A Very Confused Writer

[Allanon]

I am in the process of writing my first book. What I want to know is what do I need to do about getting it published when i'm finished.

Who do i need to contact and what are agents for etc...

I realise all this info is probably here but as anyone on this site who knows me can vouch, I am SERIOUSLY computer illiterate! All help will be gratefully recieved.

Stephen

[Culhwch]

First step: read it over and see if it really wants publishing....

Having never gotten that far I can't really tell you much, except to say that, yes, I imagine all that info is in these threads, and if you can navigate your way here, you should be able to find it. Otherwise check out publisher and agent websites and check the submission guidelines, that should give you a good idea.

[roddglenn]

You need to go through the process of AT LEAST 3 re-drafts before sending it out to either agents or publishers. As well as going through all the valuable information and advice on this site, you also need to buy a book like the Writers & Artists Year Book which has lists of agents and publishers and the genres that they work in plus gives great advice on getting published.

A lot of publishers don't touch authors without an agent, so you may consider trying to get an agent before even approaching publishers. They do take a percentage, but a good one is worth their weight in gold. They have contacts with publishers and can get you in the door and negotiate favourable contracts for you.

Good luck with it. It's a long and hard process but getting published is the most rewarding feeling in the world.

[Yunalesca]

The Writers and Artists Yearbook is definitely a good place to start. It lists all the UK publishes and agents, and has essays with advice from authors and people in the industry.

I would also recommend From Pitch to Publication, which I have been reading. This explains the publishing process from start to end, and explains who does what. It should really give you an insight into the industry.

On this message board, I would read the thread "Personal questions to John Jarrold" - it's pretty long, but has loads of good advice. Or you could do what I did and trawl through the entire publishing forum - I think it's worth the time that would take.

I am currently trying to find an agent for my first book - I'm probably not going to approach any publishers directly because, as has been said before, editors will look much more kindly on something that has been passed to them by an agent. Plus they will expect a certain standard from the outset, which they might not expect to find in the slushpile. And having worked in publishing at one point, I know how long the slush pile can sit unnoticed!

Good luck! And like the others say, make sure your work is the very best it can be before approaching anyone with it.

[Leisha]

Originally Posted by Allanon

I am in the process of writing my first book. What I want to know is what do I need to do about getting it published when i'm finished.

Who do i need to contact and what are agents for etc...

I realise all this info is probably here but as anyone on this site who knows me can vouch, I am SERIOUSLY computer illiterate! All help will be gratefully recieved.

Stephen

As Culhwch says, read it through many times first. More often than not your work will be far from complete after the first and second drafts. If you still decide to go ahead with aiming for publication (and good luck if you do), it may be useful to consider showing your work to someone who can give you reliable feedback (so no friends and family, unless they're very honest). A good place you could do this is the Critiques section of this website. The people here, especially Chrispen, will give you valuable feedback.

Also, since I noticed your misspelling of "received", it might be worth checking whether you're are making some common errors in your writing (such as adverb/adjective overuse, misspelt words, verb-adverb combinations, etc) that could be easily fixed with a little more time. Basic errors in work can lead to manuscripts being rejected; I've read that some agents hate it if you mix up your possessives and contractions.

For help with these, and to check whether you make any of these simple mistakes, you could read my other post here.

As for agents, yes, you should try snagging one once your work is complete. But be warned, it's difficult. The larger agencies receive hundreds of submissions a week, so for your work to be noticed, it has to be very special. But, saying that, I believe you should try to get an agent, if you can. A good agent will hype your story to the editors at the right publishing houses, make sure your work is well presented, and when they do send it to the editors, they will send it with enthusiasm and professionalism. Which, in my opinion, is invaluable since submissions sent without an agent to publishers are added to their "slush pile", which can take months to receive a reply from.
However, never pay any agent an upfront fee for reading your work; if they do, they're likely a scam. Good agents only make their money when you do; in other words, when your book is sold to a publishing house. Or so I've heard; of course, others may correct me if I'm wrong.

A good link you could read: Bloomsbury.com - Writer's almanac

I hope some of this advice is useful.

