Your Burning Question

Feb 25, 2009 by Lee Emory

How do I get my book published? This is most frequently asked by novice authors. In today’s publishing environment it’s a tough answer. Publishing is not impossible, but getting a first book published runs impossible a close race.

First, there are things you need to tattoo on your forehead-backwards so you can read it in a mirror-the most important of which is study each publisher’s guidelines. Follow them; don’t assume you know how a publisher wants to receive submittals unless you previously submitted to them. Ignore this first tip at your peril. Do you think publishers won’t notice when you ignore their guidelines much less follow them? What? Is that gray matter between your ears or a box of rocks?

Taking time to learn your craft and the industry (extremely well) before you submit publishers is common sense. This takes time, determination to learn all you can and persistence when facing slammed doors. Sometimes this takes an investment of money in your writing career to learn what is required.

You must also maintain a positive attitude, but work at keeping your expectations grounded in reality.

Let’s say you followed a publisher’s requirements to the letter and still received a rejection. Many rejections are form letters and are no help because they don’t tell you what’s wrong with your ms. Believe me, I know how frustrating this is. That’s why I make it a point to tell authors who submit to my company why we are rejecting their ms, usually in detail.

Some items that will keep you from publication.

* Poor grammar and punctuation
* Poor spelling
* Failure to provide a hook in the first paragraph
* Unrealistic dialogue
* Characters lacking depth, purpose, goals, motivation and conflict.
* Telling a publisher how great your book is. (It’s their job to determine this. Don’t be pompous.)
* Being dishonest with your publisher about your credits, qualifications and intentions.
* Being closed to reasonable editorial suggestions.

I could go on, but space is limited. It is sufficient to say when your ms lacks, you have not invested enough time in learning the craft. A simple and all too true fact authors must face. Be honest with yourself.

Now let’s assume you have studied the craft for several years and know how to string a good sentence together, even spell it correctly.

Show a publisher you are committed to being the best writer possible. If they require a marketing plan, learn how to develop one and have the gumption to utilize it for the life of your book. Always behave in a professional manner. Approach publishers only in accordance with their guidelines. If they have not followed up with you within 90 days, then you should contact them and inquire as to status, but not before. They are always swamped.

Last but not least, if you have studied and learned, belief in your ability is vital. Then persist, persist, persist. You see, it’s not impossible after all.

Lee Emory is an author of ten novels, numerous short stories and articles, who is also a professional editor for 40 years. She is the owner of/Senior Editor for Treble Heart Books Publishing. Lee teaches writing workshops and speaks at numerous writers’ conferences. Visit TrebleHeart Books or email leeemory@earthlink.net to learn more.