On Attempting To Get Published

I've removed my previous posts as I was in post-op with my editor and wanted to wait until my book was out before I began dispensing whatever wisdom I have regarding writing. Well, my book is still not complete, but my manuscript is currently being prepared for typesetting, and my novel is projected to hit the shelves by the end of this year, 2013.

One of the things I had discussed in my previous blogs before removing them was how to go about choosing a publisher. I can tell you that most people who can write a sentence can easily get published (it's called self-publishing), and there are many terrific authors who go this route, but by the same token, "writer's" who can't complete a full sentence can get published the same way. But writer's who have integrity and care about their work will probably attempt to solicit their manuscript to publishing houses first. And anyway, remember this...just because you can self-publish doesn't mean you should. Writing quality has gone down thanks to that outlet. It's a shame for those authors who are good at their craft who choose to self-publish because they are in competition with what amounts to subterfuge.

Initially, your manuscript should be tried at the top publishing houses. By going to the Literary Market Place you can complete a decent sweep of these publishers as you'll have access to hundreds of publishing houses. Addresses will be provided, and a fee will be required to gain further access to information, however, you can forgo the fee because you can usually find the sort of information you need by simply locating their website via Google. Certainly there is information at LMP that won't be available on the website, but will that really matter all that much if you're a first time author looking to get noticed? Probably not. A first time author's objective is to get their foot in the door. Right about now it's important for me to note that the major publishing houses will probably reject you outright.

Now, you should have a complete manuscript--publisher's do not want to deal with "author's" who "have an idea" or "have most of their book written in their head". They want to see that an author has what it takes to write a full-length novel. But in most cases, as I've already mentioned, the major publishing houses aren't even going to read your manuscript in the first place. Years ago it was their job to find the talent, but now they only deal with the certified moneymakers. You're more likely to hit the lottery than have a top publisher tear open the package that contains your manuscript [citation needed].

So...what's the next step? Well, the small publishing houses of course. They can be a first-time author's best-friend. These are the guys that look for the talent because they're taking a big risk on you. But how do you decide which publisher you should solicit? Well, that is a good question and an important one because publishers like to publish particular works. You're not going to make much headway with a publishing house that only prints gardening manuals with your super sci-fi novel. My advice, and believe me, it is sound, go take a look at the books you already have on sci-fi (if you're a true author you will have several books at your disposal, especially in the genre you've chosen to write in) and open the cover. Find out who published that book. You can check them out at the LMP or their website, and then make sure you check them out at preditors and editors (http://pred-ed.com/). There are a lot of publishers who will publish junk for a fee--these are, of course, the "preditors". Stay away from them, unless you have no real interest in being taken seriously and have zero respect for your work and don't mind spending a ton of money, more than it would cost just to simply self-publish.

Don't be entirely too choosy: Find several publishers who deal in your work/genre and send your manuscript to them. Check to see if they are accepting unsolicited works; some publishers only deal with agents (and no…you do not NEED to have an agent to get published, though I suppose it probably helps as they do serve a purpose), and be sure to respect their prerequisites! Some publishers want to see the entire manuscript. Some only want to see a sample chapter, or maybe a few sample chapters. They will also ask for other information, such as a Query Letter, Author’s Bio, Brief Synopsis, and possibly a Marketing Plan (they may want to see how determined you are), etc., etc… If you’re not willing to put this extra effort in, just stop reading provided you’ve even gotten this far.

Presenting your manuscript is just as important as fulfilling the solicitation requirements. Make it look professional! (and I shouldn't even need to mention the fact that you'd better have your grammar and punctuation down! Before you send anything, make sure you've edited it and that it's presentable!) If you need an explanation on how to make your manuscript presentable, Google it. I will say this: Spend a couple of bucks for some decent paper. Use it to print out your Query Letter, Author’s Bio, Synopsis, etc, etc… Regular copy paper should be fine for the manuscript itself; after all…that paper is freakin’ expensive! Either way, make it look like you actually give a damn and take your writing and getting published very seriously! And always include a pre-paid envelope so that they can mail your manuscript back to you. I say “always” because it makes you look more professional. Also, you might care whether or not you get that leather-bound portfolio you used to solicit to the publisher back. Do you actually need to buy a leather-bound portfolio? No. You can pick up light-duty three ring binders, but get some dividers and use tabs so that in the event someone actually looks at your manuscript they know what they’re looking for.

