How to Get Published

Posted on Feb 9th, 2011 | 103 comments home title

The Definitive Post

I get emails every day asking for advice on getting published or getting an agent. This is the post for people needing an entry-level introduction to publishing.

Dear Writer,

Congratulations on your decision to pursue publication. As a literary agent, I’m not able to help you until you’ve created the appropriate materials:

→ If you’re a non-fiction writer, you’ll need a full professional book proposal, with three sample chapters (this must include the FIRST chapter). (See How To Write a Book Proposal)

→ If you’re writing fiction, your manuscript must be complete, edited and polished; you also need a one-sentence hook and a one-paragraph pitch.

Once you have your manuscript and/or proposal ready, you need to prepare a query letter. You then begin sending your query to agents. (See How to Write a Query Letter. You may also want to see all my posts on query letters: HERE.) Don’t attach your manuscript or proposal to the query; you’ll send that only if requested.

Please don’t contact literary agents with random questions, requests for advice, or asking for an education on how to get published. Approach literary agents with a query letter once you have a properly prepared manuscript and/or proposal. Don’t phone agents, or write them asking for a phone call.

Sounds simple, right? It is, but you’re still not ready. You stand very little chance of being published until you immerse yourself in the world of publishing to learn as much as you can about how it works and what to expect. If you’re serious about publishing, you’ll need to treat it as (at least) a part-time job. Or maybe an internship, since there’s no pay at the beginning.

*Resources To Help You*

→ Click on THIS POST for lots more quick links to find agents, publishers, and information.

Publishing blogs. Terrific agent blogs and other sites for writers. (Great roundup: Writers Digest 101 Best Sites for Writers.)

Magazines: I suggest subscribing to Writers Digest or The Writer.

Agent Directories:

2011 Guide to Literary Agents by Chuck Sambuchino

Jeff Herman’s Guide To Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents by Jeff Herman

Websites:

These help you find the right agent and even keep track of your queries: Agent Query and Query Tracker.

These help you make sure you’re dealing with reputable people: Writer Beware and Preditors & Editors.

Consider attending a writers’ conference (or two):

This is one of the best ways to get a crash course in writing, publishing, and book marketing. Check out the Shaw Guide to Writers Conferences.

Resources for CHILDREN’S and ILLUSTRATED books:

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators

Write 4 Kids.com

The Purple Crayon

Books about children’s publishing

Resources for CHRISTIAN publishing:

Click here for a list of Christian literary agents.

The most comprehensive book for Christian publishing: Christian Writers Market Guide by Jerry Jenkins.

For Christian writers’ conferences, READ THIS.

*Are You Ready to Query?*

Wait! Most agents have a website (and/or blog) on which they list their Submission Guidelines. As you use the resources above to identify agents who might be right for your work, it’s important to read their individual guidelines and submit accordingly.

*Attention Non-fiction Authors*

→ Be aware that author platform and credentials are of primary importance. It may take years to build the kind of platform necessary to interest an agent or publisher. Read all my posts on platform HERE.

→ You also MUST thoroughly examine the comparable books already available on your topic, and be ruthlessly honest with yourself. Does your book say anything that is fresh, unique, and not already well-covered in books within the last five years? If not, go back to the drawing board. Find a fresh hook or angle.

→ Does your topic typically require credentials or degrees to be credible? If so, do you have them? If not, ask yourself what you DO have (besides personal experience) that overcomes your lack of credentials. Are you really funny? Do you have a blog that gets 5,000 hits a day? Have you won awards or major accolades in your subject area? Make sure you have something special to recommend you to a book-buying audience. If you don’t have it, go create it, or give up the idea of traditional publication.

*Attention Fiction Authors*

→ The word count of your novel is important and can make the difference between being considered or automatically rejected. Read Colleen Lindsay’s comprehensive overview of expected word counts.

→ Please do not send the first draft of the first novel you’ve ever written. It’s important to study the craft of writing fiction, as well as getting outside help in editing and polishing your work before calling it ready. You may want to join a writers group or get a critique partner.

