Getting Your Book Published – Tips From Editors, Publishers, and Agents

These tips for getting your book published are from a panel of writers, agents, and editors at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. If you dream of being a successful writer, these answers to oft-asked questions about getting published are a must-read!

First, a quip from a famous writer:

“If the doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood,” said Isaac Asimov. “I’d type a little faster.” 

Talk about drive, determination, discipline! Wow…and that’s why Asimov wrote and published dozens of books. If you aspire to a book publishing contract, click The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published for help. And, read on for publishing tips from experienced literary agents, editors and publishers…

Getting Your Book Published – Tips From Editors, Publishers, and Agents

This is a transcript from a “Question and Answer” session at the Surrey International Writers Conference.

How important is for writers to have blogs?

Some publishing houses encourage established writers to have blogs, but it’s less necessary as a new writer. Blogs can come in later. They’re very valuable for nonfiction authors, and increasingly valuable for Young Adult authors. (However, my experience has shown me that building a writer’s platform is crucial for getting your book published — and a blog is part of a writer’s platform. For more info, read 10 Tips for Starting a New Blog for Writers).

What are the major mistakes that writers do when trying to get their book published?

Half of the submissions are submitted too soon – the writing isn’t up to par, the writer isn’t thinking professionally, the manuscript reads like a first draft, or the writer doesn’t submit manuscripts the way publishers prefer. Publishing tip: unsolicited email mass queries will be deleted immediately.

What will take writers out of the writing game permanently?

If you’re a writer who publicly disrespects publishing houses, agents, editors, fellow writers, or readers, then your writing career will be cut short. If you’re impossible to work with, you won’t get far in the writing business.

Do writers need to hire a professional editor to get their book published?

Eventually, you’ll have to recognize whether your book is ready on your own. You need to build skills to write your own novels and increase your confidence in your writing – and the only way to do that is to edit yourself! It’s not worth a writer’s money to hire a professional editor. If you do hire an editor, make sure they’re good.

Are query services effective for writers?

No! Never hire a service to write your queries.

Should writers compare their book to others in a query letter?

Knowing the similar books on the market gives publishing houses an idea of whether it sold in the past (this can indicate how well it’ll do in the future). Knowing what’s out there also shows what you know about the market, and how much research you’ve done. But – the Simon & Shuster editor did say she doesn’t want to hear about similar books on the market or your marketing plans. She has a strong handle on what’s already out there.

How do writers get editorial feedback after receiving a form rejection?

You’re not likely to get specific feedback because agents and editors don’t have time. You’re more likely to get feedback at a writer’s conference, where you can talk to a real agent or editor. Don’t let rejection get you down: it happens a lot that a manuscript simply doesn’t speak to a particular agent or editor.

Do writers need literary agents?

Writers don’t need agents to get published, but agents can walk writers through problems, review contracts, and ease the business end of things. Agents are a great buffer. Writers without agents do make a publisher or agent’s job harder. (Read 12 Steps to Finding a Literary Agent to learn how I hooked up with Jon Sternfeld, of Irene Goodman).

What can published authors do to help market their books?

Marketing your book online is important, such as to social networks or bloggers. Contact other authors of successful books to write blurbs for your book. Marketing your own books is especially important for non-fiction book writers, such as through teaching community education courses, blogging, attending conferences, conducting workshops, etc.

Here’s a hot tip for after your book is published: it’s very important to communicate your marketing efforts to your publisher and editor so they don’t double up on the efforts. Publishers have exact schedules, and writers need to adhere to it to be successful.

Use your email signature line to promote your book or blog. People have to see your info seven times before they buy your book or products. (Read 6 Ways to Promote Your Book or Blog With Your Email Signature for tips).

If you want to get your book published, fellow scribes, I encourage you to attend events such as the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. Not only will you learn about writing, you’ll do alot of networking — which will help you be a successful writer.

Category: Books, Fiction Writers, Literary Agents, Non-Fiction Writing, Publishing Tips, The Writer's Life, Writing Conferences