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Question:

How does one become a published author?

assuming one has written a decent novel...


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Ok, so you have your book written and you've proofread it really well, now you are ready to get it published. You can goto http://www.lulu.com and self-publish, but you probably wouldn't be successful in it. lulu.com will put your book on amazon.com and barnesandnobles.com etc, but that doesn't mean anyone is buying it. No one is looking for it, for one, and generally a 250 page book is going to cost the consumer about 10 dollars that way in the least. You'll probably read up on about some famous authors being self-published, but you have to dig deeper than that generic phrase, they won't give details. Self-publishing usually is better with non-fiction. Fiction, you will be much better off finding an agent.

Now, be prepared to be rejected and to wait weeks for that rejection. Nicholas Sparks sent queries to 25 literary agents, 24 turned him away. The first one who responded was the only one who wanted to go with him and she had never sold a book before, but look at him now.

Now before you get all excited and start querying agents (I'll give you a link to how later on), you need to be started on another books. Agents are looking for clients, which means that they are more inclined to give you a go if you will be committed. One hit wonders usually aren't what they are looking for.

Now, here are some very helpful links which I suggest you read over.

http://www.nicholassparks.com/writerscor...
Nicholas Spark's own advice.

http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/articles/fa...
Holly Lisle's advice, it is VERY thorough. Read through it all.

http://www.aar-online.org/mc/directory/v...
A listing of GOOD literary agents from the Association of Authors' Representatives.

http://www.spacejock.com.au/selfpublishi...
Why selfpublishing isn't the best route to go.

http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/articles/ag...
How to query an agent.

http://www.adlerbooks.com/mostask.html.....
FAQ on Literary Agents and Publishing

Those are just a handful of good resources. You can google and get more information if you need it. I hope I helped you!