publishing a book

raybird

ive started writing a lot over the winter months and ive got an idea floating around my head about a theme for a book, it will take some time maybe a year or 2, but i dont really no how or what to do, ive started it today, any ideas where i go from here or where i go when ive finally finished it, to see if its good enough for publishing, it probably wont be but i can try. thanks

meritaten

Write it first! not sure there is much more to say - bit difficult to advise on publishing or getting an agent when the book hasnt even been written!

edited to say - when you have written it, post back and let us know!

rachbc

raybird wrote: »

ive started writing a lot over the winter months and ive got an idea floating around my head about a theme for a book, it will take some time maybe a year or 2, but i dont really no how or what to do, ive started it today, any ideas where i go from here or where i go when ive finally finished it, to see if its good enough for publishing, it probably wont be but i can try. thanks

I'd maybe start by learning grammar, spelling and punctuation. Then write your book then worry about getting it published.

Brighton_belle

Write it first OP, you may find joined a writing circle/class very helpful in honing your style and editing skills and to get (and learn to give) constructive feedback. It would be a good way in a confined circle to get a feel for if you have the talent.
Getting a book published is a tough call, but... if it is good enough. someone will spot it.
Get a copy of 'The Writers Handbook 2012' That lists agents and publishers and what they specialise in.

Read other novels that are in a similar style or genre to your own and they fnd out who their agent/publisher are. E.g., some agents/ publishers won't touch dectective stuff so don't waste your time on them. Most publishers gt 1000's of scripts sent to hem very week and most end up on the slush pile. Receiving one from a agent will get more notice, as the agent will have not sent them something substandard.

HTH and goodluck: go for it.

gingin_2

You can write a synopsis and the first chapter and pay to have someone critique it, to see if it is worth taking it further.

kingfisherblue

Most people don't have much chance of getting a book published without an agent, as many publishers will not read unsolicited scripts. Once you are closer to finishing your book, have a look at the Writer's and Artist's Yearbook (published annually, library copies might be out of date, so make sure you look at the latest edition). It gives plenty of information about getting published.

Avoid basic mistakes like sending your script to a publisher who does not publish your type off book - I know it sounds daft, but Walker Books or Usborne Books will not entertain adult fiction, yet many people do not research the genres of the publishers properly. This, of course, is where an agent can be very helpful - they will have a knowleddge of which publishers to approach, as well as having a better chance of actually getting your script read.

Be prepared for re-writes if you are fortunate enough to have a chance of publication.

Whatever you do, avoid 'vanity publishing', where you pay a publisher to print your book. Very few, if any, send reps to bookshops to sell your book. They rarely print catalogues and don't advertise their goods. Your only hope of sales is if someone actually asks for your book (probably family and friends). You are likely to end up several thousand pounds out of pocket.

But before any of that, write your book. Be realistic, few people actually become published authors, and fewer still make pots of money from it. By all means write, but you are far too early into your writing to think about publishing.

Errata

You can always self-publish it as an e-book on Amazon.

raybird

thank you x

daisiegg

Google 'how to use an apostrophe'. Then good luck!