When to Take Your New Book to a Publishing House or Do It Yourself:
Definition:
So, you’ve written a poem, a short story or a novel and now you don’t know where to go with it.
This guide will give you some tips on getting published, self-publishing and self-promoting. Ebay is an excellent arena to get: your writing supplies, inspiration, guides to publication (there is a myriad of books out there to help you publish your works), and to get your self-published work into the public eye and in your pocket book.
Credentials for Writing this Guide:
I began a small press publication in the early 80’s when cut and paste meant, literally cut and paste. You would type out the article, poem or story; cut the pieces out and align them on a blank sheet – secure the articles to the blank sheet, arrange pages and take them to the local printers. The results were a chapbook style publication, being approximately 5x7 inches with staples down the middle. I took to writing my own small press literary magazine after having been published several times in other publications. I felt that the small press ideal was perfect for the poetry market – and for three years, I had the literary ride of my life. My publication had a nationwide monthly readership, was funded by reading fees for contests, and lasted two years longer than most small presses. I also published books for individual writers – in that same archaic art of "cut and paste", 7 in all. Most of these writers were going to give their books out to friends and family, the marketing arena wasn’t addressed. The printing fee at that time was approximately 50 cents per book. Things have drastically changed in the publishing business; better printing, better product, professional look, more exposure – and the stigma of self-publishing is almost disappearing.
Introduction:
Being published is the ultimate goal of every writer. We say we write for ourselves – which is true, but we also write hoping to get our words out for others’ to enjoy, for recognition in the literary world and for bragging rights. This can be accomplished in many ways, but the key is patience and perseverance.
What is the definition of being published?
Anything published in print for public view: newspapers, magazines, books, anthologies, leaflets, pamphlets, etc.
Anything used for advertising including flyers
Cards
On-line Blogs, web pages, web sites, or web publications
Ebay Guides and Reviews
What is the best way to go about getting your work traditionally published?
Pick up a coy o the Writers Market. The Writer Market is the Bible of any writer who wants the ins and outs of publishing, tips on submitting and publication. This book can be found in Ebay Auctions.
When using the Writers Market or any other publication that provides addresses of
Publishing houses make sure you follow these rules:
Make sure you read all of the information provided in the publications listing.
Make sure the publication is open to receiving manuscripts
Look for deadlines, you will not be considered if you do not submit timely
Follow their rules to the letter, or you will be passed by
Look for the right Publishing House – don’t send Horror Stories to a Romance Magazine
Most Publishers want an inquiry first.
Very few will look at works that are unsolicited. Include a Cover letter if it is asked for, this includes a small synopsis of your published works, your credentials and your identification.
Do not send out the same article, poem, story, etc. to more than one publisher at a time.
Keep a diary; list the date of your submit ion, the time it took to receive information back, the outcome (published or not), and any notes from the editor
Do not submit a previously published piece unless the publisher states that they are accepted.
Keep trying – the average acceptance letter is 1 in 50 rejections.
Get an agent if your goals are lofty, your piece is large (book manuscript) or you have exhausted your areas of publication and still feel that your piece is publishable.
When to go about Self Publishing and Promoting:
When you have submitted your work to several publishing houses with no results.
When you know you have something worth publishing.
When you have the capital to produce your product
When you want creative, business and marketing license
When you are willing to put your all into the project, not just the writing end, but the business end as well.
Tips for Getting Started with Your Self-Publishing Endeavor:
Educate yourself:
Study books and articles on the subject to become very knowledgeable about the endeavor you are about to take on.
Attend seminars where you can network with others in the field.
Look up literary guilds in your area, on the internet, in the library and study their works.
Learn how to obtain legal rights, documentation of publication, ISBN codes and copyrights to your work.
Study the Competition:
If there is a subject that has already over-taken the market, avoid it.
Try to find something that is of interest to the reader. A memoir, unless you have done something triumphant, death defying, or you are famous.
Poetry is wonderful, and is my forte, but for the most part – it doesn’t sale. I do not want to discourage you from printing a book of poetry, I have done and am doing so myself, but be prepared for fewer sales.
Get professional, or outside help with editing. You would be surprised how many typos, misspells, and coma overuse someone else will find, even after you have gone over your manuscript a dozen times.
Get the proper tools such as copyright and ISBN symbols. Do the research to learn the legal ways of listing and titling.
Use a book manufacturer for printing, not your local printer. You will need a professional bookbinder for a polished look, and the price will substantially lower too. The Internet has plenty of places to go for bookbinding, check it out.
Get out there and market your work
Talk about your book
Set up a Website to get your title out, and possibly arrange to sell your work
Go to swap meets, street fairs, to sell your book locally.
Go to your local bookstore and library; see if you can arrange a meet the local author/book signing night.
Put your book on Ebay, what an excellent way to get worldwide recognition.
Writing is an incredible release. It is a cathartic carnival ride. It makes your blank page come to life. Writing for yourself, is wonderful, but writing for the eyes of someone you haven’t met, is on hell of an ego boost. Don’t be afraid, you already bore your soul on the paper; now get your hands dirty. Bear your heart and get your name out there. Many well known authors have started with self published works, only to find their selves picked up by standard publishers. You can do it. I have three projects in the works; I’ll see you on Ebay.
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