Writing a Book: What You Need to Know About the Publishing Process

Have you just finished writing a book that you would like to see published? If
you have, you may want to start sending your book manuscript to publishers that
fit your genre. Doing so is okay, but before you accept any offers, it is
important to know as much about the publishing process as possible. You do not
want to end up being the writer that gets taken advantage of or paid less than
they are worth because you didn't take the time to do the research first.

One important point that you will want to take into consideration, when looking
to get a book published, is that many publishers have specific wants and needs.
For example, one children's book publisher may be seeking science-fiction books
for young adult readers, while another children's book publisher may be looking
for nature-inspired picture books. Since is there a variance, even in a
specific genre like children's books, it is important to know what each
publisher wants before sending your manuscript off, especially if your book is
not what is needed at the current time. This allows you to not waste your time
or money.

In keeping with what a book publisher wants, it is important to learn as much
as you can about the publisher and their guidelines for writers. For example,
if you are writing an adult book, see if full manuscripts are allowed or if
sample chapters or query letters are advised. You will want to make sure that
you follow all instructions given by a publisher because if you don't, your
chances of having your book published significantly decrease. The Writer's
Market books, others similar guides and the online websites of publishers can
often tell you what is expected of you as a writer.

Before accepting an offer from a publisher, be sure to learn as much as you can
about book publishing payments. This is important as not all publishers pay
their authors the same amount of money. You won't want to lose sight of the
main goal, which is to make the most money possible. Many first time authors
are so excited that a publisher wants to publisher their book that they will
accept just about any offer, even one that is significantly less than it should
be. Flat rate payments, advance payments, and royalty payments are common
methods of payment for book publishers.

In keeping with payment, advance payments are nice, but be sure to closely
examine them. You will want to look at the long-term payment. Some publishers
make advance payments seem better than they truly are. With that said, some
writers, especially unpublished writers, find advance payments, regardless of
what they are to be enticing. As for royalty payments, get everything in
writing and have a set schedule. What percentage of sales will you receive?
When are your royalties counted; on a quarterly or annual basis? How soon can
you expect payment after each schedule ends? These are all questions that you
will want answers to before agreeing to sign a contract.

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many points that you will want
to take into consideration before accepting an offer from a book publisher.
Regardless of what genre your book is for or what publisher you receive an
offer from, be sure to fully read and examine a contract before signing it.
Also, be sure to ask any additional questions that you have. All reputable
publishers should be more than happy to answer your questions.

Will Your Book Get Published?

Are you an author who just finished writing a book? If you are, you may want to
see your book published. But, do you have a book that will get published?

When it comes to determining if your book will get published, it will be hard
to tell, but there are a number of factors that you can take into
consideration. A few of these factors are highlighted below for your
convenience.

The amount of work that you put into writing your book may have an impact on
your ability to get your book published. Whether you write a short children's
book or a long science fiction novel, the same amount of time, thought, and
energy should be put into your book. While there are a number of benefits to
just writing what comes into your mind, you also need to make sure that your
book properly flows together and is easy for readers to understand.

The amount of time and energy that you put into finding publishers can also
increase your chances of getting your book published. Your chances of getting
your book published increase when you take the time to research publishers and
what they want. For example, if you are writing a children's book that focuses
on a religious theme, search for publishers who are looking specifically to
publish these types of books. You can use the internet or printed resource
guides, like the Writer's Market, to research your options. Choose the
publishers that are the perfect fit for your book. Sending your book manuscript
to publishers who are seeking just what you have, improves your chances.

How many publishers you submit your book to is also likely to have an impact on
your success rate. As previously stated, you will want to take the time to find
the publishers that are looking for books just like yours. With that being
said, you still should have a number of different options. In keeping with the
example above of a religious themed children's book, multiple publishers
specialize in religious publications. The more publishers you submit your book
manuscript to, the better your chances of getting published are.

The genre and the topic that you write about can also have an impact on your
ability to get your book published. If your book is popular or in demand right
now, your book stands a good chance of getting published. If you have yet to
start writing, first take the time to examine what publishers want or need. The
internet and printed guides, such as the Writer's Market books, should help you
get ideas as to which genres and topics are in high demand today. This will
increase your chances of getting your book published, as you are writing a book
that is wanted.

Your proofreading abilities will also have a significant impact on whether or
not your book is able to get published. There is nothing worse than a publisher
receiving a book that isn't edited. A manuscript filled with errors is a major
turn off. Of course, a book's ability to get published depends on the storyline
and its success, but never submit a book manuscript to a professional publisher
without first proofreading it yourself. In fact, you will want to proofread
multiple times. There are also a number of benefits to using the services of a
professional editor. One being they are more likely to catch the mistakes that
you may miss.

As a reminder, it is virtually impossible to determine ahead of time whether or
not you will get your book published, but you may be able to gauge your success
rate. If this is the first time that you are attempting to get your book
published, do not give up. Many famous and well-known authors received multiple
rejection letters before they were first met with success and the same may be
true for you as well.

What Type of Books Are Easier to Get Published?

Are you a writer who is interested in writing a book, hopefully one that will
be published? If you are, have you ever written a book before? If not, there is
a good chance that you are looking for the easiest approach to take. After all,
no one wants to create more work for themselves than needed. That often results
in many writers asking themselves which books are easier to get published.

When it comes to determining what type of books are easier to get published,
the answer isn't as easy to find as many individuals had hoped for. In all
honesty, publishing any type of book, whether it be a children's book or a
romance novel, isn't easy. A lot of time, hard, work, determination, and
research goes into getting a book published. With that said, there are a number
of steps that you can take to help you ease the process.

For starters, it is important to choose a genre, topic, or theme, that you feel
passionate about. This is particularly true with how-to books or other helpful
guides. Yes, you should look at writing as a job, especially if you hope to get
a book published, but writing should never seem like work. That is why it is
important that you choose a genre, topic, or theme that interests you and one
that you feel passionate about. For example, if you are a parent, consider
writing a children's book. If you are a science fiction enthusiast, consider
writing a science fiction novel, and so forth.

Not only will choosing a genre, topic, or theme that you are interested in make
it much easier for you to write a book, but it will also provide assistance with
getting your book published. If you have an invested interest in what you are
writing about or if you are passionate about the words that you write, you are
more likely to produce better results. You are also more likely to take the
time to properly proofread and edit your book, as opposed to other authors who
are just hoping to make as much money and as quickly as possible.

Regardless of what type of book are you interested in writing, you should do a
little bit of research first. As important as it is to write on a topic or
great a story that you feel passionate about, it is also important to know what
publishers want. For example, did you know that mysteries are popular stories
for chapter books and early adult books? They are and you will see if this if
you take the time to research what publishers are looking for. This research is
easy to do with printed resources, like the Writer's Market books, or by using a
standard internet search online.

When you write a book that focuses on a story or topic that you have an
invested passion in, as well one that focuses on a topic or a story that
publishers are seeking, your chances of getting your book published increase
significantly. It is also important note ease of writing. When you know what
you should write about, in addition to what you want to write about, the words
will flow off of your fingers in no time at all.

As a reminder, there is no specific type of book that is easier to get
published than others. All publishers have the same goal and that is to publish
a book that will sell. For that reason, all have strict standards.

Tips for Writing a Children's Book That Will Get Published

Are you interested in writing a children's book that you one day hope will be
published? If you are and if you have yet to start writing, there are a number
of important points that you want to take into consideration first. These
important points, a few of which are outlined below, may help to improve your
chances of getting your next children's book published.

It is important to remember that the genre of children's books covers a wide
range of books. When many individuals think of children's books, picture books
for toddlers and early reading books for preschoolers often come to mind. Yes,
these two groups are major parts of the children's genre, but there is so much
more. Typically speaking, publishers categorize children's books by picture
books, early readers, transition books, chapter books, and young adult books.
Decide what type of children's book you would like to write. This will prevent
you from falling in between two different categories.

