6 answers
Catrina
Student
Berlin, Maryland
3
Questions
Asked
216 views
How can I publish my book as a high schooler?
Hello! I am a freshman in high school, and I am halfway through writing a book that I would really like to publish. However, publishing is expensive. Should I wait until I’ve graduated to try and publish? Could I potentially self-publish?
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6 answers
Rich Feitelberg
Novelist
14
Answers
Quincy, Massachusetts
Updated
Rich’s Answer
You can absolutely self publish. Look at Amazon, draft2digital, lulu, and iuniverse, to name four platforms. There are others so do your homework to which might work for you. Good luck!
Thank you for the advice!
Catrina
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1989
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Catrina !
It's wonderful to know that you are writing and embarking on taking a few new steps for it !
You certainly can have your writing published, but first I'd like to share some advice with you. Start thinking about versatility. The more types of writing you can do, the greater variety in your portfolio, the better. You may be able to have some of your works published on online websites as well as on site publishing house companies when your book is completed. There are 52 publishers in Maryland and I left a link to a list for them below. I have also left some links below for websites on which you can add your writing and people will read it. The online websites are something that you can do now and when your book is finished, then you can explore the publishing companies. You certainly can self-publish your book but that will run into thousands of dollars, so price it once your book is done.
If you are interested in being a writer as a career, you can consider working on projects found in writer's trade magazines as well as through notices on Linked In and Indeed. You may consider writing articles, short stories, non-fiction and any other form that you discover by reading more about being a writer. If it's just that you only want to write novels, you will learn first hand about the business once your book is ready to submit to publishers. There is a website that lists magazines and others at which you can submit your work, too. If you want to write things in addition to the book you're writing now, check out Make A Living Writing dot com. There's a possibility you can freelance whenever you want. Since you are under 15, some websites will want a parent's authorization. Truelancer dot com is a website for writers under 18 years old, so that may provide some opportunities.
Responding to notices for writing projects can help you create a variety of work for your portfolio. Do feel free to return here if you have any questions. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Have fun and never give up !
LIST OF 52 PUBLISHING HOUSES IN MARYLAND https://www.alphapublisher.com/post/book-publishing-companies-in-maryland-part-1
A PLACE TO WRITE STORIES THAT PEOPLE CAN READ - WATT PAD https://www.wattpad.com/
IF YOU WRITE A NOVEL PUT IT ON INKITT - https://www.inkitt.com/
ELECTRIC LITERATURE FOR ESSAYS AND ARTICLES https://electricliterature.com/
FICTIONAUT - A PLACE TO PUT YOUR WRITING http://fictionaut.com/ .... AND SHARE YOUR WORK ON REEDSY PROMPTS https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
It's wonderful to know that you are writing and embarking on taking a few new steps for it !
You certainly can have your writing published, but first I'd like to share some advice with you. Start thinking about versatility. The more types of writing you can do, the greater variety in your portfolio, the better. You may be able to have some of your works published on online websites as well as on site publishing house companies when your book is completed. There are 52 publishers in Maryland and I left a link to a list for them below. I have also left some links below for websites on which you can add your writing and people will read it. The online websites are something that you can do now and when your book is finished, then you can explore the publishing companies. You certainly can self-publish your book but that will run into thousands of dollars, so price it once your book is done.
If you are interested in being a writer as a career, you can consider working on projects found in writer's trade magazines as well as through notices on Linked In and Indeed. You may consider writing articles, short stories, non-fiction and any other form that you discover by reading more about being a writer. If it's just that you only want to write novels, you will learn first hand about the business once your book is ready to submit to publishers. There is a website that lists magazines and others at which you can submit your work, too. If you want to write things in addition to the book you're writing now, check out Make A Living Writing dot com. There's a possibility you can freelance whenever you want. Since you are under 15, some websites will want a parent's authorization. Truelancer dot com is a website for writers under 18 years old, so that may provide some opportunities.
Responding to notices for writing projects can help you create a variety of work for your portfolio. Do feel free to return here if you have any questions. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Have fun and never give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for responding! I have written several short stories and articles in addition to the novel I am currently working on, but I have yet to publish anything. I appreciate the helpful links to websites where I can post my writing. I definitely need some peer review and an editor once I finish my novel. Truelancer definitely looks helpful for when I’m ready to publish. Thanks again!
Catrina
Glad it was helpful. I was going to delete Truelancer as I discover now that it was just search click bait and there are no jobs at Truelancer for writers under age 18. So sorry about that, but the other places are good. Have a great day !
Michelle M.
