About Me

My photo
S.B. Nixon has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English, and is an avid student of ancient cultures and regions. Traveling is one of his main hobbies and, consequently, he has spent much time outside of United States. He is fluent in the Spanish language, and conversant in several more. He has moved more times then is old, and has lived on the East coast almost as much as the West Coast. Above everything, he is most passionate about the art of writing.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Publish a Novel

Publishing a book is the second highest goal in America. There are many writers out there--and many individuals who are trying to publish their book. Unfortunately, with the shear number of manuscripts even a good one has a very low chance of being published. Most the time, the MS will be put in a slush pile, which is in very close proximity to the trash can. For a first time author, and in this economy, getting published by a major publishing house is akin to purchasing a winning lottery ticket.

The stories that are most likely published are women’s fiction—since this represents the largest readership. But, just because it is most likely published, it does not mean it will be successful. With the abundant amount of women's fiction out there, it is hard to make a name for oneself unless you have a unique idea (like vampires?). If you’re a male, think about using a female penname. Times have changed. It is no longer a male dominated profession, but rather one dominated by females.

Publishers are looking for a sure thing—something that will sell at least 10,000 copies. Even if you have the best query letter, the best book idea, and the best 'go getter' attitude, they won't be likely to pick up your book unless you have a platform. A platform is a large amount of individuals that are interested in the things you write—such as a blog or a youtube following.

Like all platforms, in order to have viability, the creator needs to produce value (value in this sense in good, free information that makes your blog interesting). A good level of value is to have 3 quarters value to 1 quarter advertisement. That means for everything you try to get your readers to do or buy, you should have add at least 3x the value with good information.

If you've tried establishing a platform, but only can get a few uninterested relatives to join. Then you need to impress the publishers with your publishing experience—or as they call it publishing credits. Essentially, what other publishers have taken a chance on you in the past? To meet this end, it is important to take every opportunity to publish anything you can--such as an article in a church newsletter, or a letter to the editor in the local newspaper. Make attempts to publish in every small newspaper or magazine in your area. Usually small papers will be more than delighted to publish a well written article—especially if it means they don't have to write it themselves. The publishers will want to know pertinent publishing credits; so be sure to wright articles that establish you as an expert in the field that your book is being published—this is especially true for a non-fiction.

Establishing a platform is a life long pursuit, so don’t worry if things don’t get off to a quick start, and don’t feel like you have to shove stuff down your friends and families throat. This approach may work initially, but it will not have the long term effect you are hoping for. To this end, talk to other writers, go to book writing seminars, rub elbows with all the authors you meet, join their blog, and invite them to join yours.

Find out what is popular and read what is out there. Begin to turn several ideas around in your head and test which one is the most palatable. Write a few chapters and show them to the age group you want to reach. If their reaction is not estatic, put the book aside and look for something else. Once you’ve become a popular author, you can write the kind of books you want to write. But before you become a popular author, you first have to become an author. So diversify your projects. If something is getting a better reaction, put more energy into that one.

Edit, edit, edit. The less work a publishers sees they have to do in a MS, the more likely they will publish. I can’t tell you how many young authors who have dozens of typos in them. A publisher will very likely be turned off by book that is full of errors.

When you get something that is ready to publish buy the book Writer’s Market. This will have all the addresses you will need to begin submitting you MS. Before you do, however, look up each publisher and see if they publish the stuff you write. Google query letters. If you want a good idea for a querry letter, look at the back of any best selling book. Most likely, what is on the back of a best seller, is a good portion of what the author had in the query letter.