| As a new author, perhaps the most difficult step to | | | | getting published and save you much time and |
| realize success is getting your first book published. | | | | energy. Some book publishers are more likely to |
| Book publishing companies each have a procedure | | | | consider publishing your book if you have an agent. It |
| you must follow for your book to get published, or | | | | shows you are serious about getting published. An |
| even considered. But with a lot of effort and | | | | agent may also have contacts with publishers who |
| persistence, you're sure to see the words | | | | are more likely to be interested in your type of |
| "manuscript accepted" come through your inbox or | | | | writing. Some publishers work with only certain |
| mailbox soon. Use these helpful hints on book | | | | genres (such as specializing in children's books or self |
| publishing to get started. | | | | help books), while others may accept all types of |
| Before Contacting a Book Publisher | | | | writings. |
| Proofread your book several times, and then hire a | | | | Keep Contacts Personal |
| professional proofreader to read through it at least | | | | When e-mailing or mailing a query or manuscript, |
| twice. Also, spend some time on choosing a title for | | | | always address your letter to a particular contact |
| your book as well as chapter headings. These are | | | | person at the publishing company. Don't just address |
| very important and will determine how well your | | | | it "To Whom It May Concern." If you're not sure |
| book sells. A book is often initially judged by its cover | | | | who to contact, call the company or view the |
| and its title. People won't even consider buying it if | | | | contact list on the website to get a name and |
| the title does not captivate their interests. Also, book | | | | appropriate e-mail or mailing address. This will ensure |
| readers will often scan the chapter headings to get | | | | that your query will at least be delivered to a |
| an idea of the book's overall theme! | | | | decision-making individual. |
| Know Your Book Publisher | | | | Make Your Query Brief and Interesting |
| One thing that's sure to get your manuscript rejected | | | | Use words and statements that will spark interest |
| is to submit it without following the book publisher's | | | | with any editor. Use excerpts from your book for |
| required procedure. You might feel that jumping | | | | illustration, but keep your query limited to one page |
| ahead of everyone else or using non-traditional | | | | or less. Several paragraphs should do the trick. Keep |
| tactics to get your manuscript more exposure will | | | | focused on the good points of your book, while also |
| boost your chances of getting published, but this is | | | | explaining if you had struggles with writing any |
| far from the truth. The key to success with book | | | | portion of the book. Book publishers will appreciate |
| publishing is to follow the publisher's rules precisely. | | | | your honesty and willingness to change portions of |
| Find out what they require before submitting | | | | the book (if asked) to make it a better read. |
| anything. Some publishers require a synopsis and the | | | | Be Patient |
| title only at the start, while others require you to | | | | Please understand that in order to get published, you |
| submit the entire manuscript. Some prefer e-mail | | | | must demonstrate a certain amount of patience. |
| submissions while others prefer postal mail. Each book | | | | Book publishers must read through many manuscripts |
| publisher has a way of doing things, so you must find | | | | before choosing the ones they will promote. That's |
| out what they require to even be noticed in the | | | | why it takes so much time to get published. No |
| publishing world. The Web has made this process | | | | matter what form of technology our society invents, |
| easier because you can visit the publisher's website | | | | publishers will still have to read through long |
| to find out their procedures. | | | | manuscripts to find those "jewels" among so many |
| Don't Rule Out Small Book Publishing Companies | | | | writings. Read all the information you can about how |
| Small publishing companies are sometimes easier to | | | | to publish a book to get great tips. There are many |
| work with and might even help you get published | | | | online resources to help you with the process. Submit |
| faster. A small company doesn't have to sift through | | | | your query or your manuscript, and then wait |
| a heavy volume of manuscripts like a more | | | | patiently for an answer. You might even start writing |
| well-known publisher would. Also, the publisher might | | | | another book if you plan to continue as an author. |
| be able to offer more one-on-one counseling for | | | | Even if the first book doesn't get published, you'll at |
| book promotions should they decide to publish your | | | | least have another iron in the fire to give it another |
| book. Look for a book publisher that's willing to work | | | | shot! |
| with new authors and guide you through the entire | | | | Make the most of your book publishing experience, |
| process. | | | | and enjoy the ride. You only live once, so make the |
| Use an Agent | | | | most of your days as a becoming author! |
| An agent can help you get started on the road to | | | | |