, even years, to work through. Everything submitted must be perfectly formatted, no spelling errors, and certainly, is perfect in grammar.

It is wise to have the manuscript edited several times even before its first submission. An author must never expect the agent or the publisher to edit the manuscript if it is already messy. Such an attitude only results in the manuscript getting thrown in the trash can.

You will hear people claim they've "been published." Ask how it was done and they might reply either by “Print on Demand" publishing or subsidy publishing, which takes the author’s money up front before anything is put into printing. These methods of publishing are a good way to go provided funds are available to support the enterprise. Nevertheless, having a book published in this manner does not guarantee sales marketing of the book. That is why reputable publishers and agents are so selective; they can’t spend time and money marketing a book that they feel will not project sales.

It is not a walk in the park nowadays. (That is a trite expression to avoid). Agents and publishing houses are deluged with manuscripts everyday. And sadly, they trash more of them than you'll ever know. Only a very small percentage gets to the printing press. Many writers view that only celebrities and well known political figures and authors will see their manuscript published without delay.

Unless a specialized agent is convinced the manuscript will not generate revenue and profits, there are options for publication. Consider the following other than the standard agent representation or direct publishing through a publishing house:

A. Subsiding Publishing: There are several reputable companies who will take your novel and provide an attractive cover, binding, and printed form on either hardbound or paperback.

Some companies will offer terms and a payment plan and the cost to you ranges from $6,000 to $20,000., depending on word count and size.

B. Print on Demand: These companies will take your novel, provide hardbound or paperback options, and for a price, print as many copies as you desire. An initial cost could be from $300 to $1,500. It could be more. Payment options may also be in the equation here. With this option, the writer must do all the legwork in publicity, books signing, and distribution.

C. Local print houses: Printing businesses such as Office Depot, Kinkos, and copy shops located near colleges and universities may offer quick and inexpensive coffee-table publishing. Again, the author must exercise all marketing strategies.

Some publishing agents and firms want you to have your manuscript edited through one of their subsidiaries, all at a cost to you. The more reputable agents and publishing houses will not expect this of you; they will edit the manuscript once they've taken it on.

Unless you are a Hollywood celebrity or a high profile political figure, expect to work hard at the grind for publishing your material.

Agent representation, for many, is the best way to go. Agencies know what publishers want what to print. They know the best contacts to submit your manuscript, and they look out for your best interests and theirs because it's all economics to them. If they can't sell your book, they don't make money; that's about as plain as it gets.

Many potential best-sellers are trashed by agents and publishers alike because of the monumental submissions they receive. If a manuscript contains flaws in spelling, grammar, and contrived clichés, it will head to the trash can before the second page is ever read.
Using one of the three options above will make it possible for speedier publishing rather than waiting 18 months or more for conventional publishing.

Best wishes for success on your manuscript.