Do I have to have a degree in order to publish a book?

Question

Can I just give my book to a publisher or do I have to prove I have gone to college?

Answer 1

No, not at all. You just have to prove that you can use the English language properly. There are many things you'll have to know before you can publish.

Spelling, Grammar, Formatting, Word Count, Literary agents, Query letters, Synopsis, Outlining, Fonts...

The best thing to do is go to the library or your favorite bookstore and pick up a few books on the subjects I've mentioned above. Books you own are best because you can use a yellow marker to mark off specific points of interest, which you can go back to later.

Do yourself a favor and take the time to learn the trade. It's obvious by your question (and this is not a smack at you) that you don't know much about it.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The answer is no to both of your questions. You do not need a degree, although there are cases where I have heard of publishers who say they only take books from people with degrees, I tend to doubt that. Like others here told you, what you need is a good foundation in correct usage of grammar and punctuation as well as knowledge regarding how to craft a story. I do believe that writers are born. However you have to hone that gift into a skill and talent. And while that doesn't necessarily mean getting a degree, it does mean you should take advantage of your education to train and learn to write better. That could mean joining a writers group at a library or bookstore or finding some classes in a community college or adult ed program.

As for the part about can you just send your book to a publisher. No to that question, too. You never send a manuscript to anyone - publisher or agent - unsolicited. You have to either get a copy of Writers Market or Literary Marketplace and read the submission guidelines for the publisher you are considering. Usually, that will mean sending them a query letter and a synopsis first. If they express interest, they will request a full or partial manuscript and a well written book proposal. The proposal is the most important selling tool you have. Get yourself a book and learn how to write one. There are many books out there that teach you how. Just make sure your manuscript is well edited and properly formatted.

But never send anything to anyone unless 1) You have checked them out with Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write Water Cooler Bewares and Background Checks to make sure they are legit and there are no complaints or lawsuits against them and 2) You are sure you are following their guidelines to the letter. Each publisher and agent has their own guidelines.

Pax-C

Answer 3

No. But like others are saying, unless it's non fiction. You have to prove where your knowledge is coming from and the easiest way to do that is to earn a degree in the subject area. But other than that, talent is talent.
Just don't EVER pay to have your book published! I saw someone suggest that. If you're really that desperate to publish, fine. But you shouldn't ever be that desperate! And there are some publishers that will accept unsolicited material. Not a huge lot, but some.
Check out a variety of publishers, big and small. A start is a start. :) Have fun and don't give up!

Answer 4

No you cannot just give your book to a publisher. Most major publishing companies do not accept unsolicited works.
No you do not have to have a degree. But depending on the subject your credibility is important.
There are smaller companies that will publish your book for a 'reasonable' price.

Go on Google and type in 'publishers'...lots of info.
PS. What's your book subject?

Answer 5

While a college education is important, you don't really need to have a degree to publish your book. If that was the case, then there would be less people publishing in this world. :)

You might want to list your college credentials though, if they are pertinent to what you have written about to prove you know what you are talking about. But otherwise, all you need is good luck.

Good luck!

Answer 6

All you have to prove is that you have talent.....Taylor Caldwell was writing at twelve, if you have the talent for writhing some how some way you'll get noticed, look at Stephen King, he threw his Carrie in the trash, if it wasn't for his wife he may have never been published, she dug it out of the trash and read it and said you may have something here, from his bio...I've heard that he was rejected many times before he was published. A college education wouldn't hurt, especially if your major is English, but if you have the talent like I said and are able to take rejection without giving up then go for it, people who have the ability to write also have the ability to make their work be known !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck to you, bye !!

Answer 7

the respond is not any, you do no longer choose a school degree. in reality, many well-known authors have not got college levels. yet i will tell out of your submit which you have distinctive grammar/syntax blunders on your writing. you will no longer get a e book printed by any classic writer in case you do no longer comprehend a thank you to jot down. So, you do no longer choose a level, in spite of if it certainly helps. And why does no longer you prefer to bypass to varsity, besides? It advance into 4 years of non-supply up relaxing for me. It advance into complicated, don't get me incorrect, yet I went to a terrific variety of events and had an exceptionally super time. nonetheless the ultimate 4 years of my existence! Why do no longer you bypass to varsity and study ingenious writing? you may kill 2 birds with one stone.

Answer 8

If you're writing non-fiction it helps.

For fiction, your story is what sells it (unless you're already famous then your name sells it).