Getting published

[boobesque]

not sure if this sectioncan help as well as arts and literature but here goes!

I am part way through writing a book and have no idea on where to start when it comes to publishers. Is there a list of decent publishers (on a website or something) who i can send the finished article to?

any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Ouisch]

The best place to start is the book called Writers Market. You can find it at your local bookstore or the public library. They have a comprehensive list of book and magazine publishers, their submission guidelines, pay rates, etc.

Good luck!

[boobesque]

thank you!

[Mistopheles]

The other one to try is The Writers And Artists Yearbook. You need to send it to an agent, not a publisher - publishers employ people just to send unsolicited material back. They usually don't even open it. Check out the above book, and send to a string of agents.

And don't lose hope. Expect a LOT of rejections before someone shows an interest. My dad makes a living with his books, but he had well over 100 rejections before he got one published.

[boobesque]

thanks mistopheles. i didnt know about not sending to publishers, but i knew to prepare for rejections! i will hunt down some of the guides when i get closer to finishing my book. That way i can make sure they are up to date. Thanks for your help.

Out of interest what kind of books does your dad write?

[Mistopheles]

Children's fiction. He mainly does older kids stuff - young teenagers - but has also had a few published for younger kids, including one which is now used in schools. He's not that well known in the UK / America (a steady seller, but not huge) but apparently is a best seller in the Netherlands!

Anyway, lots of luck to you - let us know how you get on!

[boobesque]

ooh very cool! bestseller eh?!!

i can but dream! someone has read my first two chapters and really liked them, so fingers crossed when i have finished!