There comes a time in every writer’s life when he or she longs to have a book published. If you have done a little research online you may be aware of the astounding array of book publishing options out there for today’s budding authors. From ‘publish on demand’ or POD publishers to the so-called ‘vanity’ publishers and traditional publishers you may have reached a stalemate about who to offer your book, novel or anthology not least because there are so many different opinions out there on the pros and cons of each choice. Take heart all you need to do is decide on an option that is right for YOU and you only. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions and tips on how to get a book published and which publisher to choose for your bestseller!
* Is it necessary to hire an agent to get a book published?
It can help, but there are some books purchased by publishers out of old manuscript archives of ‘slush piles’. This isn’t the norm however and it can certainly help to invest in the services of an agent to market and push your book to the right publisher and markets for your type of book.
You may not like the idea of paying an agent a percentage of your book earnings but it may end up being worth it if they improve your deal merely by being there.
In fact, the majority of well-known publishing houses won’t deal with you personally but prefer to handle deals presented by agents. Some won’t work any other way so it may pay off in the long run to find a reputable agent to help you get a book published smoothly.
Popular publishing houses deal with a large number of submissions each and every day and to deal personally with every writer no matter what the quality of his or her work would be impossible. The presence of an agent gives an impression that you mean business and your manuscript or proposal may be taken more seriously.
Editors also keep in touch with agents to let them know what kind of books are popular at any given time - so this will give you the inside edge.
Agents can help you to get a proposal up to scratch and take it to the editors and publishers who would be most likely to view it favorably.
Beware of the agent, however, who is swamped with proposals as he or she may be concentrating on their own success rather than yours and in so doing neglect you.
Don’t forget that both Tom Clancy and John Grisham sold first books without the aid of an agent - so there is always hope to get a book published the old fashioned way!
