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The guide to publishing a novel - Please Copy and keep!?
So many people have asked how to publish a novel. I'm really tired of this question. So, here is the way to go about it.
1. Write the novel.
2. Edit it over and over again so it's free of grammar and spelling errors. So it's free of any contradictions regarding the description of characters or times and places.
3. Buy a copy of Writers Market. About 30 bucks. Then buy some books on writing. These books will help you with formatting your work . . . Industry Standard.
4. In Writers Market, find a literary agent that accepts the genre you've written the book in.
5. Write a query letter along with a synopsis. The books you buy on writing will show you how to do this. It should be free of errors in grammar and spelling. Errors in a query letter are an instant reject.
6. If an agent has an interest in your work, you will be asked to send the first three chapters. These must be formated properly.
7. If accepted, you will be asked to send the entire manuscript.
What I've given you here is the basics on publishing your work. You may want to consider writing a few short stories before attempting a full novel. Many anthologies, magazines, and other publications accept short stories. It's a great way to get your name out there and have a few credits under your belt.
All publishers have what is known as 'submission guidelines.' You must follow these guidelines to the T. Some publishers will discard your work 'unread' if these guidelines are not adhered to.
Be prepared to be critiqued. If you are easily hurt in the feelings department, writing is not your cup of tea. Find another career or hobby.
I'm a published author with many a reject letters under my belt.
6 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavourite answer
Bravo sir!
Now, if only we could get writers to believe they are responsible for their own editing. I have seen several as of late who think the editors are there to do all the editing work for them. Frightening.
As a writer (and a published one at that), I edit my own material before submitting it to anyone else. It's one thing to have errors I may have missed. It's another to have glaring ones I felt I couldn't be bothered with doing myself.
EDIT:
SPEAKING of editing, I just now realized I used the incorrect form of "there". Nice. Open mouth, insert foot.
- 5 years ago
NONONONONONONO DO NOT GO NEAR PUBLISH AMERICA. PLEASE - for your sake join Absolute Write Water Cooler forum and go to the Bewares and Background Checks section. There is a sticky there for Publish America. There are literally hundreds of lawsuits and thousands of unsatisfied authors who have published with them. Stay FAR away from them. Also check with Preditors and Editors - same deal. You can hire an editor for yourself. I have a list of editors if you want one. An editor will charge you between 2.50 and 4.00 per page (based on 250 words per) They will proofread your Ms, go over grammar with you and make suggestions for cuts and changes in your story. If you are unsure about your Ms, It can be a good idea but be aware its pricey. I advise you to go to the Resolved Questions section here and read through some of the previously andwered questions like yours. There is a wealth of information here already. I am not an advocate of self -publishing. I think if your work is quality you would be better off selling it to a small publisher - assuming it is a reputable one. You will always have to check with Absolute Write and Preditors and Editors before sending a query to anyone = see if other writers have complaints against that company, I am SO glad I caught your question. Publish America is a huge no no. When you read the posts at Absolute Write you will be glad I stopped you. Pax - C.
- 1 decade ago
Excellent advice; the only thing I'd add is that aspiring authors should purchase and study writing style books Before writing their novel... not after it's written... and note too that authors should choose several agents to send their letter and synopsis to, not just one. Don't pin all your hopes on one agent, but do wait to hear from the first agent before sending out to the second (they do often know each other; it's a tight industry), and for goodness' sake make each query letter individual to that agent - not a form letter. Good luck all.
