About getting a book published...
By Slashable
@Slashable (117)
Netherlands
May 16, 2009 2:42am CST
I want to get a book published, but as I explore the world of writing, editing and publishing it becomes more and more complicated. I am wondering if any of you here have experience to share. The problem for me is that I live in the Netherlands and want to publish my book in England (It's written in English). I've been reading through loads of sites to see what the processes of publishing are. Most publishers want work to be send through an agent... Is there a way to get my work at a publisher without an agent?
If you can answer any of these questions or simply have other experiences that you feel like sharing, please do. Thanks for your help!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@LouieWpHs04 (4554)
• United States
16 May 09
I believe based on what you said your best bet would probably be to check out Cafepress. it's not required that you have an agent or anything like that. You simply submit the text and the type of binding and so on and so forth.
http://books.cafepress.com/cp/info/sell/index.aspx?area=products&page=books
I think that should provide you with some pretty helpful information. They take out a huge cut, but they also deal with all the whole shipping and making of the book. Goodluck to you! If that doesn't link you to where it linked me to(which should tell you information about how to self-publish just send me a PM and i'll help you out to get to the link.)
1 person likes this
@Slashable (117)
• Netherlands
16 May 09
I've tried CreateSpace, which I think is similar to the site you send. But I didn't like the fact that they only sell your book online on a few sites (and on your own site) I'd like my book to be sold to book stores, and I don't think any of these self publish sites do that... or am I mistaking?
@LouieWpHs04 (4554)
• United States
16 May 09
Well, cafepress gets high amounts of traffic every day, claiming over "11 million unique hits" each month. That's a lot of potential buyers, I would think. In terms of shelf-space I think it's incredibly high competition out there outside of the internet so maybe write a few books made for online and then work your way offline since if you sell books well online i'm sure someone online will pop out of nowhere willing to be your agent to get your books in various book stores. You know the next thing you can do, really? Simply go to book stores and ask how it works. Go to book publishers or call them up and ask questions. Don't just rely on the internet for information. Just my thoughts. :)
@Slashable (117)
• Netherlands
16 May 09
I've made a list of potential publishers which I think I'm going to call soon. Maybe they can send me to the right person. You are right with first publishing online and then going offline. I've thought about doing that. But I think I'm first going to try getting published 'offline' and if it doesn't work out, than I'm doing it online. Thanks for replying :)
1 person likes this
@Citychic (4067)
• United States
16 May 09
Hi there, about getting ur book published...
I think that you might want to look into self publishing. I have been looking into trying to get a book published myself and I ran into some of the same problems as you have. Several companies would like for you to pay them some money up front and the main thing they ask you for is ur manuscript. If you have at least two or three hundred dollars to pay up front here is a name and number that you might want to try, the name of the company is Exibris and the number is 1-888-795-4274 ask for Adelyn and tell her what you want to do. Then once you start raking in the cash be sure and remember me okay friend:). Hope you find the information helpful.
1 person likes this
@paid2write (5201)
•
16 May 09
Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2009 lists all the British publishers. It also has a lot of information about publishing processes and helpful advice.
You do not say if your book is fiction or non-fiction, or what stage you are at. Publishers generally want to see a book proposal, before offering you a contract and paying an advance. Then you can go ahead and finish writing the book.
Publishers receive thousands of completed novels and most of them end up on the 'slush pile'. A novel from an unknown writer will only be accepted if it is considered to be a marketable product. A good agent will know the market and can tell you if there is any potential for a new writer in your genre.
@Slashable (117)
• Netherlands
16 May 09
I've been thinking about getting an agent, but I don't think I could afford it to be honest. Besides it's difficult because I'm in the Netherlands and England is the place I want to publish. A couple of sites of little publishing companies say 'just give us a visit', but that's impossible for me.
I'm going to have a look through the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook to see if I can find something.
Thanks for replying.
