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How do I publish my first novel?
How do I know where to start and how to plan?
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9 answers
Updated
Shashi’s Answer
You could try publishing it on reading website like Wattpad or import it as a digital book onto Amazon. Either ways there are plenty of resources you can use to get started.
Updated
Ann-Marie’s Answer
Hi Layla,
Congrats on writing a novel!
You now have three choices/three venues for publishing it and these are the broad strokes: 1. pitch and publish with one of the Big Five houses (which will require an agent); 2. pitch and publish with an independent press, including university presses (which may or may not require an agent); 3. self-publish (agent not required).
Each of these categories contains subcategories. Lots of rabbit holes here. Each of these categories carries its own risks. If you can find an agent early on, you will have help sorting things out. You will pay the agent about 15% commission, but a good agent will earn that--and be worth much more.
You will have to figure out where your novel fits in the world, who your potential audience is, and how best to reach them. Do they want hard copy, paperback, e-books, audio-books? All of the above? And you will be doing some or all of the marketing.
A good place to begin learning about the current publishing world is with Jane Friedman. (https://janefriedman.com/) She has been teaching online and publishing an up-to-date blog for more than 20 years. She also offers guest instructors with very reasonable fees ($25 for 2 hour webinar) who tend to overdeliver. She takes the pulse of the industry regularly and keeps us up-to-date on scams, among other things.
If you are in school, ask professors who have published with academic presses what their experiences have been.
Go to the (school?) library and read Poets and Writers, a magazine dedicated to the profession. Another publication to check out is Writers Digest, but that covers the spectrum of writing, not just fiction. And when you get to the point of having a contract in front of you, join the Authors Guild (authorsguild.org). Their attorneys will help you understand and negotiate the project.
Tom is right! Don't quit. The road is twisty and foggy, but don't give up. It's worth every step.
Congrats on writing a novel!
You now have three choices/three venues for publishing it and these are the broad strokes: 1. pitch and publish with one of the Big Five houses (which will require an agent); 2. pitch and publish with an independent press, including university presses (which may or may not require an agent); 3. self-publish (agent not required).
Each of these categories contains subcategories. Lots of rabbit holes here. Each of these categories carries its own risks. If you can find an agent early on, you will have help sorting things out. You will pay the agent about 15% commission, but a good agent will earn that--and be worth much more.
You will have to figure out where your novel fits in the world, who your potential audience is, and how best to reach them. Do they want hard copy, paperback, e-books, audio-books? All of the above? And you will be doing some or all of the marketing.
A good place to begin learning about the current publishing world is with Jane Friedman. (https://janefriedman.com/) She has been teaching online and publishing an up-to-date blog for more than 20 years. She also offers guest instructors with very reasonable fees ($25 for 2 hour webinar) who tend to overdeliver. She takes the pulse of the industry regularly and keeps us up-to-date on scams, among other things.
If you are in school, ask professors who have published with academic presses what their experiences have been.
Go to the (school?) library and read Poets and Writers, a magazine dedicated to the profession. Another publication to check out is Writers Digest, but that covers the spectrum of writing, not just fiction. And when you get to the point of having a contract in front of you, join the Authors Guild (authorsguild.org). Their attorneys will help you understand and negotiate the project.
Tom is right! Don't quit. The road is twisty and foggy, but don't give up. It's worth every step.
Updated
Tom’s Answer
That all depends on your goal as an author. If you want your book on shelves, then you need a literary agent. Follow the guidelines of each agency carefully and make your book look as good as it can. If you just want it out where people can see it, then going online to self-publish can work. Just keep in mind that with self-publishing you're going to be doing a lot more of the legwork. Promote your book as much as you can, use every option available, just don't quit because it gets hard.
It will get hard, that's kind of the point. A lot of people are trying to publish their books, so you have a lot of competition. Just be you, promote your book in any way you can, and remember that the more people you manage to convince, the better. Other than that, there are simply too many options to list, so it's up to you to find which one works for you. Chances are you'll fall on your face a time or two or find that getting the attention of the people isn't that easy.
Just don't quit, especially if you believe in your writing.
Just write, and keep moving forward.
