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How to get a book published
Practically everyone in publishing has had the experience of participating in a panel or workshop and — regardless of how remote the topic — hearing this first question from the audience: “So, do I need an agent?” that is the question every person thinks while learning how to get a book published. We might conclude from this that many aspiring writers need to work on their listening skills, but it’s equally an indication of how strongly many people crave guidance on getting a book published.
So I’m going to tell you how to get a book published. (I\'ll be talking about traditional book publishing, not self-publishing or print on demand, which I will address later in a separate document.) What I have to say won’t be the spiel you usually hear, and you might not like what I have to say. But it’s my best advice based on many years in book publishing. Here it is, not-so-simple steps to publication
Important things learning how to get a book published
When writing a novel you can write what you like and think about publication late, or aim your work at a particular publishing house from the start. Which you choose depends on the type of novel.
If you aim to write category fiction, romance novels for Harlequin Mills and Boon, for instance, you have to abide by very strict guidelines as to length, limits on the number of main characters, concentration on relationships and so on. The publishers send out guidelines for potential authors but send a stamped A4 self-addressed envelope if you want any of these. There are many such publishers of category romances in the USA, and they all want different things, so you need to know their requirements first or your chances of success are minimal.
Tips on how to get a book published
\'Be professional: do your homework - submit work to a house which publishes material of the same nature as your own.\' (Deborah Smith)
Do your \'market research, and then use your own choice.\' (Elizabeth Johnson)
\'Select the publisher on the basis of the kind of books they publish.\' (Richard Todd)
\'My first published novel was rejected by fourteen publishers before being accepted. Conclusion: Determination is just as important as talent. (it would have helped, of course, to have taken more care in the choice of a suitable publisher.)\' (Anne Melville)
Many publishers have several imprints, each usually publishing a limited range or type of book. This completes the session of how to get a book published
How to get a book published >
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