A few weeks ago, I had someone ask me about how I got my book published. It made me think about how much I’ve learned (and I’m still learning) to reach the point where I am now. I took my response and expanded on it.
Writing usually begins with a magical search: “how to write a novel”, “how to write a book”, “sample template of a manuscript” (you can find one here by the way), “how to find my writing voice”…
I wish I could have a nice little chat with Shawntelle from December 2008. Boy, would she be shocked at how much work and pain comes with writing. I’d tell her that writing 80K plus books is tiring and hard work. I’d tell her that it’s possible to write so long that your fingertips hurt and your brain will explode from those long editing sessions. But I’d also tell her that the first sell is so worth it in the end.
So, if I knew what I knew then, what would I say… First of all, anyone can open up Microsoft Word and start writing. But it’s what you do once you open Word/MS Notepad/Scrivener/OpenOffice that counts. I suggest the following: starting reading the books in the genre you want to be published within. If you like unusual historicals, then you should be reading them to know your genre.
Next, I would start browsing websites with writer forums like absolutewrite.com, querytracker.net, etc. If you’re interesting in writing, you need to associate with people who are serious about publication. Writing is a solitary activity and it helps to be around people who will encourage you. Especially when you’re tired of writing or when you’re rejected by agents/publishers. (And that is a part of the business that you’re going to have to get used to. So you might as well start toughening your skin now.)
So, if you want to be published by a New York publishers (called traditional publishing by those on the inside), here are the oh-so-fun steps (said with sarcasm):
1. Finish the book.
2. Edit the book.
3. Edit the book. Again. (Yep, I repeated that. If you feel uncomfortable about editing, check out how other authors edit. Some have lists online of what books they use and classes they found valuable Definitely Angela James’ class was good. There are even free resources out there. Some you pay for but they are worth it.)
4. Have a beta reader/critique partner offer feedback.
5. Write a synopsis for the book. Be prepared to write a 2-page, 3-page, or even up to 7-page version. I’m not kidding. Different agents want different things.
6. Query literary agents about the book. That means you need to know your book and then write a succinct query letter about it. (I still love this one by Angie Fox.)
7. Wait, and hopefully, an agent will request the partial/full manuscript and then offer representation. Don’t give up, avoid queritis, and start on the next project.
8. If they offer rep, then hopefully you’ll go out on submission to be sold to publishers.
Out of all the blog posts I’ve seen about the process, this one from BookEnds Literary Agency is the best.
Any tips you can add, or maybe you have questions? Leave a tip/question and I’ll enter you to win an e-book copy of Sandy Williams’ book: THE SHADOW READER coming out October 25th! I’ll pick a winner next Wednesday.
September 28th, 2011 - 11:40 am
I have to say that the best advice truly is to never give up! Luck follows the persistent! Also, you have to learn to develop thick skin. It’s a must in this business.
September 28th, 2011 - 2:16 pm
That’s great advice, thanks. I have to say criticism by others doesn’t worry me unduly (yet), but first I need a product I think is ready for “public viewing.” Book no. 1 is all done now (after two years, on and off) and I know it’s not even worth querying on it. I have learnt a lot from it, though, so I know what you’re talking about.
I’m using my new-found wisdom on my second book. Still, doubts about the new one are already creeping in. Trouble is, the more I’ve learnt about how things should be, the more I realize how far I still I have to go. Perhaps three’s the charm… But sooner or later I will get there, and I’ll be remembering your advice when the time comes.
September 29th, 2011 - 12:21 pm
[...] Shawntelle Madison’s Magic & Mayhem Post Contest (Ends ?) [...]
September 30th, 2011 - 6:57 pm
Great post with great advice!
What do I wish I knew about publishing in the beginning? You know, so far, I haven’t been surprised by too much. I read way, way too many author, editor, and agent blogs, so I had a good understanding of how everything worked going into it.
That’s not to say that I don’t still have things to learn. I know I do!
October 2nd, 2011 - 9:21 am
Try and try again, and having faith in your book. You’ll probably hear more no’s than yes’s in the beginning.
Don’t let the bag criticism get to you, but learn from it.
October 3rd, 2011 - 1:12 pm
I agree whole-heartedly with the edit, edit, edit bit of advice. I’m not a writer of books but do quite a bit of writing and no matter the industry, English, Business or Communications it is so important to re-evaluate your writing for consistency, accuracy and relevancy.
Another advice I foudn invaluable was from a teacher who said practice makes perfect isn’t true if you keep on doing the same thing over and over. It’s important to know what you’re doing wrong and change that.
The Shadow Reader caught my eye a few weeks ago and it sounds really appealing.
October 3rd, 2011 - 3:05 pm
Great post. I’ve heard many writers say that the best advice is to write every day, even if it’s not good you just have to train yourself to get into the habit of treating it like a day job.
P.S. I would absolutely love a copy of The Shadow Reader.
October 3rd, 2011 - 10:24 pm
When I’m stuck doing something I find that stepping away for a bit & doing something else and just relaxing helps.
I’m no writer (zero imagination & probably the least articulate of people) but i guess writers do get writer’s block sometimes?
October 4th, 2011 - 2:25 am
I can’t wait to read this book. I wish Sandy success! I appreciate the tips. The journey towards “the dream” can be so overwhelming. I’ll pose a question: I’ve been thinking of offering a few shorts/novellas as ebooks, each told from the perspective of various core characters in my novel. I figured it might generate some interest and make my work more visible. However, I do NOT want to self-publish the novel. I really want a traditional deal. I know it’s a long shot, but it’s my dream, and I’ve got to try. Do you think this would be advantageous, or could it jeopardize my chances of getting an agent and/or selling the novel? Thanks so much for the post and the contest! All my best!
October 4th, 2011 - 2:44 pm
While I swear I’m not a stalker, I do try to follow my fav authors’s website and follow them on Twitter and Facebook. As I live in a small rural community I’ve never taken the time to go to a book signing as these interviews have been very enlightening and entertaining without leaving the comfort of my home.
As you are a young enough writer that you have always been exposed in this manner, how different or harder do you think it was to be a writer during the 70′s as opposed to now?