This is a frequent question that I hear. Many new writers who have surprised themselves with their first novel usually want to know how to get published, as if the first time they submit their work, it will be accepted with enthusiasm. They dream of becoming an overnight success, hitting the tops of bestseller lists across the globe. The sad true fact is, however, that this spontaneous fame story is extremely rare. Most writers struggle all of their lives to become known. And when frustration begins, most often they give up.
Below I will describe the steps you need to take to be published. But before I do that, you need to understand that most likely you will not be published automatically, nor will you be an overnight success. I hate to put a damper on things but I’m being realistic and you should be, too. Writing and publishing is a very competitive business and it takes more then a shove to get that foot in the door. So while you are researching to get published, start another novel or write some short stories. The most important thing in accomplishing your goals is to keep writing. Don’t stop on the premise that your novel will sell and then you can write another one. Start it now.
Step 1 – Revise, Edit, and Rewrite
Let your novel sit for about a month. Then go back to it, reread it, catch those typos and grammatical errors that your spell check doesn’t notice. If there’s anything bothering you about a particular scene or character, then by all means, rewrite it until you are happy with it. Most likely, if something is bothering you about your story, it will bother potential agents and publishers, too. Take care of those things BEFORE you begin submitting.
Step 2 – Writer’s Resources
The internet is clogged with all types of writing resources but there are two that stand out, that I personally love.
The Absolute Write Water Cooler Forum is a forum solely for writers. There are a great number of your peers that frequent the forum that will be able to provide advice, encouragement, and support. There is also a “Share Your Work” category where you can post your work for feedback. You must be able to take criticism and learn from it. The people there will be honest about your work but all in a way to help you make it better. There are also various market listings for your use. Writersmarket.com is the online version of the super thick Writer’s Market books that are published every year. It lists various markets for agents and publishers and what their submission guidelines are. If you don’t want to pay for the online subscription, then go buy the current year’s Writer’s Market. You won’t be sorry at the amount of information it provides you.
Step 3 – Beware!
Before you begin submitting, make sure the agents and publishers you are submitting too have good reputations. You can search for questionable agents and publishers through Preditors and Editors . Also, Absolute (see link above) has a “Bewares and Background Checks” section where you can get loads of info on what agents and editors to watch out for or whether you’ve come across one that is a solid homerun.
It is a great idea to do some checking around first, as there are a slew of scam agents and publishers out there only looking to make a quick buck off of you. One major rule of thumb writers need to follow when considering a contract is not to send money to them at all! These scammers know how bad you want to be published and offer those dreams to you… for a few hundred bucks. True agents and editors will be excited about the work and will offer to take on the expense of the process for you.
Step 4 – Craft a Good Query
See my article: Writing Your Fiction Query
Step 5 – Submit! Submit!
You are ready to submit your work. Whether you use an online service like Querytracker.net or write it down in a notebook, you will want to keep track of the queries you send out and keep track of the responses you get back. You want to keep track of these for two reasons: You don’t want to accidentally query the same agent twice and you want to be able to query your next novel to the same agents and editors providing your next novel is the same genre.
A tip for my fellow writer:
If you are a true, serious writer with lofty dreams, then perseverance is the key. It could take years and hundreds of rejections before you finally get the big book deal you really want. Be patient and keep writing.
Good luck!