*The Final Word*

Don’t try to take shortcuts or do an end-around the system! If you truly want to publish, you’re going to have to work for it. All the resources are available and many of them are free of charge. Now get to work!

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Sarah Allen

>Brilliant advice and resources Invaluable to us aspiring writers. Thank you!

Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
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Phil

>So simple but so true. I wish I'd read this when I was in my teens.

My advice for aspiring writers such as myself: try to write because you love writing, and not because you want to be published. If you love and enjoy writing, odds are that you'll eventually get published. If you are instead simply hunting your first book deal, odds are you'll end up bitter and burned out and quit.
- Brigid
  
  I’m in my teens now and want to be a writer… this is extremely helpful in helping me see where i want to go…
Arlee Bird

>This is a wealth of useful information. Thanks.

Lee
Tossing It Out and the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2011
Jennifer Larson

>Agree with 99% and makes some great points abd reference suggestions to new writers.
Anonymous

>I made the rookie mistake of sending out my novel before it was ready. My query was fine cuz I got plenty of request. It wasn't until all the rejections came in that I realized it wasn't ready. Now figuring out how to revise and re-submit a new & improved ms. is the hard part.
Robyn Bavati

>Great advice, especially the part about not sending out the first draft and making sure you have a really polished manuscript before you do. The publishing industry has very high standards. It took me 25 years to learn this, and it was only when I did that I managed to publish my first novel.
Tamika:

>Bottom line- there are no short cuts! I tell myself this everyday. I must be willing to commit to the process, trust God's time, and work to strengthen my skills.

I don't love the timeline, but I respect it:)
Rosemary Gemmell

>Excellent, comprehensive advice as always. I would add that authors should be working on the next book while waiting on a decision for the first. And a healthy dose of optimism helps!
john

>Where do you ever find the time for us? Haven't you got work of your own to do?

The message is the same over here, but the Amarican market is less conservative than the UK market. At least that is what I was led to believe on my MA, and of course it is also much bigger.
I am very grateful for the ability to explore all your useful links. Nobody in England is as helpfull as you are, at least nobody I've found yet.
Ta.
Heidiopia

>I think this is the best "in a nutshell" advice on the process I've seen. Concise with all the resources we need to educate ourselves further. Thanks, Rachelle!
Ellen Schuknecht

>As an aspiring Christian author working on a book proposal, I find your blog not only helpful but inspirational. Thanks for the list of Christian agents. While you encourage your readers "to get to work", you certainly help pave the way.
Brian Miller

>woot this is excellent…thank you…
Katy

>Some great advice for the working writer! Thanks Rachelle!
Erin MacPherson

>Oh, how I wish I had read this post 3 years ago… it would've saved me a lot of time, stress and mistakes. That said, I forwarded this on to everyone I know who is interested in publishing… so many great ideas!

My only other idea for brand-new non-fiction writers is to actually READ the competitors. You touched on researching a comp list, but I think it's important to literally go to the library and check out every book that even remotely relates to your idea. Read them and see what you can offer that different or better. Just looking the book up on Amazon isn't sufficient.
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  Rachelle, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, as well as writing for a long time, and I just wanted to thank you. Your posts are beautifully put together and I’ve learned so much about the process that is writing, that I would have never otherwise known. So thanks for taking the time and putting in the effort for each post, there are a lot of us who really appreciate it.
Heather Webb

>Great advice. Writers should spend plenty of time reading agent and writer blogs to learn tips about the craft itself, as well as tricks of the trade. I've gleaned a wealth of information from them; from how to avoid cliche openings to query blunders.

Thank you for the links. I'll make good use of them.
Sharon A. Lavy

>Wonderful post. As membership officer of ACFW I just got a request from a person who did not have the means to pay for this infromation. I was glad to point her to this blog.
Christine Danek

>Great advice. Thank you so much. I will check out the links.
kathy taylor

>Thanks, Rachelle, for an elucidating entry.
idelette

>Thank you so much for creating this. If it were a book, it would get yellow with use over on my end.
Wendy Paine Miller

>Doesn't get more clear than this.

What a resource!

