Tips for New Authors: How to Break into the Literary World
It Takes Patience, Courage, and Determination to Get Recognition If You Are an Unknown Author
I have gotten this far because of the advice of a good agent, the research I did into my subject, and by not giving up. Here are some tips for first time authors to help them through the journey:
- Spend time on the book proposal. Know your target audience and how this book will sell to them. If your work is a non-fiction work, do thorough research on how your book is different from others on the same subject. Do a thorough outline of the chapters and sections of your book. Discuss how you will market the book.
- Get a good literary agent that specializes in the type of book you are writing. You can locate literary agents through literarymarketplace.com or by purchasing the Writer's Market. The Writer's Market is a great tool for new authors. It lists literary agents and publishers by genre, and provides great tips on preparing cover letters for various types of literary works.
- Once you and / or your agent send the proposal and manuscript to publishers, and receive a response, read the rejection letters carefully. Many times there are both direct and indirect comments that will tell you how you need to adjust your work. The letters may also direct you to other publishers or venues that would be more appropriate for your work.
- If you have written a how-to or educational book, try writing related articles for magazines, newspapers, or on the web. My agent suggested that I do this, and this is one of the reasons I am now writing on AC. Also, try to get speaking engagements in venues that would be interested in your subject.
- Join associations related to your type of writing or literary subject. This will help you gain contacts and network.
- Think "out of the box". In trying to get recognition for my work, I have written to local congressmen, school districts, the Trump Institute, and even Oprah, to name a few. Out of all my contacts, I received just one response. However, I will hit them all again after the book is published.
- Take part in a writing contest. Writer's Digest and the Writer's Market Book list numerous writing contests. Some contests are for non-published works, and others only take published works. It's a great way to get some recognition.
- If you decide to self-publish your book, do a lot of research first. Check the Better Business Bureau for the records of self-publishing companies, and research each self-publishing firm on the web for comments and ratings. If you do self-publish, think ahead as to how you will market the book. Though each self-publishing firm provides marketing guidelines, you need to be creative.
My agent asked me at the start of the book process whether I was willing to go the long haul. Of course, I said yes, not knowing exactly what a haul it would be. While it has been frustrating at times, I have to admit it has also been exciting and a great learning experience. Don't give up the fight!
Published by Bev Slomka
Former Vice President /Business Manager in large financial services company. Authored book "Teens and the Job Game: Prepare Today - Win It Tomorrow" in 2007. Currently, a senior healthcare recruiter. View profile
- Should You Decide to Self-Publish Your Book?Self-publishing a book is a big decision. Here, we will take a closer look at some of the questions that you should ask yourself when you are trying to determine whether or not you should self-publish.
- Let the Author Beware: Seeking a Literary AgentFinding a literary agent can be an iffy endeavor. Reduce your chances of being disappointed or scammed. Be aware of what to watch out for when looking for the right literary agent or agency to represent you and your w...
- Do You Need a Literary Agent to Get Your Book Published?Depending on your manuscript and its intended market, your past writing credits, and other factors, it is possible that you may not need a literary agent at all.
Seven Tips for Finding a Reputable Literary AgentThe literary agent is something of a writer's holy grail, the seemingly unattainable person who will be the deciding factor in whether or not your book finds a home at a publish...- Self-Publishing with Lulu.comFor many first time authors self-publishing has helped break into the literary market and gain audience without having to wait for the established publishing companies to
sign them up.
- How to Find the Best Self-Publishing Firms
- Just How Good Are Those Self-Publishing Companies?
- Finding a Literary Agent
- The Role of Your Literary Agent
- Interview with Diana Murphey, a NYC LIterary Agent
- Self-Publishing Versus Self-Publishing Companies
- Off the Beaten Path: Small Presses and Self-Publishing as Alternatives to Publishi...
- First time authors need to have a good proposal, a good agent, and a lot of patience.
- Authors need to be creative in trying to get recognition for their work. Think "out of the box".
6 Comments
Post a CommentI am an old author. I have written all my life and am told I am a good writer.
However, I am also a researcher (Berkeley and law school training). I began a project 10 years ago and found it problematic to write unless "I researched everything". Now, I believe I have researched everything.
My book (how-to of love --real love, romantic love, etc..) I find that I am tired of researching and my "fans" kept asking "when is that book coming out?"
Recent research has disclosed that there is a lot of information out on this topic being published that is damaging to the reader--this hurts. I write to help, not to hurt. My book, thus, is totally different than most what is on the market.
How does one stop researching and just say: ok--time to at least launch one book--let's just make this a series. And, if that is the answer, where does one begin--at the end - romantic love as many people currently believe? or the beginning, the "real" beginning and how that helps in t
I think it is great that you found an agent and have really worked over time to improve your book. So many people seem to take publishing lightly, particularly self-publishing, and as a result, there is a lot of bad writing out there that is not being weeded out by the traditional publishing process.
Being a book reviewer, I can honestly say that the quality of books has been on the decline...especially when it comes to small houses or self-published works. It's distressing because it makes it harder for the really good writers to get the attention they deserve.
I too had a problem finding a publisher but found one but only wanted to coorespond via email, i never talked to a live person).
My book "Family Values" a christian guidance for the family is on Amazon.com and I will find out in February how many royalties
I received. I already know I will find a new publisher, one called Xlibris, so if anyone knows anything about this publisher please
write in and let me know. good luck to all authors.
Vonnie, Comment continued - I think finding an agent could be almost as challenging as finding a publisher. An agent will accept a work depending on the subject matter, writing expertise, and how marketable the work appears to be. The Literary Market Place is a good place to find agents. I also think the Writer's Market book is essential for new authors, as it not only lists those agents who are accepting proposals, and the type of proposals they accept, but it also gives tips on writing convincing cover letters and proposals. The proposal is very, very important. Hope this helps.
Vonnie, I happened to be very lucky to get my literary agent. When I had the proposal and first two chapters of the book completed, I was preparing to send the material to two potential agents in NYC who handled young adult books. At the same time, I received a call from a good friend who told me she had an acquaintance who was an experienced agent who handled non-fiction works. She discussed my book with this agent, and then I called the agent and discussed it further. She was very interested and we spent the next six months in a consulting-type arrangement. When the book was finished, we signed a relatively simple contract that outlined how the royalties and her commission would work, and it stated that I would have her as my agent for the current, as well as all future books. However, if I wished to get out of the contract, I would give 90 days notice. Since I was so lucky to have gotten her as my agent so quickly, I cannot speak to how long it can take to find an agent. Ho
Sounds like you are a very commited person and will see this through. Is it as difficult to find an agent though as it is to find a publisher? Is there a contract signed with an agent for any amount of time? Or is it a by-book deal? I am very curious to find out if the similarities between book agents and music agents are the same. Great article