So, You Want to be Published ...

Getting Published - Having a Book With Our Name on the Front

Where to Begin:

Writers often ask me where they should start in trying to get their manuscript published.

I always tell them, I am no expert. I used the hunt-and-peck method, because I didn't know how to begin, who to ask, or where I should start. But I am glad to share a few things I learned by trial and error to get you started.

One of the first things I always suggest is, get your work (and your name) out there.  Join some writer groups and communities online and post your work.  And if you ever hope to be published, for heaven's sake, use your own name.

If you hope to sell your books someday, you want your work, and your name, to be recognized.  How else will anyone know what you’ve written?

The web is full of excellent writing by cutsie pen names like “fluffy kitten” or “Pearl Onion”, but it isn’t professional, or wise, especially if they ever want to publish under their real name at some point.  No one will know who they are ...

There are many writing communities online, but a few of my favorite ones are Authors Den (fiction, non-fiction, essays, articles, poetry), PoemHunter (poems, lyrics), and the Arcanum Café (mostly poetry).

Most offer critiquing of your work by other writers, with helpful suggestions as to how to make necessary changes. Of course, you should also read and critique the work of other writers, in return. I’ve read some excellent writing through these communities and I’ve also made some lasting friendships.

Another step that will get your work and your name noticed: create a website to showcase your work. There are many sites online that offer to host free websites. Often they have different looks and designs to pick from and, with a few choices on your part, your site will be up and running in just a few minutes.

Once you have your website set up, submit the URL to search engines, link it to a blog you may have, or put the link to it on your page in communities like Facebook. Again, you want to gain as much visibility for you and your work as you can.

Okay, you’ve posted your work at writing communities and you have a website, or blog. And you’re getting some excellent feedback from both. Now it’s time to decide if this is enough for you.

Are you satisfied, merely having a nice following, or do you still want to be published so bad that you can taste it?

If you answered 'yes' to the above question, then the next step is to go to a bookstore either in your community, or online. Invest in a copy of the Writer’s Digest book that applies to the particular type of work you do.

You’ll find Writer’s Digest books for poetry, fiction and non-fiction, memoirs, and so on. They also have one for children’s writers and illustrators. These books come out once a year and they will be like a Bible to you for facts and information, i.e., where and how to send your work to magazines, periodicals and publishers.

When it comes to submitting your manuscript to publishers, be careful. Always read their rules for submissions. Each publisher is specific in how they want to be approached by writers.

Some only want agented material, so you'll have to forgo those, unless you want to take the time to try and get an agent. (There are Writers Digest books geared to getting an agent, as well).

Some publishers will only accept exclusive manuscript submissions. This means you send your manuscript only to them and then wait for them to either accept, or reject, your work for publication. It can take anywhere from three to six months to hear back from them … and there are some cases where it takes even longer … and still other cases where you won’t hear back -- at all.

There are also a few who require you to submit a query letter first.  If they are interested in hearing more, based on what you said in your query, they will invite you to send your manuscript.

Here’s a little heads up about manuscripts and submissions:

Never send your original manuscript, only a copy.
Always make sure it’s spell-checked.
Always double space.
Put the word count in the top right corner.
If the publisher says no staples … they mean no staples. Use a clip.
Always include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), or you will never hear from them.

Nothing will get your precious manuscript trashed faster than sloppy work, spelling errors, and not following their rules. Again, each publisher is very specific with their submission guidelines.  Refer to your Writers Digest book (your submission Bible) for every publisher you send to.

The competition is fierce these days. Publishers can have three-foot piles of manuscript submissions, sometimes monthly. Believe me, I’ve seen the piles.

They get so many manuscripts, they can afford to be picky. But don’t worry, most of the information you’ll need is explained somewhere in the Writers Digest book you buy. There are also interesting articles and interviews peppered throughout, so you actually gain a lot by buying a copy.

I’ve left one of the most important steps until last. Edit, edit, edit.

Cut out all unnecessary dialogue, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, anything not crucial to the story, as well as any obvious fillers.  Read your manuscript out loud. See how it sounds. Edit.

Read it out loud to others and get their opinions. Edit again.

When you’ve edited, edit again, and then again.  Read it aloud to yourself and others one last time, before taking it to the post office.

I know this seems extreme, but if you don't tighten it up, be assured, their editors will -- and your finished book might not end up the way you want it to be.

That’s about it. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few things worth mentioning, but at least you have a guide to getting started. If you have any questions, you can always email me. I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Just one more thing.  If you're like me, you'll get a pile of rejections, before you get that one 'yes', but that’s okay!  Don't take it personally -- if you joined those writing communities I mentioned above, you will be somewhat used to having your work scrutinized.

But also keep in mind that a rejection might only mean that what you sent to that particular publisher on that particular day wasn't what they were looking for at that particular time.  You may have sent the ultimate best story about a little purple duck, when they were looking for one about a green pony.  They never tell you.

You can't wear your feelings on your sleeve.  Be persistent and persevere.  Remember, it only takes one 'yes' and you’re published.

I wish you success!

