Getting a book published....Where do I start?

gibboking

Hi there and thanks in advance for any advice.

Basically I have wanted to write a book for some time, so last week I sat down and made a start, and I must say I am well into it and have had several late nights as I can't stop the story flowing!
I think It will be complete in about 8-10 weeks. But where fo I go from there? What do I do with it? I might also need to add that the story contains a lot of adult content so it would need to be in the hands of an open minded publisher .
Friends have read the first few pages and are eagerly awaiting the finished article lol.

Thanks again for any advice x

Gracie_1827

Hi, I've seen a few of these publishers that will print on demand, so you write the book and perhaps promote it for you then if anyone wants one they'll print it off and you get a % here's a couple

http://www.writersworld.co.uk/
http://www.authorsonline.co.uk/

Some one I know wrote a local history of a family and I helped with the research (got a mention in the credits) She hawked it round throughout the Eden Valley at all the shops and post offices

Good luck

Sixer

I'd suggest you get a reader's report if you're going to send to publishers - slush piles are huge and you'll need to really stand out.

If you go down the self-published route, you should probably look at getting it edited - which can be pricey (£6-£10 per 1,000 words, depending on how much editing it needs).

You could also look at some of the racier Mills & Boon-type imprints. They run regular competitions and there are threads about that hereabouts.

Or perhaps put some tasters/teasers on one of the community erotica sites (eg literotica.com) and get some target audience feedback before rushing in?

wornoutmumoftwo

Take a look at this website: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/

You will find beta readers on here. What they do is read through and comment on your writing, give you pointers on what works and what doesn't. Be prepared to re-write.

There is also great advice on publishing your book, be it self publishing or the more traditional route.


Just to add: it's free to get your book beta read (I've read a few great novels from other people on there myself but not brave enough to put mine out yet).

lincroft1710

You could buy the latest edition of the "Writers and Artists Yearbook" which as well as listing all publishers in UK, does have a lot of useful advice about how to get published.

gibboking

Thanks for all of your advice guys!!! some really helpful info xx

koala987

Also "The Writer's Handbook" edited by Barry Turner is very useful. You may even be able to find a copy of this and "The Writers and Artists Yearbook" in your local library.

davester

Once upon a time ?

Harlowe

As other said send it to as many publishers as you can and also you could give literary agents a go.

lincroft1710

Harlowe wrote: »

As other said send it to as many publishers as you can and also you could give literary agents a go.

Research the publisher first to make sure a) it's the type of thing they publish and b) they accept unsolicited manuscripts - many do not and some will only deal with a literary agent.

Tightwadways

The Writer's Yearbook is a fantastic resource. Certainly worth looking for at your library, in some it may be a non loanable item, you can sift through it easily enough if needed, or at least get an idea of how many options there are out there. if you need to, before buying.

I'm a proofreader and editor. My advice is that beta readers can be great for feedback, just remember that unless they are editors/proofreaders themselves, they may not be able to provide you with correct editing input if it is something you ask of them.

I have a link to a publishing database which is comprehensive and includes details of their acceptance of unsolicited manuscripts...once I'm on the pc rather than the laptop I'll add the link.

Good luck with your writing