publisher?

[MercuryAndy]

I have about 4000 words of a novel I am writing at the moment. I have shown it to many people who all seem to like it. But how would i get it published? I was looking and all the publishers say they want literary agents to send them it but I don't know how to get one of those. And all the people may be lieing to me or I may be paranoid I am not sure which.

 

[seamonster]

It's best to get a literary agent because many publishers won't accept unsolicited manuscripts. Literary agents do NOT charge up front. Their job is to submit and promote the book to publishers, and it is only after a publisher has picked up the book that a literary agent will charge. They usually get 10-15% of the total profit from the book. You can find literary agents just by doing a quick google search. Hope that helps

 

[Tariel]

Here's the way it works. Whenever a publisher publishes a book, they're taking a gamble. If your book doesn't sell well, they look one heck of a lot of money. This is why they generally want some proof that your book is worth publishing - having a literary agents helps with that; it's a way of showing that this isn't some kid off the street trying to become the next Paolini. This is where things become difficult: most literary agents won't even give you a second look until you're published. That's just the way it works. So then you're stuck - you can't get published without a literary agent, and you can't get a literary agent without being published. There are two cures for this.

1. Do whatever you can to get published in other places, even if they have nothing to do with your novel. That way you have some credibility.

2. Go to writer's conferences. Get your face in front of publishers and agents. They're much more likely to "bend the rules" if they know you.


No matter how many people tell me that my novel is good, I cannot quite see what they see. It's the way of the author. It's natural.

 

[MercuryAndy]

Thanks people.


what is a writers conference?

 

[Tariel]

Thanks people.


what is a writers conference?

When a bunch of writers and publishers get together and talk, basically. They have workshops, and people can sign up for one-on-one meetings with publishers and agents.

 

[MercuryAndy]

oo rite. I don't think there are any of them near me.

 

[tbird_energizerbunny]

I've got the same problem!

 

[Christianfantasy]

Four thousand words isn't really a lot. Your best bet would be to finish the novel, enlist several good beta readers, have them read the entire story and pay close attention to their feedback; polish the ms into the very best possible shape you can get it into, and then turn your thoughts toward agents and editors. Fwiw.