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Have you finished writing a book that you now want to publish? There are basically two avenues to go: professional publishing, and self-publishing.
If you want to try professional publishing, follow these three steps:
- Send query letters to publishing houses. Browse an Writer's Market and books from different companies to find the places that would best fit your work. The query letter should be short and informative and include your contact information. Tell a little about yourself, the essence of the manuscript, and why you think your book would be a good fit for the publisher.
- Send a sample and synopsis. If a publisher is interested, you can then send a sample of your book, including a cover letter and a synopsis of the whole work.
- Check up on the status of your manuscripts after a couple months.
If you can't find a publisher after many attempts (sometimes it does take many, many rejections to find acceptance), consider self-publishing.
How many copies do you want? Do you want just a few for friends, or are you prepared to do the hard work of self-marketing?
Do the research. Find out how much books like yours cost on the regular market and how they are selling. Call the book distributor Ingram at (615) 213-6803 and give the ISBN number of a book, and you will be told how many copies of it sold within the past year.
Hardcover, softcover, or e-book? There are print-on-demand companies or local offset printer that will publish copies of your book for a price, or you can purchase your own printing equipment. Look at samples of previous work done by the companies you are considering hiring for your own book. Be sure to compare prices. Also find out how the books are distributed: will they be shipped directly to you? How do you order more books to be printed?
Design. Either hire a graphic designer to design your book's format and jacket (for better quality), or you can try it yourself with your own graphic design software.
Consider the costs. Graphic design, copy-editing, artwork, photography, printing: add up your costs. You can also request an ISBN (International Standard Book) number at isbn.org to identify your book; this will also add to your total cost.
Distribution. Find out how your book will be distributed: how does the company (if you are working with a printing company) do distribution? Will the copies be shipped directly to you? Does the company do online sales? How do you order more books to be printed? You may have to call and contact bookstores yourself to arrange the selling of your book.
Market. Open up as many avenues as you can to sell yourself: local bookstores, online stores, etc. Be prepared to do the hard work of self-marketing.
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