[John Jarrold]

I agree with everything said above. And be aware of the market. Commercial publishing is a business. As a new writer, you will be compared with authors in your genre who have broken through in the last five years or so, in UK terms, not long-term bestsellers.

[Val Tyler]

I would agree with those who say get an agent. My first book was published without an agent and although I was certain I had a good contract, I did not. I receieved very little for a book that sold fairly well.

I vowed I would never publish without an agent again. It took me six months to find one. She recieves in excess of 1,000 unsolicited manuscripts every year. In a three year period she picked up two new writers. I tell you this not to put you off, but to show you how hard you will have to work.

Make sure your m/s is in the best possible condition before you send it. The word my agent always throws at me is 'fresh'. Publishers are looking for fresh ideas.

Buy a copy of the Writer's Handbook and select agents who you think might suit you. Phone them and let them tell you exactly what they require. They all want something different, but it will be something like the first three chapters and a synopsis. Ask for a name so that you can address it to the right person.

I sent to six at one time. In the end, I sent to twelve. Two agents asked to read the full m/s, seven turned me down and three still have not replied.

Once I had an agent, it took two weeks to sign with a publisher.

Good luck.

Val Tyler

[Yunalesca]

For some reason my reply to this post never appeared! Anyway...

I recommend reading From Pitch to Publication, which you can easily get on Amazon. It takes you through the publishing process from start to finish, and explains who does what. Like everyone else here, I'd also recommend the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.

I also recommend trawling through all the posts on this publishing forum. It may take a while, but I've read most of them and there's some really good advice in here...

I would advise you to get an agent - that's what I'm trying to do at the moment, and I think it stands you in a much better position with publishers. I also recommend not worrying too much about the end business side of things, such as agents and publishers, until you've completely finished the book and are happy with it.

[SpaceShip]

If you can't get either an agent or a publisher, a book I would highly recommend is "How to Publish Yourself" by Peter Finch - he covers everything in an easy and informative way.

[Val Tyler]

I would advise anyone to work hard and find an agent and not to go down the self-publishing route. I know one person who had done it and succeeded and heard of two more, but it is very rare. If your m/s is good, you will be picked up.

Val Tyler

[SpaceShip]

Originally Posted by Val Tyler

I would advise anyone to work hard and find an agent and not to go down the self-publishing route. I know one person who had done it and succeeded and heard of two more, but it is very rare. If your m/s is good, you will be picked up.

Val Tyler

Mine must have been real rubbish then!

[Mark Robson]

Originally Posted by SpaceShip

Mine must have been real rubbish then!

I'm sure that's not what Val meant by her comment. I think it's fair to say that most traditionally published authors would recommend their route into publishing over going down the self publishing route. To be fair, I would do so as well, despite having self published to begin with myself. The reason I would recommend perservering with the traditional press route is that you have very little to lose financially. The cost of sending out manuscripts to publishers, whilst not insignificant, is not in the same league as investing large amounts of cash into taking a book to press. I spent more on printing my self published stuff last year than I did on my first house!

There are so many pitfalls in self publishing that are just waiting to swallow up the unwary. I fell into many of them, but through dogged determination, dug my way back out. Looking back I can now see that The Forging of the Sword was not really good enough for the mainstream market. Some might say that the fact it has sold so well is evidence in favour of my having self published it. The fact is that it sold well because I utilised a successful marketing campaign.

How often have you heard people say that the Harry Potter books don't deserve all the hype and publicity? How often have you heard people say there are better books out there to read? Does this mean that the Harry Potter books have been mis-sold? No. It just means the marketing machine was incredibly well timed and well executed. The same is true in my case. There are better self published books out there. I would hold up Carolyn Hill's book as an example there. Is she likely to sell as many as I have of the Darkweaver books? Unless she has an extraordinary amount of energy, resolve and time on her hands, then I doubt it. I put every last ounce of effort into building the readership I now enjoy.

Val has a very valid point, and I'm sure that Teresa would be likely to say the same. Self Publishing has plus points, but they are few in comparison to being published by the mainstream press.

[rankelidyek]

Originally Posted by roddglenn

You need to go through the process of AT LEAST 3 re-drafts before sending it out to either agents or publishers. As well as going through all the valuable information and advice on this site, you also need to buy a book like the Writers & Artists Year Book which has lists of agents and publishers and the genres that they work in plus gives great advice on getting published.

A lot of publishers don't touch authors without an agent, so you may consider trying to get an agent before even approaching publishers. They do take a percentage, but a good one is worth their weight in gold. They have contacts with publishers and can get you in the door and negotiate favourable contracts for you.

Good luck with it. It's a long and hard process but getting published is the most rewarding feeling in the world.

Well said. Chances are high that you will need a LONG time to get your first novel into shape. I recommend finishing the first draft (without stopping to rewrite whatsoever), then setting it aside for six months and starting another first draft of another novel. Upon completion of the second, then you can approach your first novel with a fresh eye. During the six months, workshop your novel through online sites (critters.org or onlinewritingworkshop.com among others) and trusted friends. Keep notes on the changes you want to implement as you go along (at all stages), and then dig in. The most important element of writing a book is rewriting, not the writing in the first place--though you need to understand and learn what good writing actually is, of course. Given enough time and practice, your first drafts will begin to resemble actual "writing" and you'll know what is weak before others even comment. I'm of the opinion that it takes a long time to really understand the craft and your unique style and voice for each story.

After this and once the book has been heavily workshopped and rewritten and is absolutely focused and taut, then spend a long time and get a good query letter together (sadly, this is often more important than the writing--though your "opening" is most important of all in that you need a definitive hook if you aren't a known figure). From there, look for agents who apply and get ready to send out partials, etc. Have a synopsis ready as well. You can also try editors for publishers and see if they want the book. It shouldn't be hard to find an agent if you already have a sale. Don't be frustrated, though. These things take time for most authors. It is often a confluence of luck, circumstance, timing and more. The only thing you can control is the quality of your writing.

Mainly, be prepared to work and to rework. I still say to always write. Keep finishing novels. With enough passion and discernment, one should break through the rather random gauntlet of the publishing world. By then, the rest should be in shape to follow.

Luck!

[I, Brian]

Originally Posted by Val Tyler

I would agree with those who say get an agent. My first book was published without an agent and although I was certain I had a good contract, I did not. I receieved very little for a book that sold fairly well.

I vowed I would never publish without an agent again. It took me six months to find one. She recieves in excess of 1,000 unsolicited manuscripts every year. In a three year period she picked up two new writers. I tell you this not to put you off, but to show you how hard you will have to work.

Make sure your m/s is in the best possible condition before you send it. The word my agent always throws at me is 'fresh'. Publishers are looking for fresh ideas.

Buy a copy of the Writer's Handbook and select agents who you think might suit you. Phone them and let them tell you exactly what they require. They all want something different, but it will be something like the first three chapters and a synopsis. Ask for a name so that you can address it to the right person.

I sent to six at one time. In the end, I sent to twelve. Two agents asked to read the full m/s, seven turned me down and three still have not replied.

Once I had an agent, it took two weeks to sign with a publisher.

Good luck.

Val Tyler

Nice to see you here, Val, and welcome to chronicles.

I can't emphasise how important it is to learn about the process and the industry you're writing for - it's far too easy for new writers to feel that they've written "art" and therefore will be picked up on it's strengths.

But the reality is that you're writing for a business, and will be rejected on its weaknesses.

All the more reason to provide fewest excuses for rejection.

2c.

[Circus Cranium]

First finish the book. I know that sounds obvious, but you can do your agent research later. I say this because worrying about 'outcome' may hinder your creative process if you're still knee deep in the story. Put aside all thoughts of publication and bury yourself in the story.

Once the first draft is done, let it cool for at least a month. This is hard because you're going to be anxious to get it out, but trust me, you'll see things more clearly with some time away. THEN do your rewrites. MANY rewrites.

Once it's so good that even you are impressed, start looking for agents and publishers. Writers Market online is a great resource. Good luck!