So, you want to publish your book. How do you get started? How would you like to publish it?

 

Traditional publisher?

A.      Be sure your book is finished, edited, and formatted to a publisher’s standards

On the internet, there are loads of ads wanting to publish or represent authors

Be very careful; many ads are simply scamming to take your money

1.       Look up the publisher you’ve chosen. Most publishers list their standards for submission on a website or in a Publishing Guide. Please read and adhere to them carefully, or they won’t even look at your offering.

2.       Many publishers require you to have an agent.

a.       Use similar methods to find an agent as you used to find a publisher.

b.      Literary agents often represent specialized genres. Read their standards carefully before sending off a query.

c.       Don’t get discouraged if many agents do not respond or do not choose to represent you. Do not expect an instant response. I know writers who have set off over a hundred queries without acceptance and received answers to less than a quarter of the queries.

d.      Legitimate agents do not charge an up-front fee to represent you; they do charge a percentage of the income generated by your work (sometimes as much as 25%).

 

Self Publish?

A.   How much would you pay to publish? 

1.       Research

a.    On the internet, there are loads of ads wanting to publish or represent authors

b.   Be very careful; many ads are simply scams to take your money.

c.    Check your local library. Books listing agents and publishers are available but change often. Check the date of the book; if it’s over six months old, it’s probably out of date.

2.       What services do you need to be sure your book is ready for publication?

a.       Is it edited thoroughly? Editing is important. Again, many editors want your business and advertise on the internet and in publications. Be sure you check them out entirely. Will they give you the edit you need?

b.      Is the formatting correct for publishing

c.       Have you had beta readers read your work, and have you made the necessary corrections?

A.      Would you consider free publishing?

1.       There are free publishing sites out there. Amazon KDP, Dorrance, Lulu, Blurb, Book Baby, and Ingram Spark are a few. Research! Are they really free; many have hidden costs they don’t tell you until after you’ve signed a contract.

2.       Check each of them out. These have standards and rules, as does any publisher

B.      How do I market my book?

1.         Write a blog. Blogs are a great way to explain your book. As an author, you can share advice or experiences on what you’ve learned. Post the first chapter.

2.       Talk to people; Colleagues at clubs or work; Use LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media to search for people who might be interested in what you’ve written.

3.       Schedule local events; speak at neighborhood meetings; does your neighborhood have a book club?

4.       Check with your local library; do they sponsor readings?