What to do with a book I've written?

[andrea81]

I have written a book, I stared it years ago and as I have to clue what to do with it now, I'm at logger heads. I few people I know (trusted few) have read it and now I just think that I should show it to someone proffesional.

I know there are steps to take before publisher, but what?

I also know that I shouldn't have to put any money up, if its a book woth publishing. HELP?

[Siorai]

In November of every year, there is a phenomenon called National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short). You could submit it to the group and get their input, if you'd like. Or, you could go to a publishing house that deals specifically with the genre of your book. Is it a children's book? Go to one specializing in children's books. Is is Sci-Fi? Find one that specializes in science fiction. Not sure who does what? Go to the local book shop and root around! Pull down a few children's books and see who publishes them. Doing it this way, rather than on-line (which would, of course, be the fastest way to do it), allows you to see if you even like the kind of books they publish. If you don't like any of their publications, chances are it won't be a good fit.

Just an idea...

[andrea81]

Cheers for that.

I have an unwritten idea for a children's, but I wrote one of a adult genre years ago, it's just sitting there now. Think I should try something with it!

[feebal]

I recommend buying (or getting from a lending library) the Writers and Artists Handbook. It's an annual publication with lists of all the agents and publishing houses in the UK and abroad. It tells you how to prepare your manuscript, etc. It also tells you whether to send a synopsis plus sample chapter etc or the whole draft. (It also contains advice from authors explaining the steps they took to get published. JK Rowling is one of the contributors to the current edition).

Generally, the advice is to send the opening 3 chapters plus a synopsis of plot and a letter explaining what the target audience is, etc. If you send to an agent they are more likely to offer you advice or comment (but only if it is any good and there is a chance they will take you on). There is not usually a reading fee.

If you don't want to take that step, an alternative might be to enrol in a creative writing class or group. It usually provides an opportunity to share your work with other people and get their views. This might be worth doing if you are worried about sending it to an agent or publisher.

I am in the current position of sending my manuscript to agents and publishers and enjoying the many quaint variations people can find to say "no".....

Best of luck. Hope that is helpful.

[juliacornwal]

I publish through Robert Hale, who are about the only independent publishers left now, and who will actually read an unsolicited manuscript. Finding an agent is a long and tedious business, but there are some in the Writers and Artists Yearbook who will give someone new a look - it seems it's just a matter of luck finding them!

Anyway, good luck, because believe me the feeling of holding your own first novel in your hands is magnificent! I'd go so far as to say it changed my life - and not because I made a fortune; I didn't; but it didn't half give my self-esteem a boost!

[andrea81]

Thanks for that, I think finding and agent is the hardest bit and think I will need to get a reality check as to the amount of regections I'll get.

just hope that I get a lucky break, but I do know that agents only take on a few new authors a year! think I may sent it to Writers writers first - they seem to be very helpful and have been a good port of contact!

Fingers crossed!

[China Doll]

Did you ask Andy?

He's very, very helpful.