~ Wendy
Jaime

>Ditto what Wendy said
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  Excellent article posted in this blog. I really an awesome content. Great job done..
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman

>Amazing. I'll be sending you virtual lemon drop martinis for this one. Thanks, Rachelle!
Ericka Clay

>This will certainly be bookmarked. Thank you!
Judy Cox

>Thanks for posting this useful information. As a published author, and a writing teacher, I agree with everything you've said–especially in regards to not sending manuscripts until they are ready! Too many people (including myself, once upon a time) are in a great hurry to be published, rather than to learn their craft.
Beth K. Vogt

>Agreeing with everyone else that you've provided excellent advice!
One practical way to avoid sending a manuscript that is not ready is to get involved with a critique group where you receive valuable, honest feedback, rather than just pat each other on the back.
Attending conferences, as you said, is important. The friends you make along the way can be invaluable. The publishing industry is one that involves networking (which is not the same thing as taking advantage of other people. But that's another topic altogether.)When you're at a conference, don't just think about who can help you, look for who you can encourage.
Casey

>I have heard all of those things before, it is invaluable to have them in one document. I am continually encouraged and educated through your blog. Thank you!
S.M. Carrière

>Like Anonymous, I also made the mistake of sending out my M.S. before it was polished.

I'm still kicking myself for it (kicking oneself isn't easy. Have you ever tried it?)!

Great advice here. Thanks ever so much!
dwkazzie

>This is a brilliant post, which I have now shared. But it got me wondering about something, which I'm now willing to wager on….

I'm laying down the following bet — Rachelle gets MORE e-mails about how to get published in light of this post than she did before….

I sincerely hope not, but it just seems that's the way of the world these days.
LINDA FAULKNER

>Rachelle,

I remember being a "newbie" in this business and not knowing where to go for advice and information.

You, and your blog post, are an excellent example of the wonderful people and available info in the publishing world. SO many agents, editors, and published writers are willing to share information and resources.

Joining a writer's group (or befriending an agent or an editor) is one of the best ways to get your hands on info and "how-tos." The next best thing is to haunt the places referenced here.
Maria I. Morgan

>Super informative post, Rachelle! Appreciate all the links to previous posts and wonderful resources. Couldn't have been more timely. Exactly what I needed to read today. Thanks!
Mary Vensel White

>I would add to that list…join a ruthless critique group so that you can improve your manuscript. Also…make writer friends who are published, so they will refer you to their agent. Your chances of getting an agent's attention without a connection are slim to none.
Jill

>Oh, but tomorrow you'll post the "shortcuts to success article", right? I'm tired of taking the long route. I want a shortcut!! Example: a friend (in another state where these things happen, apparently) just happened to be walking down the street and literally ran into one of the big-time agents. He got into a conversation with the agent, who requested his ms. Now he is represented by the same. All right, that wasn't really a shortcut, so much as a lightning bolt from heaven, but still, as long as I don't fried, I'll take it!
Sarah Thomas

>Over on the Books & Such blog Janet Kobobel Grant did a great "Before the Publisher" series that ran last week. She suggested that even before writing the query, you should go ahead and write the proposal. Which I think is awesome advice.

Of course, when I decided I was ready to think about querying, I wrote the letter first. I mean, who wouldn't rather write a one-page letter than a multi-page document that includes a synopsis? But having now written the proposal I know my book SO much better. Not only can I write a better query, it also helped me iron out some kinks in the story. I highly recommend writing your proposal as soon as you think your book is done. You'll likely realize it isn't!
Michelle DeRusha@Graceful

>I made just about every mistake possible: my ms was too long; I didn't polish it or edit it well enough; I didn't fork over the money (at first) for a professional editor; I didn't have ANY platform; and most of all, I tried to short-cut the process. Maybe that's why it took me two years?

Excellent post, Rachelle — and really convenient to have all the information and resources in one convenient place.
the1940mysterywriter

>Good basic info. Thanks for posting.
wonderer

>Mary Vensel White -

I realize this is a very small sample size, but of the two writers I know personally who are agented, both got their agents without a connection. It can and does happen.