Next, it is important to know what children's book publishers want. Not knowing
what publishers want or expect from authors is a common mistake made. After a
close examination, you will find that it often varies depending on the
publisher. Many publishers state which categories of children's books they
publish, such as picture books or young adult books. This is important
information to know as you will not see success by sending a young adult book
manuscript to a publisher that is only looking for picture books.

In keeping with what children's book publishers want, it is also important to
know what they are searching for in terms of themes. For example, a specific
children's book publisher may be seeking stories that are educational in nature
or those that focus on a specific religion. Many well-known publishers are
trying to stay away from talking animals for the most part. It doesn't mean
that you can't take this approach, but you need to be careful and realistic
when you do. The Writer's Market book for the children's genre outlines this
information wherever possible. The same information may also be found online.

Another note that many children's book publishers make to hopeful authors to
not outright preach or focus too much on morals in a children's book. Of
course, parents want to purchase children's books that their kids can learn
from, but you don't want to be too pushy. If you must outright state a theme or
good deed, such as being nice to other kids, show it through action and dialog
in the book, but don't outright state so until the end.

Should you wish to write chapter books or books for young adults, you will want
to open your book with an amazing beginning. Many professional writers and
publishers recommend opening with action and adventure, as opposed to first
just introducing the characters. This is because most publishers know that some
children are hard to please with books. The attention of all readers and
publishers needs to be captured right away.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help to increase
your chances of getting a children's book published. Any writer who hopes to be
published needs to know the importance of research. Your chances of seeing your
book published increase when you know what is popular with the market today, as
well as what publishers want.

Tips for Writing a Book That Will Get Published

Are you a writer who has only written web content or a writer who has only
written as a hobby? If you are, you may still have the dream of writing your
own book, a book that will get published. Although most individuals who
research publishing a book have already written a book, you may have yet to
accomplish this important task. The good news, however, is that it may work in
your favor.

If you have yet to write a book, there are a number of important steps that you
will first want to take. These steps, a few of which are highlighted below, may
help to improve your chances of you writing a book that will get published.

One of the first things that you will want to do, when looking to write a book
that will get published, is to choose a genre. This involves first deciding who
you want to write for. Do you want to write for children, young adults, or
adults? Next, decide what you want to write about. Do you want to educate your
readers or give them a captivating story that they just can't put down? As for
the topic or storyline that you choose, be sure to choose something that
interests you. A writer who is passionate about what they write is more likely
to see success.

Once you have an idea of what type of book you want to write, as well as an
idea on your theme, take the time to examine publishing companies. This is easy
to do with the Writer's Market books and other similar printed resources. Most
clearly outline what types of books publishers are looking for. For example, a
publisher that is accepting manuscripts for science fiction novels may give you
specific tips and ideas, as well as things to avoid.

Writing a book with a theme that interest you, as well as a theme that is in
demand by publishers is one of the best ways to get your book published.

As for writing your book, it is important to start out with a plot. If you are
writing a non-fiction book, such as a how-to guide, be sure to create an
outline for you to follow. Fiction authors, however, should first outline a
plot. Unfortunately, many authors, especially new writers, just start writing.
Of course, it is important to get your thoughts on paper or on your computer,
but a clear and solid plot is an important component of writing a book that
will get published. Books that are just a collection of words are likely to not
get published.

Once your book has been written, it is important that you do the
proper amount of proofreading and editing. Many professionals vary on the
number of times that a book should be proofread, but you should read through
yours no less than three times. In addition to doing your own editing, you may
benefit from the professional knowledge and expertise of an editor. Many have
reasonable fees.

As previously recommended, it is a wise idea to first see what many publishers
are looking for. Also, as previously stated, you can do this by using the
internet or printed resource guides, like the Writer's Market. If you
highlighted or recorded the information that you read, you may already have a
list of publishers to submit your book to. Once your book has been proofread
and edited, you are now ready to send your book to publishing companies, along
with a professional cover letter. Good luck.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing Your Own Book

Are you an author who has a book that you would like to see published? If you
are, you should know that you do have a number of different options. While the
most common approach taken involves relying on a third party publishing house,
you do also have the option of self-publishing your own book.

When an author makes the decision to self-publish a book, he or she has
complete control over the whole process. In fact, that is just one of the many
pros or plus sides to self-publishing, as many authors like having complete
control over their works of art. As for the responsibility of an author in
terms of self-publishing, an author must write the book, edit it, find a
company to manufacturer the printed book, and sell it. Although the process
does seem relatively easy to most, it is important to remember that there are a
number of pros and cons to self-publishing.

As it was previously stated, a self-publisher is responsible for the sale of
their book. For many this is a difficult process. When a third party publishing
house is used, they take on most of the work associated with selling a book,
such as marketing. This is not how self-publishing works. Many self-publishers
set up websites where they list their books available for sale. Even then,
however, that website must be marketed so that visitors will find it.
Self-publishers also have the option of approach retailers, including
bookstores, hoping to get their books available for sale locally.

Another con or downside to self-publishing is the cost. Technically, you could
say that even when using a third party publishing house, you still pay for the
cost of getting your book published. This is because your publisher does take a
fee out of the amount of money that you are paid; however, many authors don't
even take this cut into consideration. Even though it will cost money to have
your book transformed into print, there are steps that you can take to reduce
the cost. The most common approach involves having your book printed on demand,
instead of having books on hand.

As previously stated, some self-publishers find it difficult to sell their
books. Yes, this process can be difficult, but many other self-published
authors have seen success. When you put the proper amount of time, research,
and energy into selling a self-published book, you stand the most chance of
making the biggest profit. This is because, aside from the cost of your
expenses, you are able to retain all of your profits. There is no one else that
must share your profits, unless of course you decide to hire help.

Another pro or plus side to self-publishing is the fact that unknown authors
are given the opportunity to shine. Some of the best selling books today are
written by authors who already have an established history or name. In fact,
unless you have an absolutely amazing book or a well-known name, there is a
good chance that many publishing companies will not want to take a chance on
you. This doesn't mean that your book is a poorly written one or that it has a
bad story line. It just means that the publishing market is a tough one.

One of the biggest signs that self-publishing may be right for you if you
believe that you have a book that will sell, but you still receive multiple
rejection letters from well-known publishing houses. Self-publishing is also an
ideal approach for authors who write books that will sell, but books that only
have a limited targeted marketed. For example, if you are interested in writing
a book on your city or town, your targeted market may be quite small and
publishers may not want to take a chance with that.

Since there are a number of pros and cons to self-publishing, you should take
the time to decide if self-publishing is right for you. Additional research can
help you determine if self-publishing is truly your best option.

Important Steps to Getting a Book Published

Do you have the goal of becoming a published writer? If you do, you may be
curious as to what steps you need to take to achieve your goal. When it comes
to getting a book published, there are multiple steps that you will need to
take; however, some are much more important than others.

The first thing that you will need to do is write your book. If you haven't
already done so, be sure to proceed with caution. Don't make the mistake of
assuming that any book will do. Do the research to determine which genres are
popular or what types of books publishers are seeking. Another common mistake
that many new authors make is aiming for children's books. If you truly want to
write a children's book, go ahead and do so. However, do not make the mistake of
assuming that it would be easier to make more money with children's books
because they are easier to write and shorter in length.

If you have already written your book or as soon as it is completed, there are
steps that you will want to take before sending your completed manuscripts off
to publishers. You will want to proofread your book, then proofread it again,
and one more time for safe measure. If you are not using the services of a
professional editor, it may be a wise idea to ask a small number of trusted
friends or relatives to review your book for you, give you input, and make note
of any errors. For longer books, consider giving those that you know a few
chapters to review.

Another step that you will want to take involves looking into literary agents.
When writing adult books, you will find that a good percentage of well-known
publishers only deal with authors who have professional literary agents in
their corner. With that said, you are not required to use the services of a
literary agent, but it may result in more work for you. Even if you are not
sure if a literary agent is the right choice for you, consider giving a few a
close look. When doing so, examine fees, feedback, client testimonials, and
success rate.

