Getting Published:
The Basics for Book Writers

By Glen C. Strathy

getting published

Getting published is the goal of every book writer. For older writers, publishing that first book may be the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. For young writers, it can be an achievement that launches a career as a professional writer.

Either way, that first sale is a big deal. It's a milestone that establishes you as a serious writer. Let's face it, most of us who love to write spent a lot of our youth dreaming of getting our books published. Authors have prestige. They are romantic figures. A few of them even make a lot of money. While there are plenty of other types of writing at which a competent, if not brilliant, writer can make a living – such as copywriting, technical writing, speech writing, or grant writing – none of these are romantic or prestigious occupations. How many high school English classrooms have portraits of famous technical writers on their walls? How many famous copywriters can you name?

These days, you have more ways to get published, such as ebooks, self-publishing, and print-on-demand, which may be commercially successful, but often are not. Generally, if you want to make money, have great book, but don't love entrepreneurship, you are probably better off going the traditional route.

The Process of Getting Published

The articles below discuss the many aspects to the process of getting published...

self-publishing

Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of self publishing versus working with traditional publishers.

finding a publisher

How to Find a Publisher

The 5-step process for finding a traditional publisher (best for books with solid commercial potential).

writing book proposals

How to Write a Book Proposal for Non-Fiction

Writing a book proposal is an essential step in getting a nonfiction book published. Here are the basic principles of writing a proper proposal. 

manuscript format

Manuscript Format for Novels

Agents and editors expect manuscripts to follow the accepted format. It makes their work easier and makes the writer look more professional. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to get the format write. Here are the guidelines.

manuscript evaluation

Manuscript Evaluation: A Useful precursor to getting published

Improve your chances of selling your book by soliciting a manuscript evaluation first.

write a synopsis

How to Write a Synopsis of Your Novel

A common mistake when writing a synopsis is to omit the emotional twists and turns. Here's how to write a synopsis of your novel that includes that includes both plot and character.

writing query letters

How to Write a Query Letter

Writing a query letter that addresses the needs of agents and editors will improve your chances of selling your book.

back door publishing

Backdoor Ways to Find a Publisher

Find a publisher for your book faster by exploring ways to get a publisher's attention other than the query process.

online slushpiles

Get Published Using Online Slushpiles Learn how authors may get published through new online slushpiles faster than the traditional route.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Related articles you may enjoy...