Resources to Help Get Published
Getting a book published is easier said than done. Sure, accessing various quality resources improve your chances. Some resources are standard for the writer’s toolbox, others are optional but valuable.
Printed publishing guides are must-have resources for a writer’s bookshelf. For example, The Writer’s Market books and other similar printed guides, outline potential publishers. They also provide information on literary agents and the submission process (query letters, etc.) The publishers and agents listed are often categorized based on genre. These guides usually provide information such as rules and restrictions on submitting book manuscripts and addresses for manuscript submission. Other good tidbits include average number of books a publisher puts out yearly and book themes publishers desire.
Available for sale online and in local bookstores, printed resources like The Writer’s Market books are affordable, easily accessible. Costs vary, but most publishing guides cost less than $20. If your budget won’t allow, many libraries also have them available free of charge.
Surfing the Net
It goes without saying, the internet is a key available resource. Take advantage. The internet holds a wealth of information for writers looking for publishing help. For starters, numerous websites feature information on publishers in specific genres. These websites equate to an online version of the Writer’s Market books. When surfing the net for your research, use phrases like “mystery book publishers,” “young adult publishers,” and so forth.
Another book publishing resource: writer’s conferences. Each year, multiple conferences are held all across the United States for writers. A simple internet search for conferences in your area is a good place to start. These conferences often include a variety of educational and fun activities, such as meet-and-greet sessions for writers, sessions covering the art of book writing, sessions on the publishing process, and much more. Many of these conferences also have well-known or relatively successful published authors as speakers. Again, costs vary, but the ticket price is usually worth it.
Birds of a Feather
Participation in writer’s critique groups are another resource writers can benefit from. These groups are typically small in size and often pair writers. Typically in critique groups, writers share their work with others within the group. There’s robust exchange of information, tips, and feedback. Many unpublished authors find success with writer’s critique groups; they serve as miniature focus groups.
Similar to writer’s critique groups, editors are also a valuable resource. A solid book theme and story is important for publishing a book, but proper grammar is, too. If proofreading has been unsuccessful in the past, it may best to hire the services of a professional editor. It’s possible to find a quality editor within budget. Literary agents are a potential resource, but this is a hard arena to gain access to; literary agents are very busy … and peculiar.
There are plenty resources hopeful authors (published and unpublished) have access to. From books to conferences to focus groups, many of these publishing resources are affordable and easy to gain access to. The more resources you take advantage of, the better your chances of publishing successfully.