Victoria Wright
Author
2
Answers
Englewood, Colorado
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi Catrina - I am a self published author so you can definitely do it as well. Having said that, to do it well it takes money. You will need a good editor, layout, and cover design, but there are more incidentals that can come up in the process.
I would recommend that you finish the manuscript and focus on finding a good editor. If you do not have the financial backing you can submit your manuscript to a publishing house. They will cover the publication costs.
There are also organizations and programs to help new authors. Check out, we need more diverse books. I don't know the topic or genre of your book but that would be a great place to start and research other organizations.
You don't need to wait till you are older to publish, but it will take time and research to get it done no matter your age.
Best of luck on your publishing journey. Its a fun ride. Enjoy it.
I would recommend that you finish the manuscript and focus on finding a good editor. If you do not have the financial backing you can submit your manuscript to a publishing house. They will cover the publication costs.
There are also organizations and programs to help new authors. Check out, we need more diverse books. I don't know the topic or genre of your book but that would be a great place to start and research other organizations.
You don't need to wait till you are older to publish, but it will take time and research to get it done no matter your age.
Best of luck on your publishing journey. Its a fun ride. Enjoy it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me! I will definitely start searching for an editor once I finish the manuscript. I suppose I should focus on developing my book first before focusing on publication. In the meantime, I’ll start saving up so that hopefully I can become a self-published author like you! Thanks again!
Catrina
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6829
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Catrina!
MY TAKE:-
AI Claims to be a capable of writing a book in half an hour - so it seems like it's a pretty dynamic tool to use. Grammarly can also make your work more fluent and readable so there's another positive thing to add to your quiver of arrows.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:-
How to Publish Your Book as a High Schooler
Publishing a book as a high school student is entirely feasible, and there are several pathways you can take to achieve this goal. Below, I will outline the steps involved in both traditional publishing and self-publishing, along with considerations for each option.
1. Understanding Your Options
There are primarily two routes to publishing: traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Traditional Publishing: This involves submitting your manuscript to established publishers who will handle the editing, design, distribution, and marketing of your book. However, this route can be competitive and often requires an agent.
Self-Publishing: This allows you more control over the entire process. You can publish your book through platforms that enable authors to upload their manuscripts and distribute them digitally or in print.
2. Writing and Editing Your Manuscript
Before considering publication, ensure that your manuscript is polished. Here are some steps:
Complete Your Manuscript: Finish writing your book and ensure it meets your standards.
Editing: Consider seeking feedback from peers or teachers. You might also want to hire a professional editor if possible. Editing is crucial for clarity, grammar, and overall quality.
3. Researching Publishers or Self-Publishing Platforms
If you choose traditional publishing:
Identify Suitable Publishers: Research publishers that accept submissions from new authors or those that specialize in your genre.
Prepare a Query Letter: A query letter introduces you and your book to potential agents or publishers. It should include a brief synopsis of your work and why it fits their catalog.
If you opt for self-publishing:
Choose a Platform: Popular self-publishing platforms include:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
IngramSpark
Lulu
These platforms allow you to publish both eBooks and print books with relative ease.
4. Formatting Your Book
Regardless of the publishing route chosen, formatting is essential:
For traditional publishing, follow the submission guidelines provided by the publisher.
For self-publishing, ensure that your manuscript meets the formatting requirements of the platform you choose (e.g., specific file types, layout standards).
5. Cover Design
A professional cover design can significantly impact sales:
If self-publishing, consider hiring a graphic designer or using tools like Canva for DIY designs.
Traditional publishers typically handle cover design but may welcome input from authors.
6. Marketing Your Book
Marketing is crucial regardless of how you publish:
Build an online presence through social media platforms where readers congregate (e.g., Instagram, Twitter).
Consider creating an author website or blog to share updates about your writing journey.
Engage with local bookstores or libraries for potential readings or signings.
7. Legal Considerations
As a minor (under 18), there may be legal considerations regarding contracts:
If pursuing traditional publishing, having a parent or guardian review any contracts before signing is advisable.
For self-publishing, most platforms have user-friendly agreements but still require careful reading.
8. Timing Your Publication
You do not need to wait until after graduation to publish; many young authors have successfully published while still in school. The key is preparation—ensuring that your manuscript is ready and that you understand the process involved in either route you choose.
In summary, whether you decide to pursue traditional publishing or self-publish depends on your goals as an author and how much control you wish to retain over the process. Both paths have their advantages and challenges; therefore, thorough research will help guide your decision-making process.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. Writer’s Digest
A comprehensive resource for writers offering advice on all aspects of writing and publishing including tips on querying agents and publishers.
