I've written a book: How do I get it published?
1. Research Publishers
Look for publishers that fit your book’s genre, target the same audience, and feel like a good fit to work with. Browse their websites and read some of their published books to understand their style and approach. Large publishers and small boutique presses operate differently, so choose one that matches your priorities.
2. Decide Your Level of Involvement
Think about how much control you want in the publishing process. Do you want input on the cover, layout, or marketing, or are you happy to let the publisher make those decisions? Is your main goal to maximise sales, or is editorial control more important?
3. Check Submission Requirements
Publishers usually have a submissions section on their website. Most request a synopsis, sample chapters (even if the manuscript is complete), and a query letter. Follow their instructions carefully to make the best impression.
Look for publishers that fit your book’s genre, target the same audience, and feel like a good fit to work with. Browse their websites and read some of their published books to understand their style and approach. Large publishers and small boutique presses operate differently, so choose one that matches your priorities.
2. Decide Your Level of Involvement
Think about how much control you want in the publishing process. Do you want input on the cover, layout, or marketing, or are you happy to let the publisher make those decisions? Is your main goal to maximise sales, or is editorial control more important?
3. Check Submission Requirements
Publishers usually have a submissions section on their website. Most request a synopsis, sample chapters (even if the manuscript is complete), and a query letter. Follow their instructions carefully to make the best impression.
What should a query letter include?
1. Be polite and professional
Start with a courteous greeting and keep your tone respectful throughout. Do not be demanding!
2. Introduce your book
Include the genre, the likely target audience, the word count, and the age range if it’s a children’s or YA book.
3. Provide comparable titles
Mention a few books similar to yours to give the publisher context. Be careful not to overstate the impact of your book as it’s better to be humble than to compare your book to literary classics.
4. Include your author bio or literary CV
Give a brief overview of your writing experience, relevant achievements, or any publications. This helps publishers see your background and credibility.
Start with a courteous greeting and keep your tone respectful throughout. Do not be demanding!
2. Introduce your book
Include the genre, the likely target audience, the word count, and the age range if it’s a children’s or YA book.
3. Provide comparable titles
Mention a few books similar to yours to give the publisher context. Be careful not to overstate the impact of your book as it’s better to be humble than to compare your book to literary classics.
4. Include your author bio or literary CV
Give a brief overview of your writing experience, relevant achievements, or any publications. This helps publishers see your background and credibility.
How do I write a literary CV?
1. Treat it like a regular CV
List publications, awards, and writing-related work, just as you would for a job.
2. Include relevant experience
Even if you haven’t been published or paid yet, highlight courses, workshops, or writing projects. Show that you can receive and act on feedback — publishers value writers who handle constructive criticism well.
3. Show familiarity with the writing world
Include any experience with editing, blogging, contributing to writing groups, or other publishing-related activities.
4. Focus on what you do have
Everyone starts somewhere. Present your experience clearly and confidently, even if it’s small.
List publications, awards, and writing-related work, just as you would for a job.
2. Include relevant experience
Even if you haven’t been published or paid yet, highlight courses, workshops, or writing projects. Show that you can receive and act on feedback — publishers value writers who handle constructive criticism well.
3. Show familiarity with the writing world
Include any experience with editing, blogging, contributing to writing groups, or other publishing-related activities.
4. Focus on what you do have
Everyone starts somewhere. Present your experience clearly and confidently, even if it’s small.
Should I send my book to an editor before sending it to a publisher?
1. Find an editor you trust
Choose someone whose work you admire and whose advice adds to your writing. Feedback from multiple sources, such as in workshops, can sometimes be contradictory, so having a reliable editor is key.
2. Spellcheck your manuscript
At a minimum, use the spellchecker or editor tool to check your work. Many manuscripts sent to publishers contain typos, which can create a poor first impression. I wouldn't recommend using AI unless you want it to sound like everyone else.
3. Get extra eyes on your writing
If you have dyslexia or other reading/writing challenges, proofreading can be tricky. If you can, ask friends, family, or support agencies for help as even small corrections make a difference. However, be aware that those close to you might not give constructive feedback nor have the skills to actually proofread.
4. Use “Track Changes”
Whether working with professionals or friends, always enable Track Changes in Word. This lets you review edits carefully and accept or reject them as you see fit.
5. Be transparent if needed
If you have dyslexia or a condition affecting reading/writing, mention it in your query letter. Publishers appreciate honesty and will often work with you to make the process smoother.
The publisher has given me feedback. What now?
1. Don’t make minor changes and rush it back
If the manuscript only needed proofreading, the publisher could have done that themselves. If they’ve given detailed feedback, it usually means your book has promise but requires more significant work. Take time to review the points carefully, consider enrolling in a writing course, or seek help from a professional editor.
2. Thank the publisher
A little courtesy goes a long way. Even if the answer is “no” this time, showing gratitude and professionalism helps you be seen as someone publishers enjoy working with. Remember, next time could be a “yes.”
3. Don’t argue if the answer is no
Sometimes a book simply isn’t the right fit for a particular publisher. Reflect on the feedback, identify the issues, and look for solutions. Use it as a learning opportunity to strengthen your manuscript for future submissions.
If the manuscript only needed proofreading, the publisher could have done that themselves. If they’ve given detailed feedback, it usually means your book has promise but requires more significant work. Take time to review the points carefully, consider enrolling in a writing course, or seek help from a professional editor.
2. Thank the publisher
A little courtesy goes a long way. Even if the answer is “no” this time, showing gratitude and professionalism helps you be seen as someone publishers enjoy working with. Remember, next time could be a “yes.”
3. Don’t argue if the answer is no
Sometimes a book simply isn’t the right fit for a particular publisher. Reflect on the feedback, identify the issues, and look for solutions. Use it as a learning opportunity to strengthen your manuscript for future submissions.
