Getting Published

Are you interested in publishing a book that you just wrote?  If you are, one of the next steps you will need to take involves finding publishers to approach.  For many new authors, this is the most overwhelming part of the whole process.  The good news is that there are multiple ways that you can find publishers to send your book to, but which way is the best?

Before focusing on what ways are the best ways to find publishers, it is important to get a clear cut definition of the word best.  In terms of finding publishers, you will want an approach that is easy, time saving, as well as an approach that will produce the best results.  

When it comes to doing any sort of research, even research on book publishers, the internet is one of the easiest approaches to take.  For that reason, you may be interested in using the interenet to help you find book publishers.  When doing so, you will find that you have a number of different options.  If you already known of a publisher or two in your genre, consider performing a standard internet search with that publisher’s name.  This should lead you to their online website.

Another approach that you can take, when using the internet, is to perform a standard internet search with a generalized phrase.  This phrase can include “science fiction publishers,” or whatever your genre is.  Your standard internet search will likely lead you to online websites that act as directories for authors seeking information on publishers.  These websites are nice, but be cautious of the information that is provided to you.  Still visit the online website of a publisher to get as much accurate information as possible.

Speaking of visiting the online website of a book publisher, this is the best way to find the publisher that is the perfect fit for you and your book.  Most book publishers have detailed information for authors, including writer’s guidelines and other rules and restrictions.  Many publishers also have detailed information on their current books, including pictures and short descriptions.  Reviewing this information first can help you determine whether or not your book is what the publisher in question is looking for. 

A number of printed resources are also available to help you find information on publishers.  One of those resources is the Writer’s Market books.  They are developed for a number of different genres, including children’s books.  These books outline publishers that accept manuscripts from both agents and authors without agents.  Information on guidelines and what is in need is also outlined.  

In keeping with printed resources guides, to help you find publishers, you will find that they are very affordable.  In fact, the popular Most Writer’s Market books can be purchased for around $20 or less.  Although these books are available in most public libraries, purchasing your own copy allows you to write your own notes in the book and highlight important information.  The ability to write your own notes and create your own categories helps to simplify the process of finding publishers.

Another easy way that you can go about finding publishers is by using the services of an literary agent.  For the standpoint of ease, this is the easiest approach.  A literary agent will help you find the perfect publishers for your book and do a large percentage of the research for you.  As nice as it is to rely on the professional knowledge, experience, and expertise of a literary agent, their fee may be a turn off.  If you intended to submit your own book to publishers, which would only cost you postage, this unexpected fee may be too much.

As you can see, there are a number of easy ways that you can go about finding publishers to help you publish a book.  As for which approach is the best for you, it will depend on your own personal preferences.  If you feel more comfortable using a computer, the internet is advised and so forth.