2. Self-Publishing School
Provides extensive resources on how to navigate the self-publishing process effectively including marketing strategies tailored for new authors.
3. The Creative Penn
A well-respected blog focused on writing, publishing options available today including insights into both traditional and self-publishing avenues tailored for aspiring authors.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
MY TAKE:-
AI Claims to be a capable of writing a book in half an hour - so it seems like it's a pretty dynamic tool to use. Grammarly can also make your work more fluent and readable so there's another positive thing to add to your quiver of arrows.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:-
How to Publish Your Book as a High Schooler
Publishing a book as a high school student is entirely feasible, and there are several pathways you can take to achieve this goal. Below, I will outline the steps involved in both traditional publishing and self-publishing, along with considerations for each option.
1. Understanding Your Options
There are primarily two routes to publishing: traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Traditional Publishing: This involves submitting your manuscript to established publishers who will handle the editing, design, distribution, and marketing of your book. However, this route can be competitive and often requires an agent.
Self-Publishing: This allows you more control over the entire process. You can publish your book through platforms that enable authors to upload their manuscripts and distribute them digitally or in print.
2. Writing and Editing Your Manuscript
Before considering publication, ensure that your manuscript is polished. Here are some steps:
Complete Your Manuscript: Finish writing your book and ensure it meets your standards.
Editing: Consider seeking feedback from peers or teachers. You might also want to hire a professional editor if possible. Editing is crucial for clarity, grammar, and overall quality.
3. Researching Publishers or Self-Publishing Platforms
If you choose traditional publishing:
Identify Suitable Publishers: Research publishers that accept submissions from new authors or those that specialize in your genre.
Prepare a Query Letter: A query letter introduces you and your book to potential agents or publishers. It should include a brief synopsis of your work and why it fits their catalog.
If you opt for self-publishing:
Choose a Platform: Popular self-publishing platforms include:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
IngramSpark
Lulu
These platforms allow you to publish both eBooks and print books with relative ease.
4. Formatting Your Book
Regardless of the publishing route chosen, formatting is essential:
For traditional publishing, follow the submission guidelines provided by the publisher.
For self-publishing, ensure that your manuscript meets the formatting requirements of the platform you choose (e.g., specific file types, layout standards).
5. Cover Design
A professional cover design can significantly impact sales:
If self-publishing, consider hiring a graphic designer or using tools like Canva for DIY designs.
Traditional publishers typically handle cover design but may welcome input from authors.
6. Marketing Your Book
Marketing is crucial regardless of how you publish:
Build an online presence through social media platforms where readers congregate (e.g., Instagram, Twitter).
Consider creating an author website or blog to share updates about your writing journey.
Engage with local bookstores or libraries for potential readings or signings.
7. Legal Considerations
As a minor (under 18), there may be legal considerations regarding contracts:
If pursuing traditional publishing, having a parent or guardian review any contracts before signing is advisable.
For self-publishing, most platforms have user-friendly agreements but still require careful reading.
8. Timing Your Publication
You do not need to wait until after graduation to publish; many young authors have successfully published while still in school. The key is preparation—ensuring that your manuscript is ready and that you understand the process involved in either route you choose.
In summary, whether you decide to pursue traditional publishing or self-publish depends on your goals as an author and how much control you wish to retain over the process. Both paths have their advantages and challenges; therefore, thorough research will help guide your decision-making process.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. Writer’s Digest
A comprehensive resource for writers offering advice on all aspects of writing and publishing including tips on querying agents and publishers.
2. Self-Publishing School
Provides extensive resources on how to navigate the self-publishing process effectively including marketing strategies tailored for new authors.
3. The Creative Penn
A well-respected blog focused on writing, publishing options available today including insights into both traditional and self-publishing avenues tailored for aspiring authors.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Thank you so much for the helpful advice! I appreciate you outlining the entire process for me!
Catrina
Richard Caldwell
Broker
14
Answers
New Windsor, Maryland
Updated
Richard’s Answer
There are a lot of good ideas and suggestions from the people who have responded to you so far. I offer a word of caution. Look at the genre of your book, and look at the sales for that genre. Are sales low because it is a niche market? Romance stories seem to do much better than other genres overall. Readers are looking for escapism, I suppose.
You can publish on Kindle but you have to be very careful to ensure your manuscript is spotless. The e-pub book software does spell-check your work. N.B. the paperback version does not do spell-checking for some obscure reason.
Editing, and marketing are the most expensive items. Perhaps you can get your English teacher to edit the Manuscript for you and the best student in Graphic Arts design might be willing to do the cover for you gratis in exchange for getting an acknowledgment.