If you decide not to use the services of a professional literary agent, you
will need to find and examine book publishers yourself. When sending your
manuscript out, be very careful. You will not want to make some costly, but
easy to avoid mistakes. That is why research is important. Purchase a writer's
guide or book, such as the Writer's Market. You can also use the internet to
find similar information online, although this approach can be time consuming.

As for why researching publishers is important, you will find that many have
rules and restrictions. For example, do not waste your time by sending your
books to publishers who only deal with literary agents if you do not have an
agent. Examine dates, as some publishers only accept manuscript certain months
of the year. Can you submit your manuscript to other publishers at the same
time? Some have rules, restrictions, or recommendations that encourage you not
to do so.

Another important step that you will want to take, when looking to get a book
published, is to not give up. It is rare for a publisher to accept a book on
the first try, especially if you are unpublished author. Do not give up. Try
different publishers. If you receive ten or more rejections, it may be time to
recheck your book. Are there any storyline changes or layout changes that can
be made to improve your chances of getting your book published? If so,
experiment.

When looking to get a book published, the above mentioned steps are just a few
of the many that you will want to take and should take. These steps, however,
are ones that all authors should take, as they should be able to help you
improve your chances of getting your book published. As a reminder, it is
important to do the proper amount of research before you start submitting your
book.

Is It Easier to Publish a Children's Book?

Are you interested in writing a book to later be published? If you are, you
will find that you have a number of different options. This includes different
genres to choose from. If you haven't already started writing, you may
instinctively think of writing a children's book. This is because many assume
that they are easier to get published as well as an easier way to make more
money, but is that really true?

Before automatically assuming that writing a children's book is the way to go,
it is important to examine the current market. There are an unlimited number of
children's books to choose from. Unlike traditional books for adults, you will
see a large selection of children's books in dollar stores and discount stores.
As much as parents want their children to be educated, many choose to spend a
limited amount of money on children's books. This leads to many shopping at
discount stores or dollar stores. Although not huge, this may have an impact on
your ability to get a children's book or a number of them published.

As previously stated, the competition is fierce for children's books. That is
why many publishers proceed with caution. What makes a $15 children's book sell
is often having a well-known author or a captivating story, especially for young
readers or early adults. That is why many larger publishers choose to stick with
the same authors or only use agents. Do not let this get you down however. There
are many publishers out there who are willing to take a gamble on new children's
book authors and you may be one of them.

One reason why many authors like to write children's books and think that they
would be easier to publish is because of their length. Most children's books
are only a few hundred words long, especially those designed for toddlers and
preschoolers. The exception to this is with young adult books, which do fall
under the category of children's books. Yes, it will be quicker to write a
children's book, but that doesn't improve your chances of getting your book
published. It can, in a way, make it harder, as you have to find the perfect
words when using less.

Another reason why many hopeful published authors choose to write children's
books is because they believe that they have a better chance of making more
money. So, is this true? Not always. Despite the possibility of a variance,
authors often receive higher pay for longer novels and other books. It is
possible to write a children's book quicker; therefore, you may be able to
write more, but it is also important to note that the same time and thought
should be put into all books that are written. Also, remember that you may be
able to turn out more books when writing for children, but they must first be
published for you to profit from them.

If you do make the decision to publish a children's book, it is important not
to limit yourself. When many individuals think of children's books, picture
books and board books are often the first thing that comes to time. These books
are popular, but it is important to remember that the children's genre is quite
large. There are also books for beginning readers, like small chapter books, as
well as young adults. Keep this in mind when first looking to write a children's
book, as you may want to experiment.

As highlighted above, it is not necessarily easier to write and publish a
children's book, but that does not mean that you cannot do so. Instead of
focusing on how easy it would be to publish a book or how much money you can
expect to make, you are urged to write what you know or love. When you feel
passionate about the words that you write and the story that you create, you
are much more likely to see success.

How to Improve Your Chances of Publishing a Children's Book

Are you a writer who would like to write and publish a children's book? If you
are, you should know that you have a lot of work ahead of you. A lot of new
writer's believe that children's books are easy to write. Yes, children's books
are easier to write, for the most part, but that does not mean that children's
books are easier to get published.

The first step in getting a children's book published is to write a great
children's book. You will want to write a children's book that kids can't wait
to read or a book that kids don't want to put down. This is most often the case
with chapter books or books for young adults, but even picture books must be
interesting and captivating.

One of the best ways to ensure that you write a good children's book is by
talking to kids in the age group that you intend to write for. Are you a parent
yourself? If you are, speak to your kids. What would like they to see in a book?
If you don't have any kids, consider asking your younger relatives or the
children of your friends.

Also, if you are a parent, you are at an advantage because there is a good
chance that you have read stories to your children before. What books did they
find the most interesting? Which books did you like to read to them the most?
Examine the themes and layouts of these books and consider making yours similar
in nature.

After you have written a children's book, your first thought may be to start
approaching publishers right away. This is a step is one that should wait.
First, it is important to proofread and edit your book. Unfortunately, many new
authors assume that this is a step that they do not have to take. Many
mistakenly believe that since children's books are shorter in length that there
is much less to edit. The truth is that you should actually proofread and edit a
children's book more. Since there are less words, publishers expect every word
to be written perfectly. If you must, hire the services of a professional
editor.

Join a critique group. Writer's critique groups are easy to find and they have
a number of benefits. The best way to find a writer's critique group is by
using the internet. You may be able to find online critique groups or
information on local groups. Depending on what you find, you may need to pay a
small fee to join a critique group, but some out there do not require the
payment of a membership fee. When becoming a part of a writer's critique group,
you share your book with other group members and they will do the same.

Whether you use the services of a professional editor, join a writer's group,
or just let your friends or family read your book, it is important to take all
advice into consideration. Of course, this does not mean that you have to
completely rewrite your book, but you will want to take all suggestions into
consideration. Your friends, editors that you pay, and other members of a
writer's critique group want to see you succeed, not fail. This means that the
advice that they do give you is likely useful and helpful; therefore, it should
be taken into consideration.

How to Get Your Book Published: A General Overview

Are you a writer who has just finished writing a book? If you are a first time
author, you may be unsure as to how you should proceed, in terms of getting
your book published. If that is the case, you will want to continue reading on,
as a number of steps that you will want to take are highlighted below.

One of the first things that you will need to do is familiarize yourself with
publishers. In addition to knowing where to send your book manuscript and who
it should be addressed to, you will want to learn as much about the publisher
in question as possible. What type of themes are they looking for? Will your
book be a good fit? Are there are rules or restrictions in terms of formatting
that you need to abide by? Does
the publisher in question only accept agented submissions? These are all
important questions that you need to have answers to.

As for how you can go about finding book publishers, you will be pleased with
all of your options. You can look at the books that you own, the books in your
local library, or the books in your local bookstores. Make note the publishers
and perform a standard internet search with their names. Next, look for a
section for writer's guidelines. You can also perform a generalized standard
internet search, such as with the phrase "book publishers." There are also a
number of printed resources, like the popular Writer's Market books, that you
can use as well.

As previously stated, you will want to learn what rules and restrictions
publishing companies may have. If you can't find this information online or in
print, be sure to use your best judgment. Make sure that your book manuscript
and all other documents are easy to read, formatted properly, and clean. Also,
be sure to include a cover letter and a book proposal. Many authors choose to
merge these two documents together. You can, but, be careful. Cover letters and
book proposals should be right to the point and not clouded with too much
information.

You should also consider using the services of professional literary agent and
editor. They can be costly, but they are typically more than worth the costs.
No matter how good you are at proofreading, you will likely miss some errors. A
second set of professional eyes are advised. As for literary agents, they too
have a number of benefits. If the publishers that fit your book the best only
accept agented submissions, it may be in your best interest to hire a
professional literary agent. They can help get your book into doors that you
couldn't.

