How to find a Publisher for Novel?

[Dog Moon]

Okay, so I just finished editing a story I had written. Now, I want to see about getting it published, but I have no idea what I might need or what to do beyond the generic 'send them part of my story'. Any help/tips/etc would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Go to the library and grab the latest copies of Writer's Digest magazine and read them cover to cover. Full of great advice.

While you're there, go find the big fat Writer's Market 2006 book and copy down all the appropriate publishers' addresses and editors' names. Be sure and read the entries carefully so you're sending the manuscript to publishing houses that will actually be interested in it. (Lots of houses only look at scripts sent in by literary agents.)

And don't use the word "homebrewn" in your cover letter to the publishers.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

First step: Find someone you can trust who is also more proficient in English than most of the people you know- ask that person to proofread your work. A spellchecker won't do the job adequately. If you're lucky, that person will 1) catch what you missed, and 2) be a harsh critic. The more you correct before submission, the better. The thicker your skin when it comes to critique of your work, the better.

Second step: Identify your target market. Given where you're asking your question, I'll assume its fantasy, sci-fi, or horror. Everyone knows about Asimov, Fantasy & Sci-Fi Magazine, and Dragon, but there are many other outlets.

Third step: Do what Whizbang suggested: Writer and Writer's Market are invaluable. Use them to find publishers in your target market.

Fourth step: Submit your work, but be prepared for rejections. Everyone gets them.

Fifth step: Keep writing. You may even find yourself being rejected, but still asked to freelance some stuff. Do it.

Sixth step: If you do get an offer, it will likely be small. Take it and put the experience on your resume. Take the check and cash it. Buy at least one bottle of something alcoholic and celebrate.

Seventh step: If nobody gives you a nibble, you may consider self-publishing, either as print or e-book. While this is rarely considered "being published" by the pros, it will help boost word of mouth- your best friend if you are good, your worst enemy if you aren't.

 

[Turanil]

Okay, so I just finished editing a story I had written. Now, I want to see about getting it published, but I have no idea what I might need or what to do beyond the generic 'send them part of my story'. Any help/tips/etc would be greatly appreciated.

Go and get this book: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Science Fiction

 

[neg]

Publishing

Go to the library and grab the latest copies of Writer's Digest magazine and read them cover to cover. Full of great advice.

While you're there, go find the big fat Writer's Market 2006 book and copy down all the appropriate publishers' addresses and editors' names. Be sure and read the entries carefully so you're sending the manuscript to publishing houses that will actually be interested in it. (Lots of houses only look at scripts sent in by literary agents.)

And don't use the word "homebrewn" in your cover letter to the publishers.

I work as a sales rep for probably the largest Sci-Fi/Fantasy publisher in the US. Whizbang knows of what he speaks.

-neg

 

[neg]

This guy too....

First step: Find someone you can trust who is also more proficient in English than most of the people you know- ask that person to proofread your work. A spellchecker won't do the job adequately. If you're lucky, that person will 1) catch what you missed, and 2) be a harsh critic. The more you correct before submission, the better. The thicker your skin when it comes to critique of your work, the better.

Second step: Identify your target market. Given where you're asking your question, I'll assume its fantasy, sci-fi, or horror. Everyone knows about Asimov, Fantasy & Sci-Fi Magazine, and Dragon, but there are many other outlets.

Third step: Do what Whizbang suggested: Writer and Writer's Market are invaluable. Use them to find publishers in your target market.

Fourth step: Submit your work, but be prepared for rejections. Everyone gets them.

Fifth step: Keep writing. You may even find yourself being rejected, but still asked to freelance some stuff. Do it.

Sixth step: If you do get an offer, it will likely be small. Take it and put the experience on your resume. Take the check and cash it. Buy at least one bottle of something alcoholic and celebrate.

Seventh step: If nobody gives you a nibble, you may consider self-publishing, either as print or e-book. While this is rarely considered "being published" by the pros, it will help boost word of mouth- your best friend if you are good, your worst enemy if you aren't.

Dannyalcatatraz has it right too. Good advice all around so far.


-neg

 

[MavrickWeirdo]

Show up at the publisher's office with your manuscript and a crossbow.