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Position:Home>Books & Authors> I need some info on writing a book?Question: I need some info on writing a book!? Ok, so I am not far into writing the book!.!.!.!.!. but I want to be prepared for sending my book in to be published and such!. I basically know nothing about publishing!. What should I do after the book is finished!?!?!?
Advice from experienced writers/publishers would be nice :]Www@QuestionHome@Com Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: 1 finish the book (real publishers are NOT interested in unfinished work by unknown authors) 2 edit out errors (real publishers do NOT want to waste their time with an author who can't be bothered to turn in the best draft of a manuscript as possible) 3 get a beta reader or three (not your mom, best friend, or favorite school teacher since they already like it because they like you and they are not likely to be knowledgable about the craft of writing a good story - beta readers are often found in writer's groups and forums such as absolutewrite's watercooler)!. 4 do some research on the publishing industry so you will know how to spot a scam before it bites you (and your bank account)!. Lots of scams are aimed at new writers and poets, like PublishAmerican and Poetry!.com!. Double check any agency or publisher you are considering with the listings at preditors & editors or Writer Beware!. 5 go to a library and look at the book Writer's Market!. It has a lot of useful information in it!. Don't buy a copy until you have finished your book (there is a new edition every year and agent/publisher listings can change frequently) 6 learn how to properly format a manuscript, write a query letter, synopsis, and outline of your book!. Some agents and publishers have their own prefered guidelines, so follow them if you are submitting work to them!. 7 do NOT spam every agent and publisher with your query letter or manuscript at the same time!. Most publishers do NOT accept unagented manuscripts!. Agents do NOT want to waste their time giving consideration on your work only to find out every other agents has it, too - time is money!. 8 Rejection happens, even to good books!. 9 publishers pay you, you do NOT pay them!. 10 keep writing!. Www@QuestionHome@Com Quite often, it is good to get publishers interested in your ideas before you spend your time and effort collaborating a manuscript!. By sending an outline to publishers who are interested, you may increase your chances!. However, if you think the finished work would be better, I advise you not to do so, for it could in turn ruin your chances!. You absolutely have to get in touch with as many publishers as you can, because it is almost guaranteed that your first shot at getting published will go through!. Smaller publishing companies are generally more accepting and likely to publish your works, but your book will also be less distributed, less popular, and your profit will be smaller!. However, it is easier and it does, at least, get your name out there!. You can look up tons of publishing companies who you can submit your manuscript to, but you should never ever put your story up on the internet!. It could be stolen very easily, and whatever sight you post it on may gain rights to it without your knowledge!.Www@QuestionHome@Com |