If you are a first-time novelist, we completely understand the questions you might have about getting your book published. The process can be intriguing, and there is a lot to learn.
The publishing world today is full of options, and novelists and writers have several different avenues to get their books published. Choosing a publisher should be based on what experience the author wants to achieve from writing their book. Some authors wish for literary rapport, fame, fortune, or the satisfaction of having their name on a commercial paperback.
We recognize new novelists may have questions. Aspiring authors may be confused about the process. In this article, we will walk you through potential questions and provide you with some reliable answers. Our goal is to provide you with the roadmap to publishing a book.
Research Your Genre
If you ask editors, publishers, or other writers for advice, they will most likely tell you to read books in your genre. This is the first step to getting published. If they don’t tell you to read books in your genre, they probably already assume that you have already done this step. The novelists and creative professionals around you act as inspirations in your literary journey.
Once you study your genre, you will also get an idea of the kind of books people are writing and buying around you. The more you are aware of what types of books are selling, the easier it will be for you to deliver a book written by you that people will want to read. There are certain genres that people always read; people have a never-ending appetite for these books. If inspired, you may consider writing books in one of these genres.
Look for Feedback on What You’ve Written
The success of your books depends on how well you write. Your first novel may not be a bestseller, but your book should be something your potential audience will enjoy.
One way to ensure your book is appealing is to have other people read through your manuscript, not just your book agent. The more people go through the manuscript, the easier it gets for you to perfect it. Before you head to agents and publishers, you can benefit from feedback from your beta readers.
Beta readers are interested in a particular genre and offer their third-party perspective to writers. The professional feedback they deliver can be better than getting in touch with your roommate or your college friend for feedback. The more professional readers and critics read your book, the closer you get to writing a page-turning book.
Research Agents
Your book manuscript should look sharp by the time you start shopping around for possible literary agents. Look for an agent that is familiar with your genre. Some indie publishing firms accept unagented authors. This may be an option, as well as using a traditional publishing firm. Traditional publishing firms may have additional resources and connections you may find beneficial.
Remember that almost everyone involved in this business wants to make money. This is why agents want to work with writers that promise them returns in the form of money and profitability. No one wants to work with writers with limited profitability and future returns.
Send Your Submission to Agents
Unless you have a personal recommendation for an agent, you must follow this technique to come into the good books of agents. You will have to start with a personal introduction, followed by a query letter that pitches yourself as an author and your novel.
You also sign an agreement that represents you and your book. This agreement, once signed, can help you enter a formal contract with the agent. This is obviously the best-case scenario for every writer or publisher. Most writers often find themselves querying different agents for the best deal and promotional discount.
Also, please do bear in mind that agents get thousands of queries in a month, whereas most of them are often terrible. So, if you put in an effort, yours will stand out in due time.
Work With Agent to Find Publisher
Once you have signed with an agent, it is time that you work with them to find a publisher for your book. You can expect to work with your agent to achieve the best results.
Some publishers may want to amend your book and make it more sellable based on their experience. Since they have been around in the game for longer, publishers make suggestions for desired profitability.
Following this process, you will soon be able to publish your book and monetize it for a sizable income. However, the entire process and monetization depend on the novel’s quality.