As for follow-ups, they are okay, but also be sure to use your best judgment.
Most publishers outline on their websites how long it should take for you to
receive a response, like in two to four months. If you do not receive a
response by that time, consider placing a phone call or sending a letter to the
publisher in question. For your own protection though, do not make contact
before the estimated response time.

By taking the above mentioned points into consideration, you may be able to see
your book in print soon. As a reminder however, do not be scared of rejection
letters. They are common, but that does not mean that you should give up.

How to Get a Book Published: Helpful Tips

Did you just finish writing a book that you would like to see published? If so,
you may be looking for some guidance, especially if you are a new, unpublished
author. Below a list of helpful tips on how to get a book published are
outlined below.

It is important to never make any concrete assumptions. For example, do not
assume that your book will be published, but also don't assume that it will be
rejected either. Also, never make assumptions where money is concerned. Do not
expect to be paid at all or even a certain amount until you receive a solid
offer from a book publisher. It is important to remember that you are taking a
risk, especially if you are unpublished author. Unless you are a published
author or if you are a new author who has unlimited financial resources, do not
quit your day job right away.

Next, it is important to be prepared for rejections. This is different from the
above mentioned tip of not making any assumptions, like that your book will
automatically fail or be denied by all publishers. It is more than possible to
get a book published, but it often takes time and trial and error, especially
for new authors. This means that you should get use to the fact that rejection
is common. Don't expect it, but don't feel heartbroken or completely give up if
and when a rejection letter arrives in the mail.

Another helpful tip involves not assuming that you need to have a literary
agent, especially right away. Yes, literary agents do improve most writers'
chances of getting published through a major publisher, but there is no written
rule stating that you do need to use a literary agent. Many publishers still
accept unsolicited book manuscripts. As an important note, should you decide to
use a literary agent, be sure to use your best judgment. Examine fees, get
feedback from past and current clients, and so forth.

In keeping with hiring a professional literary agent, if you are unsure about
using the services of one, try your hand at not doing so first. The Writer's
Market book, other similar guides, and research online can tell you what
publishers accept books from authors without agents. If you receive multiple
rejection letters then consider hiring an editor, as well as a literary agent.

As it was previously stated, the Writer's Market books, other similar printed
resources, and the internet can help you examine publishers. Be sure to read
all information that is provided to you. This will prevent you from making many
common mistakes. For example, some publishers only allow you to submit one book
manuscript to them at a time or submitting your manuscript to multiple
publishers at the same time may be advised against. You may also find
publishers that only accept book manicurist certain months of the year. With
the possibility of so many rules and restrictions, research is advised.

In keeping with what is expected of you and your documents, examine any
formatting guidelines that may be imposed. There is noting worse that
submitting a manuscript that does not follow clear cut directions. Be sure to
include a cover letter, as well as self-addressed stamped return envelope,
unless a publisher outright states that one is not required. Also, never send
your original documents. Even if your manuscript is saved on your computer, be
sure to always keep backups, in both printed and disc formats.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many things that you will want
to keep in mind when looking to get your book published. As a reminder, it is
not always easy to get a book published, but that doesn't mean that you
shouldn't follow your dream. If you have a book written, go ahead and start
submitting it to publishers. You have nothing to lose by doing so.

How to Get a Book Published: Common Questions Asked

Are you looking to get a book that you wrote published? Whether that book is a
romance novel, a science fiction novel, a children's book, or a book from
another genre, there is a good chance that you have a number of questions. This
is most commonly the case with new or unpublished authors. For your convenience,
a few common questions that writers who are looking to get a book published have
and their answers are highlighted below.

Question: Is it easy to get a book published?

Answer: Not always. Of course, it is possible to get your book published, but
did you know that most writers receive only rejection letters? With that being
said, even if you do receive a rejection letter or even multiple letters for
that matter, it is important not to give up. Many of the most well-known and
successful authors today did not give up, even after many received multiple
rejections. It takes time and trial and error to find the publisher that is the
perfect fit for you and your book.

Question: How much money can I make?

As for determining how much money you can make when getting your book
published, you will find that it honestly all depends. There are a number of
varied factors that you will want to take into consideration. These factors
include the publisher in question, the genre of your book, and its length.
Typically speaking, books that are longer in length are likely more valuable
and well-known publishers are more likely to make more money. Your experience
may also have an impact on what you receive.

Question: Do I need to have a literary agent?

It is no secret that literally agents are recommended. When researching tips on
how to get a book published online, you will see a large number of individuals
recommending that you use the professional assistance of a literary agent. Yes,
there are many publishers who only work with authors who have agents, but many
others do not have this requirement. If you cannot afford the cost of an agent,
consider getting your book published on your own first. If you cannot, then
consider hiring a literary agent to assist you.

Question: How do I find book publishers?

When it comes to finding book publishers, you will find that you have a number
of different options. One of the easiest approaches to take is with the
purchase of the Writer's Market guide or another similar resource. These books
typically sell for less than $20 each. They detail publishers for you in
specific genres, outline what they are looking for, what requirements each
publishers have, and so forth.

In addition to purchasing the Writer's Market book or another similar resource,
you can also use the internet to your advantage. Some websites highlight
publishers that accept manuscripts, but you will find that best success by
visiting the websites of each publisher. They should outline detailed
information, much like what you would find in printed guides for writers.

Question: What are my chances of being published?

As with the amount of money you can make with a published book, you will find
that your chances of getting your book published all depend on a number of
factors. First, it is important to look at how many publishers you are
approaching. The more publishers you approach, the better your chances are. It
is also important to note that the Writer's Market books detail for you on
average how many books a publisher puts out each year. This can also help to
give you a good idea as to what your chances of being published are.

The above mentioned questions are just a few of the many questions that many
new authors have about getting a book published. As a quick recap, be sure to
do the proper amount of research first, in terms of publishers, never assume
that you will make a certain amount of money until an offer arrives, and do not
give up even if your book is rejected by a number of publishers.

How to Find Book Publishers

Are you interested in getting a book that you wrote published? If you are, you
need to find the publisher that is the perfect fit for you and your book.
Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. Book publishers are picky
about which books and authors they choose to work with. The good news is that
there are hundreds of publishers for you to choose from, depending on your
genre.

Once you have written and proofread your book multiple times, you will need to
start researching and examining publishers. Unfortunately, this is a step that
many hopeful published authors do not take. Many simply just send copies of
their books off to publishers that they already know of. This approach is okay,
but it limits your chances of getting a book published. Instead, you will want
to examine as many book publishers as possible. Despite the fact that this
sounds like a very time consuming process, it is a process that is much easier
that many imagine.

One of the easiest ways to find book publishers is by purchasing printed
resource guides for authors. These guides come in a number of different
formats. Many are categorized by genre, such as children's books, Christian
books, and so forth. What they typically do is outline publishers that accept
manuscripts, as well as other detailed information. These printed resource
guides are usually updated often; therefore, if you do make a purchase, be sure
to purchase an updated guide. Speaking of making your purchase, you can find
these publishing guides for authors available for sale online and in most
bookstores.

As previously stated, there are a number of printed resource guides for authors
that you can use to go about finding publishers to submit your book to. One
guide that comes highly rated and recommend is that of the Writer's Market. The
Writer's Market books cover a number of genres and they are updated on a yearly
basis. Information that is included tends to include themes that book
publishers are looking for, requirements on submitting a manuscript, the
address in which that manuscript must be submitted to and much more. The
Writer's Market books are also well-known for their expert tips and advice,
which is typically provided by experienced authors.

Although most Writer's Market books and other similar printed resource guides
for authors can often be purchased for under $20, many people do not like
paying for something that they can find for free online. If you are looking to
use the internet to find book publishers, you will find that you do have a
number of different options. For starters, you will want to perform a standard
internet search with the phrase "book publishers." If you are targeting a
specific genre, such as children's books, be sure to include that in your
search phrase. Your standard internet search is likely to produce a number of
different results.

