Steps for Getting Published
Stepsfor Getting Published
1. Complete the Manuscript
Basically, you should ensure yourmanuscript is complete, that you include a bio, all of the acknowledgements,and a table of contents. It should be available on hardcopy and disk.
2. Edit
You should do a final edit andproofread. Before you submit a manuscript it should be in the best possibleform. At the same time though, you must be prepared to work with any publisherwho is interested in it – most will assign an editor to work on the book withyou. You have to be prepared to make necessary changes and to know whensuggested changes will impact the integrity of your work and defend yourdecision not to make the change.
3. Research Suitable Publishers
Before sending it to a publisheryou should do some research to ensure that they are a suitable match for yourstyle of work and that they do in fact, publish work in your genre as manypublishers do not publish all genres (for example, many do not publish poetryat all).
4. Queries
Next you should prepare a queryletter that describes your book, and provides relevant bio information.Basically, you ask the publisher(s) if they would be interested in seeing yourcomplete manuscript. Generally, you would include a small sample of yourwork (probably 10-20 pages). Do not send full unsolicited manuscripts topublishers. It's unlikely they will read more than the cover letter and firstfew lines or pages from a writer who is unknown to them. If you do not select yourabsolute best, most attention getting work they may end up readingsomething out of context or that is not the best example of your ability orstyle. And the reality is that they may not look at it at all.
5. Submitting the Manuscript
Remember, most publishers will notaccept simultaneous submissions. This means you can only send your manuscriptto ONE publisher at a time. So you have to be very careful about whichpublishers you select. Keep in mind that it is common for a publisher to take3-6 months to reply to a submission. It is acceptable to contact them after 3months to enquire about the status of the manuscript. Do not contact themrepeatedly.
6. Working with Publishers
Keep in mind that once a publisheraccepts a manuscript a whole other process begins. Often publishers are working2 years ahead. So, once your manuscript is accepted it doesn’t mean it will bepublished right away. It will be added to the publishing list and probably willnot be released for at least 2 years.
You should read any agreementscarefully and get advice before signing anything.
Again, you must be prepared to workwith an editor.
If you don’t meet deadlines agreedupon in the publishing agreement, you risk voiding the agreement. If thishappens you will have to start over again with sending out queries and lookingfor a publisher.
7. Agents
Rather than focusing on finding a publisher, you could try tofind an agent who will approach publishers on your behalf. They will negotiateagreements and often have relationships with editors and can get manuscripts inthe door where you might be unable. Agents know the publishers, usually arevery aware of what types of manuscripts they’re looking for, and know theeditors and their likes and dislikes. They can help you with final preparationsprior to submitting the manuscript.
However, finding an agent can be difficult. You need to find theagent who is the right match for you. They will also have requirements of theirclients and, of course, they take a commission on all of your work.
8. Keep at it!
You should be aware that it is very difficult to getpublished these days. If you are an unknown, emerging writer your chances arenot great unless you have a really stunning, marketable book. It's simply toorisky for most publishers to invest in someone who is unproven and doesn'tunderstand the business. So, you should really start by trying to publishpieces of your writing in journals and anthologies. Start looking in journalsand online for calls for submission and also find suitable journals and beginsending in submissions. Experience doing public readings is also helpful.Publishers want to know you can get out there and help sell your book. Despitewhat many people may think books do not sell unless the author is actively outthere building an audience/readership. Once you have done some work toestablish yourself, start looking for a publisher. If you haven’t done thisyet, spend a bit of time concentrating on building your profile before youapproach publishers. And once you do, stay active! Participate in readings andliterary events. Make things happen for yourself.
Good luck! And KEEP WRITING.