Getting Published

This page is designed to answer any questions you may have before getting your work published. I don't have all the answers to all the possible questions and I am in no way an expert, although I can give you the benefit of my own experience with REM as published by Minerva Press.

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 that's 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.

Never be afraid of criticism, not everyone is going to like your book, although pay attention to their feedback.  The people who know what they like are your audience, listen to them, learn from them and then revise your work accordingly.

Then, 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, go through it again and again, is it the best it could possibly be?

Be prepared!

What you need to be prepared for is rejection, more rejection and yet further rejection.  Some authors have had to submit and re-submit their work for years before they finally get noticed.  The key is to believe in what you're doing, obtain as much criticism and feedback as possible.  Listen to what people tell you, make changes as necessary and keep trying.

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 publishes poems! Make a shortlist and contact them.

What do I need to send?

The precise details will be on your submittal form. Sometimes this is the whole manuscript, sometimes just the first three chapters, together with a covering letter giving information about yourself and your experience as a writer and a synopsis of the novel.

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 and put your name and the title on each page.

How do I send it?

Unless the publishers states specifically how they want it, generally it is loose-leaf within a folder.  Make sure the title, your name and the page numbers are on each page in case it gets dropped or separated.  Don't forget to send a Stamped Address Envelope for its return.

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 could be as much as two months although can vary depending 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're busy, give them at least two months and then give them a call. Whatever you do, don't be too persistent, don't hassle them, they will reply to you 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 out of courtesy.

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.

Also ask if you can make contact with any of the current authors and ask how their experience has been.

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 your cake', normally 10%-15% of your royalties, although for the role they play and they expertise they can provide you might consider this option.  A smaller share of a larger cake is often better than all of a much smaller cake.

Would I recommend an Agent?

Definitely..... They can provide you with a great deal of help, assistance, expertise 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, but they also make money and cover their costs, anything else is a bonus to them!

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, although having to pay for your work at all could still be considered vanity publishing.

The general rule is that the author never pays to have their book published, the publisher pays the author!

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.