As for what your standard internet search will produce, you will likely find
websites where a large selection of publishers are listed. These websites may
either list publishers with detailed information or you may be provided with a
link to a publisher's website. Speaking of publisher websites, these websites
can also be found mixed in with your standard internet search.

If you would like to directly find the online websites of book publishers, a
standard internet search with the publisher's name should produce the results
that you are looking for. Most have guidelines and other information posted for
authors on their websites. If you aren't already aware of publishers, you may
want to go through the books that you have in your home or visit your local
bookstore. In fact, most online retailers will list what publishers books are
published through.

This can help to give you some publisher names to checkout.

As a reminder, it is important to find the publisher that you think will be the
perfect fit for you and your book. Therefore, look for publishers that are
seeking just what your book has to offer.

Getting Your Book Published: What You Need to Know About Literary Agents

If you are an author who is shopping around for a publisher, you may find the
phrase "agented submission only." What does this mean? This means that the
publisher in question will not even look at manuscripts that are sent in
directly by the author. Instead, the approach must be made by a professional
literary agent.

Since many large, well-known publishers only accept book manuscripts that are
sent in by a professional literary agent, you may decide to use the services of
one. If so, that will likely be a good choice on your part, but there are some
important points that you will first want to take into consideration. Please
continue reading on for information that you and all other authors should know
about literary agents.

It is first important to know exactly what a literary agent should do for you.
A literary agent will essentially submit your book to a publishing company for
you. The whole process is just like what you would do at home, but it is
different because new doors are opened for you. A professional literary agent
is able to submit your book to publishers that wouldn't even look at it if you
submitted it on your own.

As for the benefits of using the services of a professional literary agent,
they are experienced in the field. A successful literary agent has spent years,
months, or at least weeks researching publishers. They should know what
publishers look for, in terms of themes, and they know what publishers don't
want to see. This research allows many professional literary agents to know
what publishing houses are likely to accept your book, often within a few
minutes of reading it.

If you do decide to use the services of a professional literary agent, it is
important to know that you may be screened. This means that a publisher may
examine your book and then decide not to represent you. This often occurs for
two different reasons. The first being that the publisher tends to specialize
in a specific genre, such as children's books. The second being that your book 
isn't good enough. Having a well-known publisher stand behind your book isn't 
enough to get it published; therefore, many well-known agents are picky with 
the clients that they choose to work with.

Speaking of being picky, you should also be careful with the literary agent or
agency that you choose to work for. Many experts in the field of book
publishing state that having a bad literary agent is actually worse than having
no agent at all. This is because many well-known publishers are well aware of
literary agents that have poor track records. In fact, some publishers may
completely overlook manuscripts that are sent in by a bad agent and you do not
want yours to be one of them. That is why you need to carefully find and choose
a literary agent, should you wish to use the services of one.

When examining literary agents, examine specialties, success rates, reputation,
and so forth. If you truly want to become a successful and well-known author,
you should spend just as much time searching for a literary, as you would
searching for a publisher. With that said, it is important to remember that
there are publishers who will read your manuscripts even if you choose not to
use a literary agent.

Getting a Book Published: The Easiest Ways to Find Publishers

Are you interested in publishing a book that you just wrote? If you are, one of
the next steps you will need to take involves finding publishers to approach.
For many new authors, this is the most overwhelming part of the whole process.
The good news is that there are multiple ways that you can find publishers to
send your book to, but which way is the best?

Before focusing on what ways are the best ways to find publishers, it is
important to get a clear cut definition of the word best. In terms of finding
publishers, you will want an approach that is easy, time saving, as well as an
approach that will produce the best results.

When it comes to doing any sort of research, even research on book publishers,
the internet is one of the easiest approaches to take. For that reason, you may
be interested in using the interenet to help you find book publishers. When
doing so, you will find that you have a number of different options. If you
already known of a publisher or two in your genre, consider performing a
standard internet search with that publisher's name. This should lead you to
their online website.

Another approach that you can take, when using the internet, is to perform a
standard internet search with a generalized phrase. This phrase can include
"science fiction publishers," or whatever your genre is. Your standard internet
search will likely lead you to online websites that act as directories for
authors seeking information on publishers. These websites are nice, but be
cautious of the information that is provided to you. Still visit the online
website of a publisher to get as much accurate information as possible.

Speaking of visiting the online website of a book publisher, this is the best
way to find the publisher that is the perfect fit for you and your book. Most
book publishers have detailed information for authors, including writer's
guidelines and other rules and restrictions. Many publishers also have detailed
information on their current books, including pictures and short descriptions.
Reviewing this information first can help you determine whether or not your
book is what the publisher in question is looking for.

A number of printed resources are also available to help you find information
on publishers. One of those resources is the Writer's Market books. They are
developed for a number of different genres, including children's books. These
books outline publishers that accept manuscripts from both agents and authors
without agents. Information on guidelines and what is in need is also outlined.

In keeping with printed resources guides, to help you find publishers, you will
find that they are very affordable. In fact, the popular Most Writer's Market
books can be purchased for around $20 or less. Although these books are
available in most public libraries, purchasing your own copy allows you to
write your own notes in the book and highlight important information. The
ability to write your own notes and create your own categories helps to
simplify the process of finding publishers.

Another easy way that you can go about finding publishers is by using the
services of an literary agent. For the standpoint of ease, this is the easiest
approach. A literary agent will help you find the perfect publishers for your
book and do a large percentage of the research for you. As nice as it is to
rely on the professional knowledge, experience, and expertise of a literary
agent, their fee may be a turn off. If you intended to submit your own book to
publishers, which would only cost you postage, this unexpected fee may be too
much.

As you can see, there are a number of easy ways that you can go about finding
publishers to help you publish a book. As for which approach is the best for
you, it will depend on your own personal preferences. If you feel more
comfortable using a computer, the internet is advised and so forth.

Getting a Book Published: Do You Need an Agent?

Are you a writer who would like to get a book published? If you are, you may
have heard that you should hire the services of a professional literary agent.
Yes, there are a number of benefits to using a professional agent, but is one
really needed? You are about to find out.

As for whether or not you use should use the services of a literary agent,
there are a number of important factors that you will first want to take into
consideration. One of those being your book. Have you already written your
book? If you haven't, you may be at an advantage. For example, you can take the
time to first research publishers and what they are looking for. When you are
able to tailor what you write to exactly what most publishers are looking for,
you are more likely to see success, even without the help of a professional
agent.

If you have already written your book, you may still be able to get it
published without using the services of a professional agent. What you will
want to do, however, is find the publisher or publishers that are the perfect
fit for you and your book. This will involve a little bit of research on your
part, but it is often a lot cheaper than using a professional literary agent.
As for how you should proceed, if you are a science fiction writer, only send
your book manuscript to publishing houses that are looking for science fiction
books, as opposed to those who are requesting romance novels and so forth.

Although it is possible to get a book published without having a literary agent
by your side, there are times where a literary agent is needed. For example,
many of the larger, well-known publishing houses do not accept manuscripts from
authors who are not working with an agent. If you have your heart set on seeing
your book published by a larger, well-known publisher, as opposed to a lesser
known, smaller publisher, an agent may be in your best interest. If you do
decide not to use a literary agent, just be sure not to send your book to
publishers who request that their authors have agents, as this can create a bad
image of yourself.

If you do decide to hire the services of a professional literary agent, you
will want to proceed with caution. For starters, just about anyone can call
themselves a professional, but that doesn't mean that they are. For your best
interest, it is worthwhile to research and examine a number of literary agents
before making your decision. Compare costs, quality, and success rates. If you
are targeting a specific genre, such the children's market, try to find
publishers that specialize in the field of children's books.

For the ultimate level of protecting your best interest, examine literary
agents who only get paid when your book gets published. In all honesty, these
types of literary agents and agencies are few and far in between and many only
extend this offer to a limited number of authors, but you do not have to worry
about losing money.