FYI, I’ve heard it said that you don’t need to have your material copyrighted to solicit, but do it anyway! Spend the $35 and do it at copyright.gov. Protect your precious brainchild! And when you send your portfolio, include your copyright serial number. All of these things prove just how serious you are to the publisher. Something a serious writer has heard many times over is “never give up”. This is very true. You really can’t take it personal when you are rejected, and you will get rejected. I got lucky myself, and I’m pleased with that. I broke the code, and I've already discussed here with you how to do that--look at the publishers of the books you already have, the publishers who publish in the genre of the manuscript you've written. That's what I did and less than two weeks later I had an acceptance letter. Of course I sent my manuscript to the major commercial publishers as it's recommended, and I’d been rejected, but it took me a miraculously short amount of time to find a publisher who was interested in my work--the first publisher I submitted to based on one of the books I already had about Billy the Kid. And it didn't hurt that I was hoping to get that particular publisher.

Something else that is VERY, VERY important, and it’s actually already been mentioned to a degree: Research your publisher. Getting your manuscript back is usually a bad sign, and receiving a letter is generally a great sign! But before you go with the publisher who wants your material, research them. A lot of “preditors” prey on first-time authors because first-time author’s generally want to be published desperately. Well, if you care about your work, if you respect it and yourself, then you’ll think twice before handing over expenses or blindly signing yourself into a deal.

Another thing I’ve heard said is “If you get a contract, sign it; the opportunity may not come again”. There’s some truth in this, but like I said, do your research! You can take a week or so to look up the publisher who wants your manuscript before signing anything. You’re entitled. The publishers who will publish anything to make a buck will be counting on you to get overly excited and sign-on with them right away. Don’t be foolish. If you’re a true author, you’re worth more than that. Now, many small presses often require a payment from you, and this is not a bad thing, so if that happens to you, don’t be discouraged. Basically, you wind up paying for the editing services, but the legitimate small presses will be investing thousands on you in print and e-publication in the end. You just want to be sure that the amount they ask you for is reasonable. If you’re familiar with the press and know which books they publish; which author’s work with them, then don’t fret too much about having to pay what amounts to a very small fee. Remember, you’re a new author and getting your foot in the door is important, and it’s important to do it with a small press that is respectable. You have to decide how much it matters to you, and what your writing is worth, before you submit any payment. You’ll pay the fee if you’re serious.

On Attempting To Get Published

I've removed my previous posts as I was in post-op with my editor and wanted to wait until my book was out before I began dispensing whatever wisdom I have regarding writing. Well, my book is still not complete, but my manuscript is currently being prepared for typesetting, and my novel is projected to hit the shelves by the end of this year, 2013.

One of the things I had discussed in my previous blogs before removing them was how to go about choosing a publisher. I can tell you that most people who can write a sentence can easily get published (it's called self-publishing), and there are many terrific authors who go this route, but by the same token, "writer's" who can't complete a full sentence can get published the same way. But writer's who have integrity and care about their work will probably attempt to solicit their manuscript to publishing houses first. And anyway, remember this...just because you can self-publish doesn't mean you should. Writing quality has gone down thanks to that outlet. It's a shame for those authors who are good at their craft who choose to self-publish because they are in competition with what amounts to subterfuge.

Initially, your manuscript should be tried at the top publishing houses. By going to the Literary Market Place you can complete a decent sweep of these publishers as you'll have access to hundreds of publishing houses. Addresses will be provided, and a fee will be required to gain further access to information, however, you can forgo the fee because you can usually find the sort of information you need by simply locating their website via Google. Certainly there is information at LMP that won't be available on the website, but will that really matter all that much if you're a first time author looking to get noticed? Probably not. A first time author's objective is to get their foot in the door. Right about now it's important for me to note that the major publishing houses will probably reject you outright.

Now, you should have a complete manuscript--publisher's do not want to deal with "author's" who "have an idea" or "have most of their book written in their head". They want to see that an author has what it takes to write a full-length novel. But in most cases, as I've already mentioned, the major publishing houses aren't even going to read your manuscript in the first place. Years ago it was their job to find the talent, but now they only deal with the certified moneymakers. You're more likely to hit the lottery than have a top publisher tear open the package that contains your manuscript [citation needed].

