The Process of Getting Published

Know Your Genre and the Market

So you have written a great book. Do you know where it fits? If it's fiction, is it a contemporary novel, a mystery, a fantasy, science fiction, a thriller, a romance, children's middle-grade novel? If it's nonfiction, is it a memoir, a self-help, a how-to, a biography? If you know your genre, consider joining a writer's organization for that genre. Writers organizations can help you make sure your manuscript is ready, provide insight about their section of the publishing world, and give you an opportunity to meet editors and agents.

Next, research who publishes your genre. Check out publishers' websites, book catalogs and their books. Does your manuscript fit what they publish in style or tone? Would your book be unique on their list or has your idea already been done? Do you like the books they publish? Find more than one publisher that interests you.
If a publisher appears to be a good fit, move on to the next stage of your research. Does the publisher accept unsolicited submissions, queries only or only submissions through literary agents? You can find this information in submissions or writers' guidelines on publishers' websites and in market books, such as "The Writer's Market." If a publishing house only accepts manuscript submissions from agents, decide if you want to consider finding an agent or move on to other publishers.

Now it's time to research specific editors at your chosen publishing house. You can learn more about them at conferences, writers' retreats, in articles, on blogs and even by following them on Twitter. Search for their names on the Internet and see what comes up. If possible, talk to other writers who have worked with them. Who sounds like someone you'd like to work with? Who is interested in your type of topic?

Prepare Your Material Appropriately and Professionally

Editors often like to see a query letter instead of a full manuscript. The query letter tells a bit about your manuscript, why you are writing to this particular editor and any publishing credits you have or other relevant information. Query letters should be only one page long and written in standard business letter format. Always send the query to a specific editor. Make sure you spell his or her name correctly.

For fiction, a query can be accompanied by the first chapter or the first three chapters and/or a synopsis-- a summary of the story--that includes the ending. The synopsis can be one page or multiple pages. Some editors ask for a chapter-by-chapter outline, i.e. what happens when.

For nonfiction, a book proposal is often sent with the query letter. The book proposal should include an outline of what the book will cover, chapter by chapter. Your submission may include the opening chapter.

In either case, you must send the editor no more or no less than what he or she has specified. Some publishing houses want a marketing plan, too. Check the submission guidelines as you prepare. Follow the instructions and you'll be ahead of many people who submit.

Whether a publishing house wants a partial or full manuscript, use standard manuscript format on standard white paper. Manuscripts are always double-spaced, have minimum of one-inch margins and are typed or computer-processed in a standard 12-point font. The first page should include your contact information, word count, title and byline. Succeeding pages should all have a header with your last name (or first and last if your name is common), the book's title and page numbers.

Never fold a manuscript into too small of an envelope. Use a 9-by-12 inch envelope or larger. Don't bind it with any kind of permanent binding. Don't include a stapled sample chapter. Never send your only copy.

If an editor or publishing house requests a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), you may either include one for their reply only and tell them they may discard this copy of the manuscript, or include a large enough envelope with sufficient postage for the return of the manuscript. Many publishing houses these days only reply when interested, so do not want an SASE.

Wait for a Response

Publishing houses and agents will state in their guidelines how long their response time is---1 month, 2 to 3 months, 6 months or longer. Don't check your mailbox daily for a response. Often editors are behind with submissions and may take longer. If you haven't heard from the editor a month after the expected response time, and they say they send replies, you may write an inquiry letter about your submission. Including a self-addressed, stamped postcard with check boxes can be a helpful tool. If a publishing house only replies when it's interested, once the stated response time is up, assume the answer is "no" and move on. Never call an editor, unless you have been invited to do so.

If you have sent a query letter, the response could be a request for the complete manuscript. If so, send the whole manuscript, including any pages you sent earlier, and mark on your envelope or box, "requested material." Again, don't send your only copy. Again, expect to wait. It could easily take as long as the first response time. Follow up in the same way. Usually, however, editors will respond to a requested manuscript.

If an editor wants to make you an offer, your phone will ring. Try to stay calm once you realize who is calling you. After telling you how much the editor likes your manuscript, and details about the contract, he or she may ask if you have questions. If you don't at the moment, that's fine. You can ask questions later.

Once You Get an Acceptance

When you receive your contract, look it over carefully. There are many resources for what should and should not be included in a contract. You may request changes, but you should be aware of what is usually negotiable and what is not. This might be the time to get an agent to help you negotiate the contract. Or you can take the manuscript to a literary lawyer.

Next you will sign the contract. Then comes the editorial letter with suggested rewrites. Don't change your material blindly or in a rush---your editor has spent time on the letter and does not expect an immediate response. Take time to consider all the suggestions. Think about why a change or addition was suggested. Be willing to argue (in a nice way) for what you think should not be changed, but remember your editor's goal is to make your book the best it can be. You may have to go through a number of major rewrites with your editor before you both are happy.

When the final manuscript has been accepted, it may be fact-checked, and definitely will be copy-edited. The copy editor looks for grammatical errors, misspellings and line-by-line flaws. Copy edits can go back and forth a few times, too.

You will probably receive a galley. Galleys are the type-set manuscript---often uncut pages of how the book will look in its final format. The copy edits can be done on the galley. Sometimes, galleys are referred to as uncorrected proofs.

You may also get to see the cover art for your book. You may be asked for your opinion or you may not.

Next, you'll probably receive an ARC--an advanced reader copy. This looks much like how the book will end up, but changes in the cover still could be made. ARCs are used to solicit quotes from book reviewers, other authors or authorities in the field. They are a publicity tool.

Finally, after much time and hard work, you will receive the finished book copies. Take time to celebrate before you move onto book promotion.

References

• How to Get a Book Published In 10 not-so-easy steps
• How a Book Gets Published
• Publishing 101: What You Need to Know

Resources

• The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
• Romance Writers of America
• Mystery Writers of America