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Some standard advice for getting published |
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By chrismorton
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27 May 2008 |
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I've got some questions about the whole getting published business.
How long does a novel have to be?
Are publishers looking for big novels these days?
Is 60,000 words a novella or a novel?
How about 70,000?
Does a novel have to be completed before it is accepted?
i've heard stories of this not being the case.
Is it worth getting an agent?
Do you have to pay an agent any money if you don't get published?
How to get an agent?
Which publishers accept email manuscripts and actually read your work without an agent?
i know there are some indie publishers out there that do this. But which companies?
I'm sure more question will come to mind but that's enough for now.
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Written by Phil (7169 comments posted) 27th May 2008 | Chris - this is where you give advice - not seek it. Still - I may be able to answer one or two questions. I don't speak from the position of someone with a four book deal under their belt - rather, one magazine article. However, I have managed to get an agent to read my work - and sent rejection a letter.
How long does a novel have to be?
Not a clue. I would guess a publisher would be less likely to take a punt on a first time novelist if the book was going to be 900 pages.
Does a novel have to be completed before it is accepted?
No idea.
Is it worth getting an agent?
I reckon it opens many doors - but it does not guarantee success and they will take a percentage of your earnings.
Do you have to pay an agent any money if you don't get published?
Any reputable agent will not ask for money up front. They take a percentage of earnings. If any ask for money to represent you - be very wary.
How to get an agent?
Look in The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. There are hundreds listed and it tells you what sort of material they will represent.
Which publishers accept email manuscripts and actually read your work without an agent?
Much of this is detailed in the above book. Also, most publishers have submission guidelines on their website.
I know there are some indie publishers out there that do this. But which companies?
Again, look in the yearbook/websites.
Like I say, I'm not a published writer in book terms. Just things I've picked up along the way. I reckon the most important thing (besides being good enough) is perseverance - something I haven't got and must work on.
I'm sure some other members will be able to offer advice.
Phil.
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Written by chrismorton (65 comments posted) 29th June 2008 | I've just noticed that this has had a lot of hits but not much response. I suppose you all wanted some standard advice for getting published.
Well, I'm not published and i'm young and naiive and not sure if i can even spell naive...
To answer my own questions -
1. Publishers seem to see a novel as being 80,000 words (at least this is the minimum word length they are looking for)
2. I'm still not sure about this. Although it seems that is is usual for a novel to need a lot of editing by the publishers before a final draft is agreed upon
3. Yes.
4. Surf the web until you can hit upon a list of agents (not worth buying the writers and artists yearbook in my opinion - actually I think it's a bit of a con. )
NOTE - I'm 99 % sure that /www.writersbookpublishingagency.com is a con. (they also refer to themselves as Acquisitions WL Writers Agency) - the above review makes a good point about when they start asking for money then forget it
5. Yeah there are a few. Hard to find. Surf the web for long enough and you'll find a enough of them. I can't remember the websites offhand. | advice?
Written by fellpony (1817 comments posted) 26th July 2008 | This question would probably get more answers posted on the Proudly Prose forum, Chris. This section is where you post stuff to help others, rather than asking questions you want answered.
Getting published is a bit like meeting your future spouse - lots of dating before the right thing happens along.
I have had best results with very specific markets (non fiction and fiction) and also with publishers local to where I live. Probably not as applicable to fiction, where it seems that fewer and fewer publishers will accept directly from the slush pile. Rejection notes seem to have a standard clause now that tells you to get an agent and good luck. |
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