It will get hard, that's kind of the point. A lot of people are trying to publish their books, so you have a lot of competition. Just be you, promote your book in any way you can, and remember that the more people you manage to convince, the better. Other than that, there are simply too many options to list, so it's up to you to find which one works for you. Chances are you'll fall on your face a time or two or find that getting the attention of the people isn't that easy.
Just don't quit, especially if you believe in your writing.
Just write, and keep moving forward.
Updated
Micah’s Answer
Hi!
First of all, congrats on starting your journey!
Writing and publishing a novel is not an easy task, and the fact that you're ready to take that leap is already a huge step.
1- Write and rewrite your novel. Especially as you're still young and gaining experience, your first draft will never be perfect and that's okay! The first draft is all about getting your book to page. In your subsequent drafts, change up any plot holes or unnecessary bits (such as removing superfluous characters or scenes that don't contribute much for the plot), switch scenes around, etc. until your story reads and feels exactly how you want it to feel. During the redrafting process, reach out to beta readers such as friends and family (or people online), whose job is to read your manuscript and tell you what works and what doesn't, or mention any details that might have slipped through the cracks. Finally, your final draft is all about proofreading (correcting your grammar, word choice, and punctuation.
2- Decide what your goal is through publishing. Do you want it traditionally published, where the book will go to print through all of the "official" steps? Do you just want people to read it? Do you hope to make some extra cash?
3-If you opt for self-publishing, have a look at some free online options such as Wattpad or Amazon's direct-to-Kindle publishing, as well as Amazon's paper publishing route. In this case, you can choose to format everything yourself, or hire professionals to do it for you.
4 - If you decide to go the traditional publishing route, your next step will be to query agents and reach out to them in hopes of finding representation, and they'll guide you through the rest of the process.
Best of luck!
First of all, congrats on starting your journey!
Writing and publishing a novel is not an easy task, and the fact that you're ready to take that leap is already a huge step.
1- Write and rewrite your novel. Especially as you're still young and gaining experience, your first draft will never be perfect and that's okay! The first draft is all about getting your book to page. In your subsequent drafts, change up any plot holes or unnecessary bits (such as removing superfluous characters or scenes that don't contribute much for the plot), switch scenes around, etc. until your story reads and feels exactly how you want it to feel. During the redrafting process, reach out to beta readers such as friends and family (or people online), whose job is to read your manuscript and tell you what works and what doesn't, or mention any details that might have slipped through the cracks. Finally, your final draft is all about proofreading (correcting your grammar, word choice, and punctuation.
2- Decide what your goal is through publishing. Do you want it traditionally published, where the book will go to print through all of the "official" steps? Do you just want people to read it? Do you hope to make some extra cash?
3-If you opt for self-publishing, have a look at some free online options such as Wattpad or Amazon's direct-to-Kindle publishing, as well as Amazon's paper publishing route. In this case, you can choose to format everything yourself, or hire professionals to do it for you.
4 - If you decide to go the traditional publishing route, your next step will be to query agents and reach out to them in hopes of finding representation, and they'll guide you through the rest of the process.
Best of luck!
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Layla,
Writing a book for the first time is an interspersing part of the job processes. To begin, write, and then re-read your manuscript, and handle its review in the best way you can. Plus, you could think of engaging a professional editor if you like. After that, make the decision whether you will publish your own book or go for a traditional publishing company. To be traditionally published, you have to first search the agents and publishers, then send a query letter and sample chapters to them. Self-publishing is on the other hand if you decide to try out platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark. Choose a professional cover, then format your book properly, and fix a sensible price for it. In conclusion, the way that you can promote your book effectively and efficiently is to take advantage of the marketing potential of social media, the effectiveness of in-person book signings, and other means of promotion.
Writing a book for the first time is an interspersing part of the job processes. To begin, write, and then re-read your manuscript, and handle its review in the best way you can. Plus, you could think of engaging a professional editor if you like. After that, make the decision whether you will publish your own book or go for a traditional publishing company. To be traditionally published, you have to first search the agents and publishers, then send a query letter and sample chapters to them. Self-publishing is on the other hand if you decide to try out platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark. Choose a professional cover, then format your book properly, and fix a sensible price for it. In conclusion, the way that you can promote your book effectively and efficiently is to take advantage of the marketing potential of social media, the effectiveness of in-person book signings, and other means of promotion.
