If you are looking for help and advice on publishing the written word or finding a word publisher, you have come to the right webpage. The publishing world is a vast and many-faceted place; finding your niche and then working your way into it can be a tricky task. This webpage contains word publishing advice and resources.
Here is some critical word publishing advice:
Do Your Research. Whether you are writing fiction, medical journals, or cookbooks, you need to research your segment of the literary publishing industry. Find out who the word publishers are, where they are, and how to contact them. It also helps to attend conferences or seminars in your industry, learn the hot topics and trends specific to the industry--understanding these will help you present your written word manuscript in a more appealing light by tying it to a popular trend.
Consider Using an Agent. In some publishing industries, obtaining a literary agent to represent you is a must. In others, it makes no difference. It is a literary agent's job to help you get published--that's how they make their money--they have the publisher connections, the advice, the know-how, the time.
Choose the Right Publisher for You. The list of publishing companies is extremely long. You need to understand what a publisher's specialties, strengths, and preferences are, so you can narrow down the publisher list and match up your material with their needs correctly. Be thorough. The same advice applies to literary agents.
Approach the Publisher Properly. Some literary publishers want a call first, some want an email, some want a query letter, some just want a portion of your manuscript in the mail. You must show respect and approach them how they want to be approached--take the publisher's advice; otherwise, they will not listen to you or view your material. The same thing goes for approaching an agent.
Learn to Shrug Off Rejection. On the average, 98-99% of word submissions to both publishers and literary agents get rejected, especially if you've never been published before. That's just the way it is. It will help if you can learn from rejection. Be open-minded. You may need to revise and try again. If you have talent and perseverance, you will succeed in getting published.
Comprehensive publishing house directories and tutorials can be found in your local bookstore, library, or Internet stores. Here are some of the best ones:
The Writer's Market. It gives over 4000 market listings for consumer magazines, publishing firms, trade journals, and contests and awards, along with 50 listings for literary agents.
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. This directory provides everything written fiction writers need to find the most receptive book publishers, editors and agents for their work. Each entry presents an overview of the fiction publisher, including its history and current lines, followed by the names of specific editors, their areas of interest, and complete contact information.
Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. This gives 2000 completely updated literary publishing listings, including magazines, book publishers, literary agents, contests and literary journals.
Writer's Online Marketplace: How and Where to Get Published Online. The most enticing aspect of this book is its publishing listings: 161 paying online publications, 10 potentially lucrative alternative markets, and 26 commercial electronic publishers (e-publishers).
The Poet's Market. This book provides contact information for magazine and book publishers, small presses, journals, conferences, contests and more, specifically for poets and their poetry.
Publishers Weekly. The premier international publishing industry news magazine, it reaches every major publisher worldwide. It is the leading publication serving all segments involved in the creation, production, marketing and sale of the written word in book, audio, video and electronic formats. Also found on www.publishersweekly.com
Extensive publisher directories and help can be found on the Internet.
The following websites offer the most comprehensive information, help templates, and resources regarding the publishing industry:
