Writing a book

[KarlC]

Hi, I was wondering whether anyone could tell me how I get a book published, i.e. from being a Word document to actually appearing on the shelves of a bookstore!

I have written (typed) twenty pages of my novel, and it's the first one I have ever attempted, and I was hoping someone could give me some guidance on how the publishing process works.

As a novice, I would be very grateful for any guidance on this.

[debbz1969]

There are loads of websites on this. Here's a few.


http://www.howtobooks.co.uk/leisure/writing/no vel-published.asp

http://www.writersworkshop.co.uk/lookingforpub lishers.shtml?gclid=CPHtkr7X4JYCFQpTtAod0SA0Ow

Also, there is a fabulous monthly magazine call 'WRITING MAGAZINE' that offers great advice for new writers.
Only bit of advice I would impart is DON'T PAY to get your book published. If its good enough they pay you!!!
Good Luck.

[andy-hughes]

Be prepared for serious disappointment.

Stephen King talks of the time he considered papering the walls of the trailer he was living in with rejection slips for his first novel 'Carrie' - but when the right publisher found it ...

Same for JK Rowling ...

So be persistent and believe in your work.

Good luck.

[saxy_jag]

First of all, finish it. No publisher will consider something uncompleted from a first time writer.

Then put it away in a draw for a few months.

Get it out again, reread it and edit it.

Get as many people as possible to read the manuscript and pass comment. Friends and family aren't a good idea, as they'll not want to upset you if it's rubbish, and they don't generally look for what a publisher's editor looks for. There are various websites around that will give you honest feedback if you reciprocate.

If you're still convinced it's something the public will want to read, get hold of a copy of Writers' and Artists' Year Book and trawl through the listings of publishers and agents who may be interested in what you've written. You then need to send them samples of your work, correctly formatted. Amount and format will vary according to the publisher's/agent's wishes, but it's usually around three or four chapters, typed in a monospace font (eg courier - yeah, I know, it looks rubbish, but it's what they like) and on one side of the (A4) paper.

Be prepared to submit your work to many publishers and editors before you have any success, and be prepared never to have it accepted at all.

Avoid any company that guarantees to publish your book without them even having seen it, or that asks you for an up front fee - they're usually vanity publishers who will take your money and leave you to it. There are one or two reputable 'self-publishing' companies out there, but you should be aware that using them won't make you 'published'.

[naomi24]

Good advice from everyone here. I would definitely recommend you get a copy of the Writers & Artists Year Book. It contains advice not only on getting your work published, but on every aspect of writing. Stay right away from vanity publishing (paying for your work to be published). You'll end up with a few printed copies of your work, no books on sale in shops, and a lot less money in your pocket.

As Andy says, many successful writers struggle to get their early work published. Leslie Thomas said that he submitted his first book 'The Virgin Soldiers', which subsequently became an enormous best seller, to something like 78 publishers, 77 of whom rejected it.

Persevere - but be very prepared for disappointment. Good luck.

[KarlC]

Thank you all so much for answering; I particularly needed guidance on the technical elements, and I got it.

You'll all get a free copy of my book if it's published (and if you want one that is)!

[mrs.chappie]

Hello Karl, why not post a brief synopsis on here, and ask other ABers to let you know what they think?

In any case, you would be wise to write a synopsis and include it with the manuscript for submission to the publishers.

Best of luck.x