When you decide to write a novel, you need to do a lot of research depending on the type of subject you are handling. You need to meet people who are professional in their respective fields and make connections, lay out an outline, etc. It is not a work of one or two days. It requires proper planning. When you are in a process of writing a novel, it should come from your heart because you love writing. Money and fame are the things which come after you successfully complete your novel, and publish it.
Writing a novel requires self determination. There are no superiors to supervise you or force you to complete. It is completely done by self motivation. It is a work of art and genuine desire. It does not have any definite pattern. Whether your style of writing is successful or not is determined only after the novel gets published. When you complete the novel, publishing is the next big step you need to conquer. The publisher goes through your work and decides to publish it only if the publisher finds the work worthy.
How to find a publisher for your novel
Writing a novel is challenging enough, but getting your book onto the shelves can be an extremely daunting task. If you are met with the question of how to get a novel published, there is one important concept to focus on that will save you both time and money – research. The vast majority of publishing in the United States is done through several large publishing companies that will not accept unsolicited manuscripts, particularly from new authors. There are, however, a number of small, legitimate publishing houses that continue to work directly with authors. It is very important to do your research before submitting your manuscript.
An area of focus in regards to how to get a novel published is to take the time to find out which companies are appropriate to your particular work. There is no benefit to sending your fictional novel to a company that specializes in children’s’ books, non-fiction, or educational books. At a cost of around $30.00, The Writers Market is an excellent resource for any author. It is published annually, available in most bookstores, and contains invaluable information on many different publishers. Make sure that you are targeting those houses that publish works within your genre. It is also very important to present the work to a potential publisher in the manner requested.
In most instances, the publisher will be looking for a high-quality query letter. This is the initial contact with the publisher so take your time drafting your letter. It should include the title of your novel, the genre, a word count, your contact information, and a brief synopsis of your work. It is also critical to note that the publishing industry moves very slowly. Traditional publishing houses can take six to eight months to respond to your submission if they respond at all. It can be disheartening, especially when you are sending your letter to a publishing company that will not accept simultaneous submissions.
Conclusion
Do not limit yourself to the large publishing houses. Many first time authors find that smaller, independent publishing companies are much more accessible and quicker to respond to submissions. Regardless of the direction you choose, research will save you time and money as you begin the process of publishing your novel.
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