You're absolutely right about critique groups, though.
Julie

>This is one of the most helpful posts I've ever read, thank you so much for the wonderful advice!
Kristin

>Oh, that dreaded "platform!" Learning how to build a "following" has become my new part time job. It's happening…very, very, very, very slowly. =0) Thanks for the info!
CCMacKenzie

>Rachelle,

Great post. I would also add – Do your homework of the genre you want to write for. Join the forums and read the publisher you want to target up-to-date guidelines because they change all the time.

Persevere in improving your craft – if you continually receive 'R' forms it is for a reason.

Find a genuine critique group who will tell you the truth. This takes time, but they are out there.

John in the U.K – check out Nicola Morgan's blog – http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/ She calls herself the 'Crabbit Old Bat' because she tells it like it is, a bit like Rachelle, although I would never, ever call you such a thing Rachelle.

Phew, nothing like digging a great big hole and jumping in, is there?

Did I say this is a great post btw?

Christine
Flower Patch Farmgirl

>Bookmarking this one!

And I may be flaunting my ignorance here, but why is a platform only necessary in non-fiction? I am in the odd position of having a respectable platform, but I'm writing fiction! Would it be better for me to focus on non-fiction first (since I have a platform), then come back to fiction?
Rachelle

>Flower Patch: Read my post called "A Million Screaming Fans" from January 26. If you're writing fiction and you already have a platform, it can only help you.
Tina Hoggatt

>Rachelle – this is such a great compendium of advice and linkage. Thanks you!
Stanice Anderson

>In 2000, an agent read some of my lifestories in my weekly newsletter and contacted me. Interested in turning them into a book, she needed me to write a book proposal. She suggested that I get a copy of Michael Larsen's book, How To Write A Book Proposal, and "follow it to a tee." I did. Submitted. A few days later, the agent called and left a voicemail. Applauded my book proposal saying, "Not only did you také my advice, but you poured your heart and soul into this proposal. It's one of the best I've seen." Within days, I signed an agreement making her my first agent! About a month later, she landed me a book deal with Warner Books for my memoir, I SAY A PRAYER FOR ME: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph.
- http://youwhoineverknew.wordpress.com kassie ritman
  
  very cool ~ congrats!
john

>thank you Christine.
David A. Todd

>As good a summary I've seen of the topic, as as concise yet broad list of resources, since I began chasing publication eight years ago. Thank you.
Miss Cole

>Thank you for this. I'm going to keep it bookmarked. My blog is called "Miss Cole Seeks Publisher" after all!
Kathryn Magendie

>I can use this to direct writers to when they ask me how to be published -thank you!
K

>Such a great read for resources – especially since I am just returning to the world of writing. I love it still – as I always have. Thank you for the assistance and advice.
thatswhyyouloveme.blogspot.com

K
Jessica Peter

>Great list! I obsessively absorb publishing tidbits, but there were some new-to-me things here. Thanks for being a great resource for us aspiring authors!
Maria Papadopoulou

>I agree with all the above. Just wanted to add, that it would be really nice if more readers out there decided to give a chance to first time authors, instead of only looking for the big names out there. And if, after reading the preview, you find it to be interesting enough, go ahead and purchase the book. The author wants a detailed feedback on his work, and that can only happen if you have read the entire book instead of just the preview.

I keep hearing that people are reluctant to spend money on books, due to the economic crisis. That theory does not hold any water for me. Most books are now offered at reasonable prices, and with eBooks as an option, those prices are reduced even more. When a book is practically offered at the price of Starbucks coffee, and you hang out at Starbucks all the time…it is kind of ridiculous to claim that you don't have enough money to purchase a book.