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hello Layla!
Great question. Becoming a published author can be a journey full of ups and downs. It requires commitment and endurance.
First, focus on the area in which you wish to write. Think about what you like to read. You can write a story on that topic. It could be action, adventure, science fiction, or romance.
Once you determine your story topic, similar research stories, ask yourself how you would write the story. Who are your characters? What is the setting? Plot?
Once you've done your research, begin brainstorming. List ideas about the story in separate columns if it's easier for your brainstorming process.
Create an outline. It can be a working document on your computer. Refer to it throughout the process.
You can look for story prompts online. Try Google.
Write a little each day. Don't worry about punctuation or spelling. This is a rough draft, a work in progress.
You can also search websites to post excerpts of your story. Build your audience before the novel is published.
Wattpad would be a great place for stories. You can also create a website or blog or post excerpts on Medium.
Take your time with your novel. Learn the craft of writing. Plenty of free resources are online, at the library, or in the bookstore.
Join a teen writing group - in person or online.
Find an adult writer for a mentor. Learn from those who have been doing the work.
Love what you do, and your novel will be a hit!
Good luck!
-Shirley
Great question. Becoming a published author can be a journey full of ups and downs. It requires commitment and endurance.
First, focus on the area in which you wish to write. Think about what you like to read. You can write a story on that topic. It could be action, adventure, science fiction, or romance.
Once you determine your story topic, similar research stories, ask yourself how you would write the story. Who are your characters? What is the setting? Plot?
Once you've done your research, begin brainstorming. List ideas about the story in separate columns if it's easier for your brainstorming process.
Create an outline. It can be a working document on your computer. Refer to it throughout the process.
You can look for story prompts online. Try Google.
Write a little each day. Don't worry about punctuation or spelling. This is a rough draft, a work in progress.
You can also search websites to post excerpts of your story. Build your audience before the novel is published.
Wattpad would be a great place for stories. You can also create a website or blog or post excerpts on Medium.
Take your time with your novel. Learn the craft of writing. Plenty of free resources are online, at the library, or in the bookstore.
Join a teen writing group - in person or online.
Find an adult writer for a mentor. Learn from those who have been doing the work.
Love what you do, and your novel will be a hit!
Good luck!
-Shirley
Updated
Tami’s Answer
To answer simply, you have already started your plan by taking the initiative. Now you're on the right path toward recognizing your goal by pacing yourself and setting milestones toward it. Of course, the majority of your work will consist of organizing the material and going through any number of re-edits until you feel that it's ready for publication. Then, you may decide to self publish it or even find an alternative outlet online. The standard way of doing things in print is always an option, but you'll have to feel out what seems best for your finished manuscript.
Focus on your goals without a doubt
Recognize the audience you wish to reach
Create a plan of action with components that are challenging, but not uncomfortable
Be prepared to make changes, remain flexible and try new outlets of expression such as self publishing
Enjoy your persuits
Tami recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Cyril’s Answer
The long way around is to find an agent and send them a query. You can also follow MWSL which is a thread where agents and publishers list out the kind of books they are currently looking for. Another way is going the self-publish route : medium, wattpad, kindle direct, or look at websites like Gumroad that both publish and give you advice on editing and marketing services.
Good luck!
Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6540
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Layla,
Guidelines for Publishing Your Debut Novel
Venturing into the realm of publishing your first novel can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. Here's a simplified, easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate the process of publishing your debut novel:
1. Perfect Your Novel: Before embarking on the publishing journey, ensure your novel is polished and perfected. Thoroughly revise and edit it to create the finest version of your story.
2. Explore Publishing Avenues: There are multiple paths to publishing a novel, from traditional publishing with literary agents and publishing houses to self-publishing via platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark. Investigate these options to find the one that suits you best.
3. Craft a Query Letter (for Traditional Publishing): If you decide on traditional publishing, you'll need to compose an engaging query letter to attract literary agents or publishers. This letter should encapsulate a short summary of your book, your writing credentials (if any), and why your book would be a valuable addition to their catalogue.