As a recap, there is no rule stating that a literary agent is required to get a
book published. That doesn't mean, however, that you cannot benefit from using
the services of one.

Getting a Book Published: How to Find a Literary Agent

Are you an author who has a book that you would like to see published? If so,
you may want to use the services of a literary agent. Also, if you are an
author who has been shopping your book around without success, an agent may be
worth examining. Unfortunately, many new authors are unsure as to how they can
find and choose literary agents. If you are one of those individuals, you will
want to continue reading on.

Before highlighting a few of the many ways that you can go about finding an
agent to help you publish a book, it is important to examine the pros and cons
of using a literary agent. For starters, if you choose an agent that is
well-known or one who has a proven track record, your chances of getting your
book published tend to increase. This is because professional literary agents
and agencies know where to look. As for the cons or downsides to using a
literary agent, their cost is the biggest.

When it comes to finding a literary agent, you will find that you have a number
of different options. One of your options is to turn to printed resources. There
are a number of books that are available for sale or books that may be found in
local libraries that can help you. These books are often how-to guides with
information on how to find, approach, and research literary agents. Books that
are updated on a yearly basis are likely to include the names, information, and
contact numbers of literary agents that accept new clients.

As previously stated, there are a number of guides that you can purchase. One
of those guides is the Guide to Literary Agents. This guide is similar to the
ever so popular Writer's Market books. These Guide to Literary Agent books are
just a few of the many available for sale; however, they come highly rated and
recommended. When buying a literary agent guide, be sure to examine contents.
The best guide is one that not only provides you with helpful tips, but also
one that gives you the contact information of literary agents that may be able
to help you publish a book.

In addition to using a printed guide to help you find a literary agent, you can
also use the internet. When using the internet to find a literary agent to help
you publish a book, there are a number of different approaches that you can
take. For starters, perform a standard internet search. Your search should at
least include the phrase "literary agents." Your standard internet search for
literary agents should produce a number of different results. These results
should include websites that act as literary agent directories, where multiple
literary agents and their contact information is listed. When using this
approach, be sure to check for dates, as you will want to make sure that you
have updated information.

Another way that you can use the internet to find literary agents involves
using business directories. Many of these directories, such as the ones for
Yahoo, also work in conjunction with standard internet searches. What you will
want to do is choose a location, such as a local location or a well-known
location like New York. Then, for the business enter in literary agent. This
will likely provide you with the name of individual literary agents or literary
agencies, as well as their locations, websites, and telephone numbers.

As highlighted above, there are a number of different ways that you can go
about finding literary agents. As easy as it can be to find a literary agent to
work with, it is important that you don't just choose anyone. You need to
remember that literary agents have all different experiences and success
levels. Be sure to examine rates, quality of work, success rate, and feedback
from past and current clients. This will not only help to increase your chances
of getting your book published, but it will also prevent you from losing money.

Getting a Book Published: Common Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Do you have a book that you would like to see published? If so, you may be
interested in getting started right away. As soon as an author finishes their
book, they want to start approaching publishers as soon as possible. While it
is more than possible to take this approach, you also want to proceed with
caution. There are many common mistakes that new authors make when looking to
get a book published. These are not mistakes that you will not want to make.

One mistake that many authors, especially new authors, make is assuming that
others will like their book, no matter what. It is important to remember that
just because you think that your book will be a bestseller, it doesn't mean
that others will. You do not want to be negative, but it is important not to be
overly positive as well. In fact, that is a good reason why you should consider
using the services of both an editor and a literary agent. At the very least,
consider asking a few close friends or family members for their input. This can
serve as a mini focus group for yourself.

Another common mistake that many new authors make, when looking to get a book
published, is by assuming that it is easy to do. The reality is that it is
quite difficult to get a book published, especially if you are an unpublished
author. If you wish to see success, there is a lot of time that must go into
your work. Simply writing a book isn't enough. You need to do the proper amount
of editing, proofreading, and so forth. Although it can be very time consuming
to get a book published, the reward is more than worth it.

Giving up after the first, second, third, or even forth rejection is another
common mistake that many new authors make. It is no secret that rejection
hurts. The last thing that any author wants is someone to state that their book
isn't good enough. With that said, a rejection is what you will likely receive.
Did you know that many of the most well-known authors today were first greeted
with rejection letters? As previously stated, it isn't easy to get a book
published, but do not give up.

One of the biggest mistakes made by authors looking to get their books
published is with publishers. Here is where you want to proceed with caution,
as your chances of making a costly mistake are very high. Never submit your
manuscript to a publisher without first doing the proper amount of research.

Many publishers, especially those that are well-known or large in size, want to
do business with authors who have literary agents. With that said, you do not
need to have a literary agent to see your book published. However, if you do
not use an agent, do not send your manuscript to publishers that do not accept
unsolicited manuscripts or those without agents. This will likely result in
your work not being looked at and you may also not even receive a reply back.

Speaking of knowing what book publishers want, one mistake that many hopeful
authors make is not doing the proper amount of research. Invest in the $20 that
it takes to purchase the Writer's Market guides or other similar resources. They
give you detailed information on what publishers accept and from whom. For
example, you may already know that Harlequin specializes in romance novels, but
you may not know the specialty of other smaller publishers. You do not want to
send a romance novel to a publisher that is only seeking science fiction books
and so forth.

Another little factor that you will want to take into consideration is
something that will not have an impact on a large percentage of writers, but it
is still an important point to make. Do you smoke? If you do and in your office,
your papers may end up smelling like cigarette smoke. Many publishers have noted
this as being a major inconvenience and turnoff.

eBooks: A Great Alterative to Print Publishing

Are you a writer who has tried and tried and tried again to get your book
published? If you
have and if you have only been met with rejection letter after rejection
letter, your first impulse may be to give up. The decision to do so is yours to
make, but if you do believe that you have a good book on your hands, you may
want to consider transforming your book into an eBook instead.

A nice as it is to hear that you can take your book, transform it into an
eBook, and sell it, you may be curious as to why you should do so, as well as
how. The good news is that creating an eBook is a lot easier than many imagine.
In fact, the hardest part of about creating an eBook is writing one and you
should already have this step accomplished.

As for the benefits of creating an eBook, it is first important to know what
they are. eBooks are defined as electronic or digital books. The materials and
stories covered in eBooks are just like printed books; however, the overall
format is different.

As for who reads eBooks and how they are read, you will find that it all
depends. There are a number of small handheld machines that are used to read
eBooks. These components upload an eBook, often through a small connecting
cable that is connected through the computer. As popular as this approach is,
many eBook reading machines can be costly; therefore, many readers choose to
simply just read eBooks from their computer or print them. The most avid
readers of eBooks are those who are internet and computer savvy.

The main benefit of transforming your book into an eBook is that the process is
easy. In fact, many first time authors are surprised just how easy it is to
create an eBook. Although you do have a number of different formatting options,
many choose the popular PDF format, as most computers already have free reader
programs installed. This means that your buyers will be able to read your eBook
right away.

Since all publishers require book manuscripts to be in printed, computer
format. There is a good chance that your book is already saved on your
computer. What you will want to do is use a program, like Adobe Create a PDF
Online. Simply follow the directions and your book will automatically be
transformed into a PDF file. As for creating an eBook, this is really the only
step that you need to take.

As easy as it is to create an eBook, selling it can be more difficult. The good
news, however, is that you do have a number of different options. One of those
options to sell your eBook on a third party website. These are websites where a
large collection of eBooks are listed for sale and written by different authors.
The only downside to this approach is the fact that most third party websites
take a small percentage of each sale or they charge a monthly fee.

In keeping with selling an eBook, you also have the option of creating your own
website. What you will want to do is create a webpage that offers detailed
information about your eBook, such as its title, the basis of your storyline,
or what readers will learn if your eBook is a how-to book. This approach is the
most cost effective; however, it is important to remember that internet users
will not just be able to find your website; you also need to market it as well.