Writers Digest Books at Amazon

Email CJ


See also:
Publishers, A Rant ...


“A writer soon learns that easy to read is hard to write.” ~CJ Heck

Q&A with Budding Authors: by Dave Ross

How Do I Get My Book Published?

The following is reprinted by special permission from children's author, Dave Ross. Thank you, Dave!

"I have an idea for a picture book, how do I get it published?"

The flip answer is: Well, first you have to write the book! Or maybe you have a finished manuscript and wonder what to do next. Congratulations! You are half way there. You have completed the second most difficult task facing an aspiring children's book author: sitting down and writing a manuscript. Of course you still face the most difficult: actually getting it published.

While it is possible to sell an idea before it's written, that might be an unrealistic expectation for a first time author. So lets assume you have a manuscript and don't know where to start. I was in the same boat about a quarter of a century ago. Since there were people who helped me by patiently answering my questions, I feel duty-bound to assist "wanna-be" authors whenever I can.

While I cannot respond personally to all requests for assistance, here is list frequently asked questions, my answers, and some suggestions. If you still have a question after reading this material, you can contact me through my website.

"Where should I send my manuscript to have the best chance of being published?"

If you send an unsolicited manuscript to a major publisher, it goes into the "slush bucket." At any given time, the slush bucket may contain hundreds of manuscripts addressed to "Children's Book Editor." Ninty-nine percent of those will be returned with a preprinted rejection slip, providing, of course, that the would be author has included a self-addressed envelope with their submission.

NOTE: ALWAYS INCLUDE A SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE BACK! [Back in the '70's I wallpapered a bathroom wall with rejection slips.] Please know, submissions that don't have a self-addressed envelope will be unceremoniously thrown away.

Even if you have a great manuscript, it can sit in the slush-bucket for weeks before anyone looks at it. In the publishing world, slush-bucket authors are the bottom of the food chain.

"Gosh, as an unpublished author, what chance do I have to break into the glamorous world of children's literature?" Well, there are thousands of new titles published every year. Some of those folks are first-time authors. However, the competition is keen.

This is a business, and business people are in it for the money. If you have an idea that will sell books, someone will buy it.

"Who does my idea have to appeal to?"

In publishers of every size, it used to be that the editor had the most say about what got published. Now, with all the mergers and acquisitions within this field, most major publishers are owned by larger corporations.

Across the entire organizational chart of the company, from the CEO in her posh corner office to the lowly editorial assistant in his windowless cubical, there is a whole hierarchy of people who can get fired if the books don't sell.

As a result, publishers have become much more cautious about what they buy. What's more, they are bottom-line oriented throughout the buying process. Publishers may be less likely to take a chance on a new author, and even turn their backs on established authors who haven't had a best seller in a while.

"Is there no hope?"

Sure there is. If your manuscript is well written, it will impress an editor. Suitably impressed, an editor will present your book to a marketing committee. If the marketing people think they can sell it, it will get published.

"But my collection of Latvian folk tales is an important work..." ...and somewhere there is probably a market for it. That's why you need to research publishers before you submit.

"OK then, how do I know which publisher to send my idea to?"

To begin with, there are hundreds of publishers of kids books. They range in size from small publishers that publish a handful of books each year to the giants of the industry which churn out hundreds of new titles.

There are publishers who concentrate on specialty or niche type books [like Latvian folk tales] while others are more eclectic. Some major houses are actually a collection of several different imprints. Each of these smaller units publishes dozens of new books.

Catalogs come out in the fall and then again in the spring. Each imprint features a different range of books that reflects the philosophy or outlook of the managing editor. In the universe of companies that specialize in nonfiction, there are other subdivisions. These subgroups of publishers include those who concentrate on science, crafts, and biographies to name only three.

Your task is to figure out where your idea falls within the various categories of publishers, and then determine in whose catalog your book might logically fit.

"Where do I begin?"

I can think of three ways to proceed, but no matter which approach you take, you are looking for the same thing. You need to determine who is publishing books that are similar to yours.

1. You could ask an expert. In any community there is likely to be someone extremely knowledgeable about children's literature. They could be a librarian, a college professor, or the owner of a children's book store. Try to stay focused on what's been published recently. Trends change and so do editors.

2. The internet is another way to find such publishers. You can sit at your computer and try key word searches. Many publishers have websites that will yield all kinds of useful information. Some even have e-mail links enabling you to ask questions about their offerings. There are also chat groups, list serves, and online newsletters that offer you the opportunity to network within the children's literature community. Check out my lists of favorite sites. There are many links there that will help you in your quest.

3. I think the best approach is to spend an afternoon in the children's section of a book store. The bigger the children's section, the better. Take the time to read enough books so that you get a sense of where your idea falls in the scope of things.

If there is an educational component to your book, a trip to a trade show or convention might be in order. Vendors at these events include the publishers of educational books.

The people who stand behind the counter will most likely know who in their organization you should send your idea to. In any case, your goal is to identify those publishers who are doing something that is similar to what you are proposing. Your aim is to make a list of publishers to send a query letter.

"Whoa! What's a query letter?"