So...what's the next step? Well, the small publishing houses of course. They can be a first-time author's best-friend. These are the guys that look for the talent because they're taking a big risk on you. But how do you decide which publisher you should solicit? Well, that is a good question and an important one because publishers like to publish particular works. You're not going to make much headway with a publishing house that only prints gardening manuals with your super sci-fi novel. My advice, and believe me, it is sound, go take a look at the books you already have on sci-fi (if you're a true author you will have several books at your disposal, especially in the genre you've chosen to write in) and open the cover. Find out who published that book. You can check them out at the LMP or their website, and then make sure you check them out at preditors and editors (http://pred-ed.com/). There are a lot of publishers who will publish junk for a fee--these are, of course, the "preditors". Stay away from them, unless you have no real interest in being taken seriously and have zero respect for your work and don't mind spending a ton of money, more than it would cost just to simply self-publish.

Don't be entirely too choosy: Find several publishers who deal in your work/genre and send your manuscript to them. Check to see if they are accepting unsolicited works; some publishers only deal with agents (and no…you do not NEED to have an agent to get published, though I suppose it probably helps as they do serve a purpose), and be sure to respect their prerequisites! Some publishers want to see the entire manuscript. Some only want to see a sample chapter, or maybe a few sample chapters. They will also ask for other information, such as a Query Letter, Author’s Bio, Brief Synopsis, and possibly a Marketing Plan (they may want to see how determined you are), etc., etc… If you’re not willing to put this extra effort in, just stop reading provided you’ve even gotten this far.

Presenting your manuscript is just as important as fulfilling the solicitation requirements. Make it look professional! (and I shouldn't even need to mention the fact that you'd better have your grammar and punctuation down! Before you send anything, make sure you've edited it and that it's presentable!) If you need an explanation on how to make your manuscript presentable, Google it. I will say this: Spend a couple of bucks for some decent paper. Use it to print out your Query Letter, Author’s Bio, Synopsis, etc, etc… Regular copy paper should be fine for the manuscript itself; after all…that paper is freakin’ expensive! Either way, make it look like you actually give a damn and take your writing and getting published very seriously! And always include a pre-paid envelope so that they can mail your manuscript back to you. I say “always” because it makes you look more professional. Also, you might care whether or not you get that leather-bound portfolio you used to solicit to the publisher back. Do you actually need to buy a leather-bound portfolio? No. You can pick up light-duty three ring binders, but get some dividers and use tabs so that in the event someone actually looks at your manuscript they know what they’re looking for.

FYI, I’ve heard it said that you don’t need to have your material copyrighted to solicit, but do it anyway! Spend the $35 and do it at copyright.gov. Protect your precious brainchild! And when you send your portfolio, include your copyright serial number. All of these things prove just how serious you are to the publisher. Something a serious writer has heard many times over is “never give up”. This is very true. You really can’t take it personal when you are rejected, and you will get rejected. I got lucky myself, and I’m pleased with that. I broke the code, and I've already discussed here with you how to do that--look at the publishers of the books you already have, the publishers who publish in the genre of the manuscript you've written. That's what I did and less than two weeks later I had an acceptance letter. Of course I sent my manuscript to the major commercial publishers as it's recommended, and I’d been rejected, but it took me a miraculously short amount of time to find a publisher who was interested in my work--the first publisher I submitted to based on one of the books I already had about Billy the Kid. And it didn't hurt that I was hoping to get that particular publisher.

Something else that is VERY, VERY important, and it’s actually already been mentioned to a degree: Research your publisher. Getting your manuscript back is usually a bad sign, and receiving a letter is generally a great sign! But before you go with the publisher who wants your material, research them. A lot of “preditors” prey on first-time authors because first-time author’s generally want to be published desperately. Well, if you care about your work, if you respect it and yourself, then you’ll think twice before handing over expenses or blindly signing yourself into a deal.

Another thing I’ve heard said is “If you get a contract, sign it; the opportunity may not come again”. There’s some truth in this, but like I said, do your research! You can take a week or so to look up the publisher who wants your manuscript before signing anything. You’re entitled. The publishers who will publish anything to make a buck will be counting on you to get overly excited and sign-on with them right away. Don’t be foolish. If you’re a true author, you’re worth more than that. Now, many small presses often require a payment from you, and this is not a bad thing, so if that happens to you, don’t be discouraged. Basically, you wind up paying for the editing services, but the legitimate small presses will be investing thousands on you in print and e-publication in the end. You just want to be sure that the amount they ask you for is reasonable. If you’re familiar with the press and know which books they publish; which author’s work with them, then don’t fret too much about having to pay what amounts to a very small fee. Remember, you’re a new author and getting your foot in the door is important, and it’s important to do it with a small press that is respectable. You have to decide how much it matters to you, and what your writing is worth, before you submit any payment. You’ll pay the fee if you’re serious.