Maria Papadopoulou: Poetry Blog: http://livingwithpoetry.blogspot.com/

Author of Poetry Book: Poetry: From Hell With Love http://bit.ly/ic2tED
Jim Jones

Interesting points, especially for a newcomer like myself. I hope that if I ever do write a book there will still be people alive who read books.
Pingback: The Publishing Information You Need | Rachelle Gardner
Charlotte

Thank you so much! This post answered a lot of my questions. I’m only just starting a book, but I wanted information on how I would go about publishing, should I finish it and be satisfied. I had no idea how to go about it, or what I would do, so having information makes me so much more confident that I could try!
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Love the nuggets of publishing truth I am finding at this site. Yea! I remember reading ten years ago, that in order to be truly ready for publication you must invest sufficient time in the craft. Many suggesting ten years of “time” to be sufficient. I was devastated at this advice, but voila, it has been ten years of editing, polishing and research, and I think I’m now ready to begin my publishing pursuit. Yea!

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Pallavi

Hey Rachelle! It is a wonderful and an informative post. I have gone through almost every post of yours and every time I read it, I feel inspired.

I have a question and I would be grateful if you can answer it. Do publishing houses and agents in USA accept the work of Indian authors?
http://www.mama2theminions@blogspot.com Nicole DeZarn

I would like to say a genuine thank you from a stay at home mom with a pretty good second draft. I am maybe, just maybe, starting to dream this big.
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Appreciate it for all your efforts that you have put in this. Very interesting info. “Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.” by Confucius.
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Thanks for the great post!

In my occupation (missionary/pastor) I have done a lot of writing over the years and only recently began thinking about publishing. Which means I have no earth shattering insights to offer about publishing from experience. I’m on the bottom looking up.

So, you can imagine how pleased I am to find such useful information.

Thanks again!!
http://www.a-caryling.blogspot.com caryl

Very helpful! But what about memoir? Do you need to have a polished manuscript ready before sending out queries?
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Interesting post. Being on the other side of the fence it is quite nice to get the other point of view. My company (synthcomm) publishes interactive books for the iPad . As this is also a new technology the legal and financial typical contracts tend to be flexible – but some people don’t really jump into the water that easily.
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Nick

Thanks, as an aspiring novelist at the age of 15, this really helped a lot with the entire process, which i was not familiar with at ALL, but once again, thanks! Almost to my first semi-climax, at about 30k.
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Well written on the concept getting published more..thanks for this..
Corvick Bacon

I was at a complete lost, constantly wondering where do I go after my manual script was written. Thank you for pointing me in the Write direction
http://www.ozone2000.com Ozone

How do writers do it? When I leave the house in the morning I don’t come home for 11 hours. I take about an hour getting ready for work, which leaves about 4 hours to myself which, of course, includes doing house work,etc.

So now in addition to the actual book I’m supposed to read a book on how to write proposals, maybe one on writing queries. If I join a group that critiques books, I’m sure they’re going to want reciprocation so I have to read, I don’t know how many books for that, plus the books that are in my genre. Aaaaaa! Then I have to actually write the query/proposal while everyone says, “You probably don’t stand a chance.”
I wrote this sci-fi novel in 1993 because I just wanted to do it. I know I’ve read worse, but I also know I’ve read my own writing and thought, what were you thinking. So I filed it away in my computer and didn’t look at it for years. Then when I read it, it was with fresh eyes and it needed a lot of work. Now the book is 19 years old, I’ve been going over it a lot lately and it’s like software. I keep re-writing it and it’s never done. I would very much like people to read it, but at the same time, I have to eat and I just can’t take the time to learn the entire publishing industry.
As I understand it, most published writers, don’t make much money so how do you do it?

Maybe I should give up on the idea of making money on it and just e-publish so that maybe someone would send a little note saying, “I really liked it.”
Nuku

Hiya. I tried sending you a message, but since it wasn’t a query, I assume it got junked as spam. If you’re still reading the comments here, do you think you could let me know if Books and Such accepts, and represents, Jewish-Christian books?
(Saturday as Sabbath, no unclean foods, Jesus being the Son of God and not God Himself.) Blah, blah, blah.
I’ve asked this question before, and all I want is a simple answer. Yes? No?
I’m sorry if I’m pestering you, and thank you for your time.
- Rachelle Gardner
  
  You don’t want an agent who works primarily in CBA, because CBA publishers are unlikely to publish it. You want a mainstream agent and a mainstream publisher.
  - Nuku
    