In essence, a query letter is a very brief book proposal you hope to get into the hands of an obliging editor. Your query letter should describe your idea and ask [hopefully in a clever way] if the editor would be interested in reviewing your manuscript.

Since editors are very busy people, it should be concise, no more than one or two pages. It should identify the length* of your book and age or reading level of children it is intended for. If there are other books on the same subject, you need to explain how yours is different, superior and the greatest thing since sliced bread.

You should be able to tell in a sentence or two what makes your idea a potential best seller or a compelling addition to any library. A short excerpt or sample of your writing might be useful.

*Picture books come in several standard lengths. The number of pages is determined by the printing process. Generally, total pages are in multiples of 16. Typically the shortest books are 32 pages. These are printed on one large sheet, front and back. This large sheet is then cut, folded and gathered prior to binding. Longer books may have 48 or 64 pages [which is about as long as most picture books get].

Chapter books can run even longer. They also run in certain lengths; 96, 128, etc. Since the first few pages of any book are taken with copyright, dedication and publisher information, most picture books start on page 3 or 5 [always a right hand page]. That means at a minimum, you will need enough printed material for 29 or 27 pages.

Keep this in mind as you prepare your manuscript. When indicating page numbers, start numbering the pages with your text at 3 or 5, make sure your last page is one of the standard page numbers.

"But I have a finished manuscript.  Can't I just make copies and send one to each publisher?"

Sure, but multiple submissions are frowned on by most editors. I've never been given an overriding moral, ethical, or legal reason for this disapproval. However, since editors are your gateway to publication, it's probably best to humor them.

The editors I have worked with prefer to be queried first. They say this saves everybody time and energy. Nevertheless, editors have been known to hold on to a manuscript for months before making a decision.

One advantage of querying first is at least you know you've sent your manuscript to an editor who wants to take a look.

"OK, so I send out twenty query letters and I get back three positive responses. Who do I send it to first?"

Personally, I'd pick the biggest publisher as they're likely to give you the biggest advance. This shouldn't be surprising. As a rule, the largest publishers have the best distribution and marketing.

However, if you value having some control as opposed to having more money, you might want to investigate your opportunities with each publisher a little further. This can be done through phone calls or online. You might want to know who else has published with them. Don't be afraid of contacting these authors.

Many authors I know would talk to a budding author about their experiences or at least answer a brief e-mail.

"Does my picture book manuscript need to be illustrated?"

No. Unless you are a talented author/illustrator, submit any picture book manuscript on plain white paper. It is best to double or triple space the text. Allow additional space between each page. If the subject matter requires special visual interpretation, a brief note in parentheses should suffice.

Editors look at hundreds, maybe thousands of such submissions. Trust me, they can visualize what kind of illustrations your book needs.

"But my cousin's next door neighbor is an excellent artist..."

Unless your cousin lives next door to Steven Kellog, you'll be better off without illustrations.

Part of the job of the publishing company is putting together the words of the author with the artwork of the illustrator. This is what editors and art directors get paid to do. By suggesting specific illustrations, your cousin's neighbor, may prejudice the editor against your manuscript.

"But what if I don't like the way the illustrations come out?"

Tough. If this is your first book, quit whining, swallow your pride, and be happy to get published. Seriously though, you should have an opportunity to review the sketches when the illustrator completes the "dummy."

The dummy is a full sized mock up of the book with black and white drawings. While the contracts of most first-time authors preclude much input from final art work decisions, most editors will listen politely to your concerns, then do whatever they think is best.

"Is there nothing I can do to have more influence over my own book?"

Cross your fingers and hope for good sales. If your first book becomes a best seller, you will have more leverage the second time out.

If your first book bombs, it will likely be your last. If sales are OK, you have a "foot-in -the-door" and selling your second book should be easier.

Dave Ross

Good luck,

Dave Ross
Artist, Author, Educator and Entrepreneur

Dave's Website





“A writer soon learns that easy to read is hard to write.” ~CJ Heck

Thoughts for a Friday Afternoon

Books, books, books ... I want to be published!

You want to get published.  You're new at this.  You're having a difficult time getting noticed and you feel like screaming "uncle!" and just throwing in the towel ... and yet you have a burning need, a hunger, to get published and you want it so bad that you can taste it!

I understand, I really do.  It's tough and, because it's a publisher's market out there, it's getting tougher all the time.

Well I could encourage you to rewrite.  I could just as easily encourage you to edit, edit, and edit some more ... but today I've decided to remind of one simple thing:  the magic word here is perseverance.
  
Perseverance.  Remember this word when you're feeling down:  It only takes one "yes" and you're published. 

It doesn't matter whether it's an article in a newspaper, a short story in a magazine, or one poem in a textbook.  You are published.

Each publishing credit you achieve is one more validation to other publishers and editors that they should look at your work, too.  It's also a validation to you that your work is good.

Be persistent.  Persevere ...

Have a nice weekend!
Hugs,
CJ


An Article that Might Help you get Started:

So, You Want to be Published ...

"A writer soon learns that easy to read is hard to write." ~CJ Heck