That Much Closer to Success

I've had many writers contact me, asking the same question:  "Now that my book is finished, how do I get it published?" 

The first step is to decide what path you want to take.  Do you want to seek representation with a Literary Agent, who will then attempt to sell your book to a Publishing House?  Do you want to solicit your manuscript directly to a Publisher?  Or do you want to self-publish your work?

If you choose either of the first two options, you will need to know how to write a query letter, a synopsis, an outline (if your book is non-fiction), write a proposal and develop a short pitch.

There are many books available to teach writers these very skills.  My advice is to buy one and use the examples to help you as you draft your own query, synopsis and pitch. (I recommend "The Writers Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals" by Allen, Moira Anderson)

Once you feel like you have perfected your entire proposal package, research agents or publishers and determine which one is a good fit for your book. (I recommend picking up a copy of "The 2013 Writers Market Guide").  Each agent and/or publisher listing will tell you their submission guidelines, as well as they type/genre of books they are seeking and accepting.  Follow their guidelines.   If you don't, you are only wasting their time and yours.

The most important thing to remember is that the process of seeking representation can take time and can be a pathway riddled with rejection letters.  Don't let them discourage you or cause you to give up.  Keep writing, editing, re-writing and putting your work out there.  Every so-called failure brings you that much closer to success. ~