If you write a story with a pen and paper, how does it get published?

Question

Do you have to retype it onto your computer? Or what?

The eason why I like writing longhand is because I can't while at my computer for some odd reason. To me, writing longhand comes a lot easier. I can almost hear the characters talking. And, i can also take the notebook places with me instead of being confined to my computer... which is not portable.

I am a teenager! And I do like typing. I will type if I have to, but my stories always turn out better when written longhand. :)

Answer 1

Of course you have to type it. It would be amateur, juvenile and unprofessional to send in your handwritten notebooks and no publisher would accept them. And it has to be done in proper Industry Standard format. NO agent or publisher is even going to bother with a handwritten manuscript. You want to be taken seriously - with a professional presentation. Always.

First of all, you do realize that you do not just send manuscripts to publishers unsolicited. You first send a query letter and usually a synopsis based on the particular publisher or agent's submission requirements. Then if they are interested, they will ask for a manuscript. The manuscript should be typed according to industry standard format (you can learn about that in Writers Market) AND it should be properly edited. Otherwise you are wasting your time and a publisher or agent's time. You will also need a book proposal - a very specific document which is your main selling tool. Again, you can get books that show you exactly what goes into a proposal and how to set it up. Again an editor is your best source. Editors have experience dealing with writing proposals that SELL. That document becomes the item your agent takes to a publisher to SELL. Depriving yourself of a proper edit is hurting you in the long run. The smart author knows that submitting a well edited manuscript almost triples their chances of selling. You have to spend money to make money if you want to do it right. Pax- C

Answer 2

You will have to have it typed for two reasons if you ever want it being published.

1. You need a copy for yourself.
2. Publishing houses will not accept any manuscripts that are not typed. Typed is professional.

You should pick up a copy of the Writer's Market at a bookstore and take a look at it. There are a lot of instructions as to publishing in it. The information is very helpful.

In the meantime, since you don't like sitting at a computer, keep writing your story by pen. When you're finished you can type it up and correct anything then for your revision. Good luck!

Answer 3

Many writers still prefer writing in longhand. While I am a pretty good typist, there are times when I really need a good pen in my hand making words glide across the paper.

Even in the smallest towns, I'm sure you can find a person with a computer or an office service that will assist you.

Hope you get published.

Answer 4

I am pretty sure it has to be typed into a computer/word processor. About getting it published, is it a children's book? Or is it a short story? I think depending on what kind of book it is depends on who and how it gets published. I would do a google search for publishers if I were you, or perhaps go to your local library. Perhaps they can give you some info. I am currently publishing my own books. They are children's books that I have illustrated and I'm doing all the printing and binding myself. It's been a sizeable investment but I'm starting to sell them. I wish you good luck!

Answer 5

Why would you do that when there are computers? And yes, yes you would have to type it in order to submit it. Publishers won't take your work unless it's in 12 point Times or Courier style. It would also be a sloppy way of submitting your work.

Try Amazon.com to find books on writing that will prepare you for what publishers require in order to consider your work.

Answer 6

It would probably need to get retyped at some point. You will need to send a copy to your editor (and maybe others) for review and you sure don't want to hand them your only copy. If you don't like to type at all maybe you can hire somebody (a teenager) to retype it for you when your ready.

Answer 7

You can't submit a handwritten manuscript to a publlisher. Nobody will take it in that form. You either have to type it up yourself (double-spaced, numbered pages, title cover page, not two-sided), or you can hire a professional typist to type it up for you if you aren't very good at typing.

Answer 8

Well, first, you should go to your local library and find a book on how to publish your story. Then, yes, you do have to type it up, sorry to be the one to tell you, but then I don't know how long it is. Anyways, I don't know much about publishing, and that's why you have to get a book on how to do it, but you definitely have to type it up. Good luck.

Answer 9

Clive Barker always sends in his manuscripts in long-hand.

Answer 10

Eventually, yes, it has to be typed.

And that's just the beginning.

Next, it's submitted, then rejected, then resubmitted, then rejected again, then resubmitted under a new title, then edited, then revised, then rerouted, then re-edited, then rehashed, then redirected, then focus grouped, then test marketed, THEN published. (If you're lucky!)

I'm exaggerating, of course...but only slightly. :)