As for accepting payment, many eBook authors use programs like PayPal. If you
do choose to create your own website, you can also purchase your own shopping
cart software. This should allow you to not only accept payments from PayPal
members, but major credit card holders as well.

As a recap, transforming your book into an eBook and selling it online is a
nice alternative to print publishing and self-publishing. If you are unable to
get your eBook published by a well-known publisher, it is an approach that you
will want to examine.

Book Publishing Scams: What Are They and How to Avoid Them

Are you an author who would like to get a book published? If you are, and if
you are currently an unpublished author, you may do just about anything to see
your book in print. As good as it is to have goals and dreams, it is also
important to have knowledge on your side. If you do not proceed with caution,
you may find yourself falling victim to some common book publishing scams.

Unless you decide to self-publish a book, you should never have to pay a
publisher to put your book in print. In fact, it should be the other way
around. Yes, most publishers will take a percentage of the money that you make,
but that percentage isn't even always talked about. Most well-known publishers
will either offer you a flat fee or an advance payment. If royalty payments are
decided on, a specific percentage will be agreed upon.

Individuals or companies who claim that you must pay to have your book
published are likely just trying to scam you. They are either after two things,
your material or your money. Chances are, your book may never even be published,
but if you sign a contract, the individual or company in question may then own
the words that you wrote. For that reason, never, under any circumstances,
should you pay a publisher to publish your book for you.

In addition to book publishing companies, it is also important to proceed with
caution where literary agents and editors are concerned. Editors are
recommended, as they are likely to find grammar mistakes that you may have
missed. What you will want to do, however, is be cautious of who you do hire.
Never pay someone to read your book that you haven't heard of before. Since you
may not know many editors or any for that matter, the proper amount of research
should be done. Look for editor reviews online or ask other published writers
for recommendations.

In terms of literary agents, the same amount of research should be done. Did
you know that many publishing companies avoid working with certain literary
agents? Those who do not properly screen their books or those that misrepresent
their books, develop a bad name for themselves. The last thing that you want is
your name and book attached to a literary agent with a bad reputation.

As for the scams that are associated with literary agents, it is important to
be cautious with pay. A literary agent or agency that asks you to pay a fee
upfront is a good sign of a scam. This fee is often called a reading fee. What
you need to know though is that many literary agents take a percentage of the
amount of money that you make when you sign a contract with a publisher. In a
way, this can serve as a guarantee that you will be receiving quality,
guaranteed results. Publishers who accept upfront fees may later choose to not
accept you as a client or they may just take your money and run.

When looking to get a book published, the above mentioned scams are just a few
of the many that you will want to keep in mind. If an offer, a literary agent,
or an editor sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.

Approaching Book Publishers: The Importance of Creating a System

Are you an author who has just completed writing a book? After your book has
been written and edited, you may be ready to start approaching publishers. If
you are like most authors, there is a good chance that you will send your book
manuscript to a number of publishing companies. After all, the more publishers
you approach, the better your chance of getting a book published are.

Although sending your book manuscript to a number of publishers is likely to
increase your chances of getting your book published, it also increases the
chances of confusion and error on your part. If you do not create a system for
you to use and record your findings, you may end up making a number of costly
and embarrassing mistakes. That is why it is important to know what publishers
you have sent your book to, which publishers have responded, what their
response was, and so forth.

As it was previously stated, not being organized, when trying to get a book
published, can have a number of consequences. One of those consequences is that
you could mistakenly send your documents to the same publisher twice. This has
the potential to be very embarrassing and you may also, unintentionally, create
a bad name for yourself. If a book publisher sends you a rejection letter, you
do not want to resend them your book, especially if you didn't make any changes.

Since it is important for you to create a book publishing system, you may be
curious as to how you can go about doing so. The good news is that you do have
a number of different options. For starters, it is important to first know what
information you should include on your documents. You need to know what
publishers you have submitted your manuscript to. You should also include the
date that your information was sent out. Next, be sure to have a spot for
responses from those publishers. Did you receive a rejection letter, a request
for a meeting or more information? Also, record the date of this information.

As for how your information can be arranged, you will find that it all depends
on your preference. If you are computer savvy, you can use your computer. You
can create a spreadsheet. Be sure to include the information outlined above,
including the publisher's name, the date the information was sent out, the
response, as well as the date that response that was received. What is nice
about using the computer is that you can easily add information right away.
This allows you to keep a continued list going.

As nice as it is to use the computer, some individuals feel more comfortable
keeping important information in print. The same approach can and should be
taken though. Create a chart for you to use. Be sure to keep it in a well-known
place so that you do not accidentally lose your important information. Also, be
sure to remember to update every time that you decide to send your book to new
publisher or if you receive a response letter.

As you can see, creating a system for yourself that allows you to track
publishers that you have sent or intend to send your book to is a lot easier
than it originally sounds. As a reminder, there are a number of benefits to
staying organized and up-to-date with your information.

Should You Self-Publish Your Books? Signs That You Should

Are you an author who has a book that you would like to see published? If so,
have you received multiple rejection letters from both large and small
publishing houses? If you have, your first thought may be to give up. Of
course, it is your right to do so, but did you know that you do have other
options? One of those options is to self-publish your own book.

Before examining if self-publishing your own book is right for you, it is first
important to familiarize yourself with self-publishing, namely what it is.
Self-publishing involves writing, developing, and selling a book without the
assistance of a third party publishing company. Book authors are responsible
for writing a book, editing a book, and finding a company to print the book, as
well as selling the book. Self-published authors typically sell their books on
their own websites or they approach retailers, both on and offline.

As for whether or not self-publishing a book is the right option for you, there
are some signs that you will want to look for. A few signs that self-publishing
may be your best option are highlighted below for your convenience.

Sign #1 -- You Have Received Multiple Rejection Letters

What it is first important to understand about the publishing process is that
few authors receive offers from publishers on their first, second, or even
third try. In fact, some authors try as many as fifty times or more to get just
one book published before they receive an offer.

As a good rule to set for yourself, be sure to send your manuscript to as many
publishers as you possibly can, especially those that are looking for what you
have, such as an environmental themed children's book or a science fiction
novel. When there are no more publishers left, consider self-publishing.

Sign #2 -- Despite Rejection Letters You Still Believe You Have a Good Book

Self-publishing is a wise choice for many, but for others it can be a costly
mistake. Before deciding to go ahead with self-publishing a book, it is
important to make sure that you are fully behind your book. Do you honestly and
truly believe in your heart that you have a good book on your hands? If you do,
self-publishing may be for you.

Sign #3 -- You Have a Book with Limited Readers

When many of us think of publishing a book, we automatically think of
captivating stories. Fiction books are not the only types of books written,
although they do typically tend to have the largest audiences. If you have
written a how-to book or a guide on a specific area that is likely to only draw
in a limited number of readers, self-publishing may be your best option. Many
well-known publishers tend to stay away from books that only have small target
audiences.

Sign #4 -- You Want to Retain the Largest Profit

Self-published authors stand the best chance of making the biggest profit. This
is because publishing fees are not taken out of their profits. With that said,
it is important to remember that self-publishing is not free. You will have to
pay to have your books developed in print, but that fee is typically smaller
than the cut that many well-known publishers take. There are always ways that
you can save money with self-publishing, like by printing on demand, as opposed
to a large quantity of books on hand.

Of course, it is important to remember that just because you want to make
money, it doesn't mean that you will. If you want to make the most money with a
self-published book, you have do to the proper amount of marketing.

As a reminder, it is important to remember that there are a number of pros and
cons to self-publishing. With that being said, self-publishing may be the best
option for you. If you truly believe that you have a book that will sell, you
are encouraged to closely examine self-publishing, as you have nothing to lose
by doing so.

