The Simple Terms

Put in its crudest form, you'll get certain publishers try to get you to pay to get your work published (see Experiences) and you'll get loads of rejections, so chin up, never pay and keep trying.

I would recommend finding an agent from the Writers and Artists Yearbook. Give them a call, tell them what you've written and that you want to get it published. They'll probably ask you to send it in, they'll tell you exactly what to send, and thats the first step. If when they reply they either don't like it, or can't publish it for other reasons, then don't give up, try another agent, and keep trying until you finally get someone who is interested. It will take time, so you'll need a lot of patience, but in the meantime, while you're waiting, start writing a new story. You'll get there in the end.

Which publisher?

The best place to find a publisher is in the Writers and Artists Yearbook which is available at your local library, this is an invaluable source of reference and provides additional information for each publisher such as the subject matter they publish. i.e. don't send a novel to a publisher who only publish's poems! Make a shortlist and contact them asking them for further details and a manuscript submittal form, they should send you this quite promptly.

What do I need to send?

The precise details will be on your submittal form. Sometimes this is the whole manuscript, sometimes just one or two chapters, together with a seperate page giving some information about yourself and why you wrote the story. They will also probably want a summary of each chapter.

What format does it need to be in?

The general rule is double line spacing, 12 pitch text and make sure you use page numbers!

How do I send it?

Unless the publishers states specifically how they want it, send it however you want to. You might like to hole punch the pages an bind it in a folder, you might like to bind it with string. Whichever way, just make sure that if it was dropped the pages wouldn't all fall out!

What postage to I use?

Recorded delivery or registered mail, any service which will confirm or guarantee that it gets there.

How long till I hear anything?

The waiting period is generally 2-3 weeks, although obviously longer if they're busy.

How do I know if they have it?

Some publishers will acknowledge receipt with a card, others won't let you know at all. Just hang in there.

Its been 2-3 weeks and I haven't heard anything?

Be patient, they might be busy, give them till the fourth week and then give them a call. Whatever you do, don't be too persistent, don't hassle them, they will reply to in the end.

Can I send my manuscript to more than one publisher?

Yes, by all means, it is your work, you own the copyright; all the publisher is doing is offering a service to you to publish and market it on your behalf. If you do intend to send it to another publisher, it is best to let them know.

Which publisher do I go with?

This really is down to you, which one has given you the best service so far? Which one promises to give you the best service, the best royalty payments, the best care? Decide carefully after studying all the facts and the small print.

What is an agent?

An agent is a third party who's duty it is to look after your creative interests. They take 'a slice of the action', normally 10% of your royalties, although for the role they play and they expertise they can provide you might consider this option.

Would I recommend an Agent?

Definately..... They can provide you with a great deal of help, assistance, experitise and know who is probably the best publisher to publish your work.

Do I have to pay to get my book published?

There are a few publishers out there who ask you to contribute to the costs of publishing the book which can get into quite an expensive way of doing it, especially if the sales of your book aren't particularly successful. Joint Venture of Vanity Publishing is probably not worth considering unless you have explored all available avenues first, and even then, maybe you should consider Self Publishing?

Why do I have to pay?

Because the publisher is gambling on an unknown name, i.e. when Michael Crichton's next book comes out, it is guaranteed 'big' sales because of his previous success, your name unfortunately is not known and neither is your work, therefore people will need some persuasion to buy it. Paying for publishing helps the publisher keep its costs to a minimum, they also possibly make some money out of it as well.

What is Vanity Publishing?

This is where you specifically pay to have your book published for a few copies to hand out to your friends and family, there is generally no marketing or publicity deal included, although the term has been connected to Joint Venture Publishing. (see Experiences for more information)

How do I differentiate a Vanity Publisher from a normal one.

In my experience this can only be determined by the type of contract you have been given. If it states that the company will actively market your book and keep it in print for a fixed period of time, then this possibly would not be considered Vanity Publishing, although either way, it would be better not to have to pay to publish your work if you could help it.

How do royalty payments work?

This information will be in your contract from the publisher and varies quite greatly. This should be one of the things that you should consider before deciding on a publisher.

Any additional questions?

If you have any further questions on this subject then please email me at mail@rwassell.com and I will try to help where I can.