4. Prepare for Self-Publishing: If you lean towards self-publishing, ready your manuscript for publication. This includes formatting the book, creating a cover, and penning a compelling book description.
5. Build an Author Platform: Irrespective of your chosen publishing path, establishing an author platform is crucial for book promotion. This can encompass a personal website, a presence on social media, and author profiles on platforms like Goodreads.
6. Formulate a Marketing Strategy: Contemplate how you'll publicize your book post-publication. Strategies may include book signings, blog tours, social media campaigns, and connecting with book reviewers.
7. Consult Professionals (if required): If you're uncertain about any part of the publishing process, don't hesitate to seek advice from professionals such as editors, cover designers, or marketing specialists who have expertise in the publishing field.
8. Stay Resilient and Patient: Publishing a novel can be a lengthy journey, often filled with rejections and obstacles. Maintain your determination towards achieving your goal and exercise patience throughout the process.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your writing aspirations, you can successfully publish your inaugural novel and introduce your narrative to the world.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Consulted for this Guide:
Writer’s Digest: A trusted guide for writers seeking advice on various facets of writing and publishing, offering valuable insights into the publishing industry and practical tips for budding authors.
The Creative Penn: Managed by Joanna Penn, an author entrepreneur, this platform provides resources and guidance on self-publishing and book marketing. It features articles, podcasts, courses, and tools for writers at every stage of their journey.
Publishers Weekly: A renowned publication in the publishing industry, covering news, trends, and insights related to book publishing. It offers essential information on traditional publishing processes and industry updates beneficial for aspiring authors aiming to publish their work.
God Bless You,
JC.
Guidelines for Publishing Your Debut Novel
Venturing into the realm of publishing your first novel can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. Here's a simplified, easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate the process of publishing your debut novel:
1. Perfect Your Novel: Before embarking on the publishing journey, ensure your novel is polished and perfected. Thoroughly revise and edit it to create the finest version of your story.
2. Explore Publishing Avenues: There are multiple paths to publishing a novel, from traditional publishing with literary agents and publishing houses to self-publishing via platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark. Investigate these options to find the one that suits you best.
3. Craft a Query Letter (for Traditional Publishing): If you decide on traditional publishing, you'll need to compose an engaging query letter to attract literary agents or publishers. This letter should encapsulate a short summary of your book, your writing credentials (if any), and why your book would be a valuable addition to their catalogue.
4. Prepare for Self-Publishing: If you lean towards self-publishing, ready your manuscript for publication. This includes formatting the book, creating a cover, and penning a compelling book description.
5. Build an Author Platform: Irrespective of your chosen publishing path, establishing an author platform is crucial for book promotion. This can encompass a personal website, a presence on social media, and author profiles on platforms like Goodreads.
6. Formulate a Marketing Strategy: Contemplate how you'll publicize your book post-publication. Strategies may include book signings, blog tours, social media campaigns, and connecting with book reviewers.
7. Consult Professionals (if required): If you're uncertain about any part of the publishing process, don't hesitate to seek advice from professionals such as editors, cover designers, or marketing specialists who have expertise in the publishing field.
8. Stay Resilient and Patient: Publishing a novel can be a lengthy journey, often filled with rejections and obstacles. Maintain your determination towards achieving your goal and exercise patience throughout the process.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your writing aspirations, you can successfully publish your inaugural novel and introduce your narrative to the world.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Consulted for this Guide:
Writer’s Digest: A trusted guide for writers seeking advice on various facets of writing and publishing, offering valuable insights into the publishing industry and practical tips for budding authors.
The Creative Penn: Managed by Joanna Penn, an author entrepreneur, this platform provides resources and guidance on self-publishing and book marketing. It features articles, podcasts, courses, and tools for writers at every stage of their journey.
Publishers Weekly: A renowned publication in the publishing industry, covering news, trends, and insights related to book publishing. It offers essential information on traditional publishing processes and industry updates beneficial for aspiring authors aiming to publish their work.
God Bless You,
JC.