Self-Publishing: Common Scams to Avoid

Are you an author who has decided to go the self-publishing route? If you have
received numerous rejection letters from publishing companies, but you still
believe that you have a sellable book, you may be. Self-publishers also like
the freedom and control that they have.

As nice as self-publishing is for many authors, it is still important to
proceed with caution. Did you know that there are a number of self-publishing
scams out there? There are and these are scams that you will want to avoid.

If you are self-publishing a book, you should not be required to sign any
contracts. What you will want to do is search for a printing company that will
turn your words into a real book. You do not need to sign any contracts or
agree to give away your work for this to be done. Often times, all you need to
do is agree to pay the already agreed upon fee. If you are sent a contract,
chances you are dealing with a vanity publisher, as opposed to a printing
company.

Whether you examine vanity publishers or a printing company, be cautious of any
recommendations that you receive. For example, if an individual in your travels
says "I know of a great designer who can design an amazing cover for your
book," proceed with caution. Of course, the individual or company in question
is more than worth the look, but you should know that many companies do not
recommend others out of the goodness of their hearts. Many do so because they
receive a percentage of each sale made by working as an affiliate.

Even if you make the decision to self-publish a book, there is still a good
chance that you will turn to other experts. You may be interested in hiring the
services of a professional editor or a designer to make your book cover. When
hiring a designer, give them an outline of your book or your expectations, but
never hand over your completed work. A designer does not need this. If they ask
for it, they may have bad intentions.

As for hiring the services of a professional editor, know who you are working
with at all times. Do the proper amount of research first. You can honestly
never tell if an editor actually reads your books and make changes. Be leery of
anyone who says "everything looks good to me," and then hands you a bill. It is
also important to remember that when you hire an editor, you essentially hand
them everything that you have worked on for the past year or months. Make sure
you hire a trusted editor who will not run with your work and then later claim
it as their own.

In keeping with hiring assistance, one of the downsides to self-publishing is
that you, as the author, are responsible for selling your book. This is
something that many authors do not have the time and experience to do. That is
why outside help is often used. If you do use help, choose a different person.
Do not let the same company publish your book and then sell it. This is often a
sign of a scam. Instead, hire a marketing specialist who can help you develop
and market your own website where your book can be offered for sale. Or,
approach local retailers, like your local bookstores, to see if they can carry
your book.

Although there are a number of scams associated with self-publishing, it is a
great way to get a book published. Just be sure to use your best judgment.

Resources to Help You Get a Book Published

Are you an author who would like to get a book published? If you are, you may
have heard that getting a book published is a lot easier said than done. Yes,
this is true in many cases, but it is important to know that you should have
access to a number of resources that can help you improve your chances. A few
of those resources are highlighted below for your convenience.

Printed publishing guides are must have resources for all writers that want to
get a book published. The most well-known of these guides is that of the
Writer's Market. The Writer's Market books and other similar printed resources
outline publishers. These publishers are often categorized based on genre.
Information that you will find may include addresses to send your manuscripts
to, the average number of books a publisher puts out each year, book themes
that publishers are looking for, as well as rules and restrictions on
submitting book manuscripts.

The good news about using printed resources, like the Writer's Market books, is
that they are easy to come across and affordable. These books can be found
available for sale online, as well as in local bookstores. Many libraries also
have them available free of charge. Although the cost of buying is likely to
vary, most publishing guides can be purchased for $20 or less. So, pick up a
copy of the Writer's Market or another similar book for yourself today.

When looking to get a book published, the internet is another resource that you
should use to your advantage. In fact, the internet holds a wealth of
information for writers who are looking for publishing help. For starters,
there are a number of websites that list information on publishers in specific
genres. In a way, these websites resemble an online version of the above
mentioned Writer's Market books. You may find these websites, as well as direct
links to well-known publishers, by performing a standard internet search. Use
phrases such as "children's book publishers," "science-fiction publishers," and
so forth.

The internet can also be used to help you find other book publishing resources,
one of those being information on writer's conferences. Each year, multiple
conferences are held for writers and all across the United States. They often
include a number of educational and fun activities, such as meet and greet
sessions for writers, sessions that cover the art of writing a book, sessions
that cover the publishing process, and much more. Many of these conferences
also have well-known or at least published authors speak. Costs will vary, but
any admission fee is usually more than worth it.

Writer's critique groups are another resource that you and other writers can
benefit from being a part of. These groups are typically small in size and they
often result you being paired with another writer or two. Typically, what
happens is that you will share your book with others in the group and others
will do the same as well. Information, tips, and feedback will be exchanged.
Many unpublished authors find success with writer's critique groups, as they
serve as a miniature focus group.

Similar to a writer's critique group, editors are also valuable resources that
unpublished writers can benefit from using. Of course, a good book theme and
story is important to get a book published, but proper grammar is important as
well. If you do not like proofreading or if you know that you miss common
mistakes, it may be in your best interest to hire the services of a
professional editor. Typically, you will find their affordable costs to be well
worth it. Agents should also be examined.

As previously stated, there are a number of resources that hopeful published
authors, like you, should have access to. Since many of these publishing
resources for authors are easy to gain access to and affordable, you should
give them a try. The more resources that you use to your advantage, the better
your chances of getting published are.

Questions to Ask Publishers Before Accepting an Offer

Are you an author who just received an offer to have one of your books
published? If you have, congratulations! There is no prouder moment in the
career of a writer than having a book published. With that said, it is
important to proceed with caution. You do not want your excitement to cloud
your judgment. For that reason, there are a number of important questions that
you will want to have answers to before accepting an offer from a book
publisher. A few of these questions are highlighted below for your convenience.

Question: How will I be paid?

Answer: Chances are, a publisher will outline payment for you when first
accepting your book, but it is important to make sure that you have as much
information as possible. Will you be paid a flat rate fee, an advance payment,
royalties, or a combination? It is also advised that you receive an exact
amount of total payments, although this can be difficult if your payments are
based on royalties, which are impacted by your book's sales.

Question: Can I get an advance payment?

Answer: Typically, you will find that publishers who offer advance payments
offer them. With that said, not all companies do. Asking for an advance payment
is something that many publishers come to expect, but you will want to proceed
with caution at the same time. If you are in financial despair, it may be a
good idea to ask a publisher about advance payments, but keep your public
perception in mind. If you will be paid a flat rate, as opposed to royalty
payments, consider waiting the few months that it will likely take for you to
receive payment.

In fact, when you can expect to receive payment is another question that you
will want to ask.

Question: Will I get free copies of my book? If so, how many?

Answer: Although getting free copies of your published book isn't as important
as making sure that you get paid, it is something that is of great importance
to many first time writers. If this is the first time that a book of yours has
been published, you will want to have a copy of your book to show off to your
close friends and family members. In fact, you may want to have copies to send
to them. Most reputable publishers will at least provide you with a free copy
of your book, but additional copies will likely depend on the publisher in
question.

Question: Will my book be published in foreign countries?

Answer: It is important to know the answer to this question, as it may have an
impact on the royalties that you receive. If your book is sold overseas, you
should be paid for those sales as well. Never let a publisher convince you that
foreign sales are different, as they should pay the same way, although a
different rate may be agreed on.

Question: Will you retain the rights to your book or your characters?

Answer: The answer to this important question will all depend on your contract.
That is why it is important for you to thoroughly read a contract before
agreeing to sign it. Be sure to ask any additional questions that you may have.
For example, if the book is successful, will you be the one to write sequels?
What if someone wants to turn your book into a television show or movie?

The above mentioned questions are just a few of the many that you will want to
ask a publisher before accepting their contract. As a reminder, never sign a
contract without knowing as much as you can about the agreement, as well as the
publisher extending the offer. For that reason, you are encouraged to sit down
and make an additional list of questions that you would like to have the
answers to. Be sure to do this before you make contact with the publisher in
question, as it will help to ensure that all of your bases are covered and the
first time.

  InfoBank Intro | Main Page | Usenet Forums | Search The RockSite/The Web