Getting a book published can appear complex, but it becomes much easier once you have the whole process broken down into smaller steps.
The process can also get lengthy sometimes, it isn’t easy or quick, but you just have to be patient enough to get that done. And once you get it done, all the hard work will be worth it.
Here are some of the steps that one needs to follow to get their book published.
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Complete the book
The book should be ready in such a way that if it hits the shelves today, it doesn’t seem out of place. Make sure you have edited out any grammatical or spelling mistakes, and the plot errors are checked.
You may want to get it reviewed by someone else and incorporate the changes which feel right to make the book perfect from your end. Or, you can use Grammarly for a cheap and somewhat effective alternative. If you need help with using Grammarly, hit up IT Services NYC.
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Find an agent
Agents usually are open to the type of work they specialise in and might not accept any other kind because of factors like personal interest or contact with publishers in the areas of their specialisation.
Thus, one must do a lot of research on agents before approaching them with their work. List of agents can be found by scouring the web for other writers’ experiences.
Shortlist some who you feel might be interested in your book.
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Writing the query letter
The query is the initial point of contact with the agent and must provide some information about the writer, the expected audience for the book and about the book.
A well-written synopsis helps gain the interest of the agent. It should not be more than a paragraph or two and must give an idea of the theme and plot of the book.
Crisp and to the point, it must not give away too much about the plot. It must be free of errors, professional, and succinct.
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Approach multiple agents
Submitting to one agent at a time might just take years to publish your book.
So, though you must contact more than one agent at a time making sure they get an impression that you contact them specifically.
It is suggested that one shortlists at least five to ten agents they might want to approach.
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Be Patient
Grabbing the attention of an agent might take a long time.
So, make sure you are patient.
After many rejections, you might want to give up but don’t.
See if you want to make some amendments to the query letter or synopsis or have a professional give you feedback on the same.
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Choose your agent
Accept the offer when it comes. If it is more than one, then pick whichever seems best.
You must avoid trying to reduce the offered rate actively.
Being difficult from the start might simply make them move to the next.
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Discuss and Edit
Agents are experienced, and thus one must take their constructive feedback on their work.
It is also important to create a balance between the change requests by your agent and the degree to which you are prepared to alter your work.
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Be Patient
Agents too might submit to multiple publishers at once. And sooner or later they will find a publisher for your book. So, just be patient.
9. Choose your publisher
Take the offer if you like it. In case of an online self-publishing platform, if you have two or more offers, use it to negotiate for upfront payments or percentage of sales.
Actual negotiating will be done by the agent since he is a professional. So, trust your agent. But make sure you understand the terms of signing.
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Discuss and edit
Publishers will have their ideas just like the agent. Be grateful for the feedback but ensure to maintain the balance between the change requests and the degree to which you are prepared to alter your work.
And you’re done. Getting a book published may be difficult, but it is worth it.