How to Become a Fantasy Author

Want to see your book on shelves?

A lot of people dream of becoming famous authors, but the truth is that out of the thousands of books written every year, very few ever meet the success level of a New York Times bestseller. If you are looking to get into the fantasy genre, here's a guide to boost your chances.

Things You'll Need

• Imagination
• A book
• A book proposal
• An agent
• Business sense
• Patience

Instructions

1. Brainstorm ideas and make an outline. All great books start with great ideas. Think about what kind of fantasy story you want to read. Make a list of ideas and then start an outline of your plot, characters and outcome.

2. Write a manuscript. In order to get an agent or a publisher, you will need a completed manuscript.

3. Edit your manuscript. Before you can approach agents and publishers, you need a well edited manuscript. You should have a professional editor edit your book before it goes out.

4. Write a book proposal. You need to have a solid book proposal written and edited to send to agents. Your proposal will include a query letter, a marketing platform, your biography and some sample chapters.

5. Make a list of potential agents. Use resources like the Writer's Market Guide to find agents who represent fantasy books.

6. Send your query letter. Send a query letter to all of the agents you are interested in. Only send your full proposal if they specifically ask for it in their listing or on their website.

7. Follow up with the agents. If you haven't gotten a response, follow up with the agents one month after you sent your query letter. If they have responded and asked for your full proposal, send it right away.

8. Edit your proposal. You agent will recommend some changes before they send it to publishers. They may ask for more chapters, or changes in your marketing platform. Make the edits and return them as soon as you can.

9. Wait. Book publishing takes a LONG time. Follow up with your agent once per month. It can take three, four or five months before you hear back from a publisher. Be patient.

10. Celebrate and then get ready to edit even more. Once your book is selected for publishing, you will be given an editor. It's in your best interest to listen carefully to all of the suggestions the editor makes. Once the editing process is done and the book is final, it can go to print. This is usually a year or more after it has been accepted!

11. Do a book tour. Congratulations, now that your book has been published, it's time to do publicity. Now you are the author doing book signings!

Tips & Warnings

• Read lots of fantasy books.

• Make a list of who represents your favorite authors.

• Attend book signings.

Resources

• How to Write a Book Proposal
• Writer's Market
• Writer's Weekly