    Thank you very much Mrs. Gardner!
    I read a person’s comment on one of your posts, and they mentioned that the CBA editor took out harmless words like ‘thrust’ and ‘thigh’, so if they’re thinking goes Shakespearian, I guess my Fantasy with sword fights will be scrapped!
    Hey, can I pester you by asking if you can suggest a reliable mainstream agent who accepts fantasy? I’ve looked, but I don’t know who I can trust…
    If not, thank you for your help! (God must really be working here to make you choose to reply to my question.) And I’m truly grateful to you, Mrs. Gardner, for doing so.
    Again, thank you.
  - Kay
    
    Hi rachel,
    I’m looking for an agent, any way you could help me there.
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Although I had to give up some $’s, I found some very useful tools at…http://books.marketizeit.com
http://www.nickthacker.com Nick Thacker

Awesome stuff! This is the kind of content the “self-publishing” world (and the unpublished world) has been looking for. Very specific, actionable content focused on publishing.

I’m sure you’ve mentioned it before, but I’m seeing more and more that publishing firms are looking for their authors to have built a platform online before they take them on. In that light, I think it’s very important for authors to be building and maintaining a successful blog. I wrote about that a little over here, in a post called “The Secret to Building a Blog People Love (http://www.livehacked.com/blogging-business/pillar-content-the-secret-to-building-a-blog-people-love/ ) that might help other authors as well.

Anyway, thanks again for doing what you do!
Nick Thacker
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http://www.rachellegardner.com Kay

What if i’m 16 and am a good writter but i just don’t know how to get started. I’ve written 2 books and i just don’t know what to do.
http://www.rachellegardner.com shelby

So, i don’t know what to tell you. it’s hard to get published at such a young age. I don’t have much advice. Anyone else care to chip in?
Daniel

i d written my book and i want it to be publised
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Is there a resource to find professional help for reading your manuscript and getting through a 2nd draft?
Bree

Rachelle, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, as well as writing for a long time, and I just wanted to thank you. Your posts are beautifully put together and I’ve learned so much about the process that is writing, that I would have never otherwise known. So thanks for taking the time and putting in the effort for each post, there are a lot of us who really appreciate it.
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Rachelle, I think you have touched upon the reasons why writers are moving to self-publication. Too much arbitrary, random rejection in the traditional route.

Glen
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Lynn

Thank you for the resources…i have a very different story…I wrote a book non-fiction, over a 6 month period. I hired an editor to check out my grammar and show me where it went wrong, and fixed it. I researched how to write a proposal, found an acqusitions editors email and mailed the proposal. They wanted the book, gave a modest advance, and it will be out next year. now I have a fiction one i’m working on, but i don’t know where to go with it, or even how to tell what genre it is. Any advice for me? My publisher only does nonfiction…
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Lee Cormier

I will like to write a book about 10 years of direct experience as a limousine driver in Palm Beach, Florida.I drove some of the greates names in sport, business,arts,space,etc.I have all the pickup, destination and a great souvenir of all of them.The society will be very interested to know what going on in those limo.Can we be sucessful on offering the book to them? Lee
Lee Cormier

I don’t know what you are talking about with the Gravator? can someone call me at 864 303 6511.
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I don’t know what you are talking about with the Gravator? can someone call me at 864 303 6511.
http://youwhoineverknew.wordpress.com kassie ritman

Rachelle,
I see the comments get weirder as the trail goes…but, had to put up my 2 cents!
Thanks for doing this blog. You take a rather mystifying subject and give it great clarity without going over the scholarly edge. In other words~ many creative types
(like me) just don’t get what all the abstract titles and process names are. By offering examples (categorized) of each step (a query vs a submission) I think you help a lot of people understand all the “hoops.” And I have to say to those who are growling about the “ivory towers of publishing” and their aversion to new talent…have you smelled yourself lately? Sometimes I write some real crap, but I’m so emotionally attached to it, I really can’t see (smell) the truth.
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I like the helpful info you supply for your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check once more here regularly.
I’m reasonably certain I’ll learn many new stuff right right
here! Good luck for the next!
a helpless writer

Please be my agent.
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How to Get Published

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