Steps to Getting Published

Do you have the goal of becoming a published writer?  If you do, you may be curious as to what steps you need to take to achieve your goal.  When it comes to getting a book published, there are multiple steps that you will need to take; however, some are much more important than others.

The first thing that you will need to do is write your book.  If you haven’t already done so, be sure to proceed with caution.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming that any book will do.  Do the research to determine which genres are popular or what types of books publishers are seeking.  Another common mistake that many new authors make is aiming for children’s books.  If you truly want to write a children’s book, go ahead and do so.  However, do not make the mistake of assuming that it would be easier to make more money with children’s books because they are easier to write and shorter in length.

If you have already written your book or as soon as it is completed, there are steps that you will want to take before sending your completed manuscripts off to publishers.  You will want to proofread your book, then proofread it again, and one more time for safe measure.  If you are not using the services of a professional editor, it may be a wise idea to ask a small number of trusted friends or relatives to review your book for you, give you input, and make note of any errors.  For longer books, consider giving those that you know a few chapters to review.

Another step that you will want to take involves looking into literary agents.  When writing adult books, you will find that a good percentage of well-known publishers only deal with authors who have professional literary agents in their corner.  With that said, you are not required to use the services of a literary agent, but it may result in more work for you.  Even if you are not sure if a literary agent is the right choice for you, consider giving a few a close look.  When doing so, examine fees, feedback, client testimonials, and success rate.

If you decide not to use the services of a professional literary agent, you will need to find and examine book publishers yourself.  When sending your manuscript out, be very careful.  You will not want to make some costly, but easy to avoid mistakes.  That is why research is important.  Purchase a writer’s guide or book, such as the Writer’s Market.  You can also use the internet to find similar information online, although this approach can be time consuming.

As for why researching publishers is important, you will find that many have rules and restrictions.  For example, do not waste your time by sending your books to publishers who only deal with literary agents if you do not have an agent.  Examine dates, as some publishers only accept manuscript certain months of the year.  Can you submit your manuscript to other publishers at the same time?  Some have rules, restrictions, or recommendations that encourage you not to do so.

Another important step that you will want to take, when looking to get a book published, is to not give up.  It is rare for a publisher to accept a book on the first try, especially if you are unpublished author.  Do not give up. Try different publishers.  If you receive ten or more rejections, it may be time to recheck your book.  Are there any storyline changes or layout changes that can be made to improve your chances of getting your book published?  If so, experiment.

When looking to get a book published, the above mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you will want to take and should take.  These steps, however, are ones that all authors should take, as they should be able to help you improve your chances of getting your book published.  As a reminder, it is important to do the proper amount of research before you start submitting your book.

