Question

What are the procedures you go through to get your book published?

Answer 1

Traditional publishing or self-publishing? Hard copy or e-book?

Answer 2

Traditional and both

Answer 3

Traditionally, you complete your manuscript and then send a query letter and some sample chapters to an agent (Writer's Digest produces reference books that go into more detail about the process). If the agent chooses to work with you, the agent then represents your work to publishing houses. A publishing house purchases the rights to the book and then the editing and revision process between the author and the editor begins. The house takes care of the production details such as artwork, formatting, etc... This is all a best case scenario - it's actually very difficult to secure an agent. Some authors represent themselves, but many houses will only accept agented work.

Answer 4

You said that the house takes care of the artwork and formatting and stuff, does that mean I can't tell them what I want my pictures and book cover to look like?

Answer 5

Mixed bag - one of my publishers chose cover art and layout, the other presented me with options to choose from. But, especially, for first time authors, it's better to trust the publishers since they have the selling expertise....

Answer 6

I see, so you have to choose one of the options they give you? Can you tell them what you're looking for and then let them come up with something similar for you to choose from?

Answer 7

It depends a lot on the publisher and their policies - in one case, I chose the cover image, but they did the actual layout (in terms of font, etc). If you're going to try the traditional route, my advice would be to trust your agent and publisher.

Answer 8

Mmk, thanks a lot :)