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Find a Book
Publisher
Partnering
with a book publisher is a great way for your book to get the proper
editing and marketing it needs to leave a positive impression with
readers. The best approach to publishing your book is to hook up
with an agent who has ties within the big publishing houses (Random
House, Penguin Publishing, Harper Collins). This is because many
traditional book publishing companies do not accept unsolicited
manuscripts. In fact, even some indie book publishers do not
accept unsolicited manuscripts. To find an agent, go to www.agentquery.com.
The site serves as a database of the best literary agents
who are categorized per genre (novel or nonfiction book). Many
of the agents allow you to submit your manuscript electronically.
Besides getting your book in front of editors, agents handle the
contract negotiations, including selling foreign rights, and
handling subsidiary rights.
Dispelling
Myths about Commercial Book Publishers
 There's
an ugly rumor circulating around writers forums and the Internet that
major publishing houses take on first time authors. That just isn't
so. It's harder to get your novel in the hands of a major publisher
because you need an agent first, but just because it's harder
doesn't mean publishers don't want to get their hands on your novel.
If
you are writing a children's book, you don't have to illustrate your
book. The publishing house hires an illustrator on your behalf.
Many
self-publishing companies claim that writers should publish through
them because you'll keep your copyright. Here's the truth: even when
you publish with a major house, you keep your copyright. It's very
rare that a writer relinquishes copyright.
Some
writers are under the impression that if the book doesn't sell, the
author needs to pay back the advance. The reality is that you never
have to pay an advance back when your book doesn't win its advance
back through sales. The only time an author has to repay an advance
is when he or she doesn't fulfill the contract terms.
Choosing
the best book publisher for you and your book may require you to
read about more than one opportunity. You want to make sure your
writing career and book land on the right hands of a book publishing
company that has a sincere interest in your success. And will put
all of the resources, including an editorial department, available
to make sure your book sells well. Also, be sure to read the
contract carefully. Make sure that you are comfortable with all the
terms and conditions. The contract should benefit both you and the
publishing company so don't sign a one-sided agreement.
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