How to Publish Without an Agent

You don't necessarily need an agent to get your manuscript published.

So you have written the book you dreamed of writing all your life. Then you edited it and submitted it to an agent. The agent is unable to find a publisher for you because few big publishing houses accept new authors. There are three ways to publish a book without an agent after you evaluate your financial circumstances: self-publication through a local printing house, self-publication through a reputable publishing house and publication through an online publishing house.

Things You'll Need

• A well written book
• A well edited book
• An idea for a cover
• Willingness to make changes

Instructions

1. Go through a local printing house. Prices vary, as does quality. Finding a local printer who will do hard binding may be difficult. Most use spiral bindings. Charges depend on the area where you live and the difficulty of the project. Call several printers to see if they can do what you want and compare prices.

2. Select a reputable house for self-publishing. Look to see which books they have produced and how successful the books have been on the market. Many will do soft covers rather than hard covers. Also, publishing houses do not produce all types of books. If you are doing a technical book, you will have to do some online research.

3. Publish online.Some online publishers do not charge you to publish your book. Some may require some editing. Generally, you can have your book out in six to nine months. You must follow each house's rules for sending your manuscript. Do not forget to read what they say about your profit and sales.

4. Understand that you act as your own agent in so far as arranging book signings. Some of the online houses place your books in all the online bookstores. Make sure you read their contracts and information before selecting the publisher.

5. Submit poetry collections or special nonfiction works, such as regional history, to niche publishers. These areas would involve independent publishers, and likely would not require an agent to make successful submissions.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you know your publishing date, begin to make arrangements for a book signing in your area. If you have published through a local printer, you will have to do all of the placement of your books in stores and online. Set up an online website for your book.

• In your heart, you know your book is a best-seller. Don't be heartbroken if it isn't. There are a lot of books out there and it is good writing followed by tremendous good luck that makes you a best-seller.

References

• How Publishing Really Works: Working Without A Literary Agent

Resources

• Dowse E-book Publishers: Bonnie Mercure's Guide to E-Publishers