Be creative in your approach to seeking the help you need.
Good luck
Richard
You can publish on Kindle but you have to be very careful to ensure your manuscript is spotless. The e-pub book software does spell-check your work. N.B. the paperback version does not do spell-checking for some obscure reason.
Editing, and marketing are the most expensive items. Perhaps you can get your English teacher to edit the Manuscript for you and the best student in Graphic Arts design might be willing to do the cover for you gratis in exchange for getting an acknowledgment.
Be creative in your approach to seeking the help you need.
Good luck
Richard
Rebecca Joseph
Substitute Teacher
8
Answers
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hey Catrina,
Thank you for submitting your question to CareerVillage! It's awesome to hear that you are deciding to venture into the world of writing and wanting to become an published author! That's my goal too - I can't say that I know too much about the world of book publishing (I'm writing my first book which I will eventually publish) however, allow me to share with you a list of pointers that I've curated as I've learned more about the path to becoming an author.
Before I do so, I want you to know that I understand your concerns as it relates to feeling ready to publish versus waiting along with the dilemma of choosing traditional publishing versus self publishing. In saying that, congratulations on making the decision to share your work. It is a huge step for any creative, whether through writing or art or music, to put yourself out there - it takes a ton of courage! Still, the path to publishing isn't easy and will require a level of understanding before you embark.
Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks of traditional publishing versus self publishing.
- Traditional publishing may stifle your creativity by asking you to remove certain aspects of your book (i.e. key scenes, interactions, character flaws); Traditional Publishing gives access to more tools like editing, spell-proofing, market value information. To mitigate this situation, be sure to listen to your gut about your work. Only you the author can determine what can and should be removed. The people that work in the publishing firm can only guide you on what needs to change based on their expertise.
- As you've stated, traditional publishing is relatively more expensive than self publishing through a third party entity like Barnes & Nobles and Amazon. Choosing to publish through a third party site, means you pass over extra costs that may come from distributing your work.
- Traditional publishing may give you the upper hand by providing you with a small cash advance for choosing to publish under their firm. Whereas, self publishing invites a much longer wait until you see the monetary or true value (feedback and followership) that comes from putting your work out there.
If you need next steps, here's what to do.
1, Make it a priority to finish your book. Like you said, you're halfway done with your novel.
2. Watch Youtube Videos on specific subject matter such as traditional versus self publishing. This can give you more clarity on what you'd prefer especially since you're concerned about costs.
3. Find access to people you trust that can give you feedback on your work ("beta readers"). This can be friends, family etc. anyone that can be truthfully honest with you. Beta readers are those that may read your work to give feedback. Try searching on sites Facebook for groups to help with this or sites specifically hosted for beta readers.
4. Get access to an editor. It doesn't have to be a professional, but if you can find one, the better for you. Maybe have someone like your English teacher read it (printed at local library) and give you pointers for areas to improve.
5. Create a cover. Spend time going over cover art, maybe have one of your friends create the cover art for your book. It will help give you the support you're after and you get to work with each other.
Thank you for submitting your question to CareerVillage! It's awesome to hear that you are deciding to venture into the world of writing and wanting to become an published author! That's my goal too - I can't say that I know too much about the world of book publishing (I'm writing my first book which I will eventually publish) however, allow me to share with you a list of pointers that I've curated as I've learned more about the path to becoming an author.
Before I do so, I want you to know that I understand your concerns as it relates to feeling ready to publish versus waiting along with the dilemma of choosing traditional publishing versus self publishing. In saying that, congratulations on making the decision to share your work. It is a huge step for any creative, whether through writing or art or music, to put yourself out there - it takes a ton of courage! Still, the path to publishing isn't easy and will require a level of understanding before you embark.
Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks of traditional publishing versus self publishing.
- Traditional publishing may stifle your creativity by asking you to remove certain aspects of your book (i.e. key scenes, interactions, character flaws); Traditional Publishing gives access to more tools like editing, spell-proofing, market value information. To mitigate this situation, be sure to listen to your gut about your work. Only you the author can determine what can and should be removed. The people that work in the publishing firm can only guide you on what needs to change based on their expertise.
- As you've stated, traditional publishing is relatively more expensive than self publishing through a third party entity like Barnes & Nobles and Amazon. Choosing to publish through a third party site, means you pass over extra costs that may come from distributing your work.
- Traditional publishing may give you the upper hand by providing you with a small cash advance for choosing to publish under their firm. Whereas, self publishing invites a much longer wait until you see the monetary or true value (feedback and followership) that comes from putting your work out there.
If you need next steps, here's what to do.
Rebecca recommends the following next steps: