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ISBN: 0-7570-0049-5
Length: 284 Pages
Size: 7.5
x 9-inch
Format: Quality Paperback; 2 color
Category: Reference / Writing
Price: $18.95
US / $29.95 CAN
Availability:
In Print
Click below for:
Synopsis • Contents
Introduction • Reviews |
Synopsis
John Grisham, Toni Morrison, Danielle Steele,
Stephen King, and Anne Rice--all successful novelists whose new
books immediately rise to the top of the bestsellers list. Yet there
was a time when even they were struggling to sell their first stories.
The truth is that getting a first novel in print is no easy task.
The roadblocks that face a novice writer are immense, but these
obstacles can be surmounted. To help all those budding authors negotiate
the difficult road that lies ahead, literary manager Ken Atchity
has written How to Publish Your Novel--a guide that
provides the knowledge and strategies needed to get a work of fiction
into print.
Part One begins with the basics--understanding
the world of fiction publishing and how various types of fiction
fit in. It also examines writers’ motives for getting published.
Part Two offers the practical guidance necessary to find a literary
representative or publisher. It provides the information required
to create an effective plan of action--from deciding whether to
be agented or self-represented to developing a proposal package;
from selecting a list of potential publishers to understanding a
contract. It even tells you what to do when your manuscript doesn’t
sell. Part Three offers sound advice on choosing a career as a writer.
It includes information on perfecting your craft and promoting your
talents. In addition, the book provides an extensive resource section
containing valuable contacts, writers’ groups, websites, and more.
How to Publish Your Novel is like
having a friend in the business. Here are all the rules and tools
you need to make your dreams of being published come true.
Ken Atchity
received his PhD in comparative literature from Yale University
in New Haven, Connecticut. During his academic career, he served
as chair of the Department of Comparative Literature at Occidental
College, was a Distinguished Instructor at the UCLA Writers Program,
and was a Fulbright Professor at the University of Bologna in Italy.
As a best-selling author, Dr. Atchity has written fourteen books,
including A Writer’s Time and Writing Treatments That Sell.
Using his multifaceted talents as a writer-mentor-editor-producer,
the author founded AEI, a highly successful literary management
firm specializing in author representation and movie production.
AEI clients range from John Scott Shepard to Governor Jesse Ventura.
Dr. Atchity’s recent film production credits include Joe Somebody
and Life or Something Like It. He currently resides in Los
Angeles, California.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
A Note on Gender
Introduction
Part One: The Basics
1. Understanding Your Goals
2. Where Does Your Novel Fit In?
Part Two: Getting Your Novel Published
3. Finding the Right Representative
4. Finding the Right Publisher
5. Writing Your Query to Make a Sale
6. Submitting Your Manuscript
7. Using the Square One System
8. The Deal
9. From Signing to Publication--and Beyond
10.What If Your Novel Doesn’t Sell?
Part Three: Building a Career as a Storyteller
11. Novels as Stories
12. The Business of Publishing Novels
13. Perfecting Your Craft
14. Promoting Your Career
Conclusion
Inspiration
Glossary
Sources & Recommendations
Appendix A: Publishing Contract Sample
Appendix B: Adaptation Treatment: Steve Alten’s
Domain Trilogy
About the Authors
Authors’ Contact
Information
Index
Introduction
How to Publish Your Novel provides the comprehensive, practical information critical to fiction writers who want to break into the world of publication. The information and advice presented in this book are the result of years of experience--writing, editing, teaching, publishing, and managing--as well as extensive research into current industry trends.
There is no denying that publishing a first novel is probably the most difficult challenge a writer can face--especially in a world where every third adult seems to believe he or she is a novelist. If you find this reality discouraging, consider the words of coach Jimmy Dugan in the movie A League of Their Own. When a team member complains that baseball is just too hard, Jimmy replies that it’s the “hard” that makes it so good, because if it wasn’t difficult, everyone would be able to play. Seeing your words take shape beneath your pen, or on your computer screen, is an exciting process. But when you see those same words between the covers of a book, that thrill will be compounded. And part of that thrill will come from knowing that you have succeeded where so many others have failed.
My aim is to coach you through the difficulties to your goal of success. You’ve already moved closer to being published because you’ve armed yourself with invaluable information by picking up this book, which presents a proven system of submissions that will (1) allow you to avoid the common mistakes that turn editors off, (2) allow you to find those houses best suited to your novel, (3) save you valuable time and money, and (4) increase your odds of having your novel accepted. Let’s look at each of these points in turn.
AVOIDING MISTAKES THAT TURN EDITORS OFF
Editors are busy people whose desks are generally piled with manuscript submissions, and whose days are filled with competing tasks. If they see something in your manuscript or query letter that triggers doubt or tries their patience, they’ll instantly reject your novel. I’ll show you how to rid your submission package of the words, phrases, and other submission faux pas that can cause an editor to slam the door on your book.
FINDING HOUSES SUITED TO YOUR NOVEL
Most writers in search of a publisher focus so much energy on finding a publishing house--any publishing house--willing to produce their book, that they pay little attention to choosing a company that will truly serve their needs. I’ll show you how to determine and locate the type of company that is right for both you and your novel. SAVING TIME AND MONEY It takes time to print, check, and assemble a submission package, and it costs serious money to mail a bulky stack of pages. You owe it to yourself to make your time and money count. I’ll show you how to streamline the process of assembling your package, and I’ll offer ways to save money on postage.
INCREASING YOUR ODDS OF ACCEPTANCE
Just as there are many ways to kill an editor’s interest in your novel, there are numerous ways to turn an editor on to your project. I’ll explain proven techniques for capturing an editor’s attention.
WHAT’S IN THIS BOOK
How to Publish Your Novel is divided into three parts, each of which addresses the needs of writers at various stages of their publishing career, as well as the needs of people who are not working toward a writing career, but would simply like to get their story into print.
Part One first provides a basic introduction to the business of writing novels. Following this introductory chapter, Chapter 2 discusses the different novel categories, explains what they mean to an editor and the marketplace, and helps you determine the category into which your book falls. Then Chapter 3 walks you through the business aspects of novel publishing and explains the differences between large, mid-sized, and smaller publishing houses, including the benefits each size house has to offer. By the end of Part One, you should have a clearer idea of where you want to go and how you can best get there.
When you have a full understanding of what your novel is and what audience it addresses, you’ll want to turn to Part Two, which is a detailed guide to getting your book into publication. First, Chapter 4 introduces you to the world of agents, managers, and attorneys-- the middlemen who can be invaluable in getting your novel through the door of a publishing house. One thing you’ll learn, though, is that first-time novelists often find it difficult to secure representation. If this is your experience, or if you simply prefer to approach publishers directly, you’ll want to read Chapter 5, which helps you use the many available resources to home in on those publishers that are the best match for your novel.
Once you’ve put together a list of potential publishers or agents, Chapter 6 walks you through the creation of an effective submission package, including a strong cover letter, an intriguing synopsis, and flawless sample chapters. Chapter 7 then guides you in using the Square One System, a step-by-step strategy for sending your letterperfect package out in a way that will maximize your chance of success while minimizing your effort, time, and costs.
Every novelist dreams of the day when the mailbox yields a letter of acceptance. With this in mind, Chapter 8 prepares you for striking a deal with a publisher once an offer has been made. What if no publisher expresses an interest in your creation? Then you’ll want to turn to Chapter 9, which provides constructive advice about other avenues that may be open to your work, including self-publishing, epublishing, and selling your novel to Hollywood.
Part Three provides invaluable guidance that you’ll want to examine once your book has been accepted by a publisher. Chapter 10 shows you the physical stages your book will go through between signing and publication. What will happen to your book during the editorial process? Will you have the opportunity to review galleys before the book is printed? Chapter 10 details this and much more, including your own responsibilities during this important phase of your book’s production.
Although some writers produce only one book in a lifetime, others want to pursue a career in novel writing. If you fall into the second category, Chapter 11 presents insights into perfecting your craft and becoming the best writer you can be. Finally, Chapter 12 offers advice on building your career with tips on marketing your book; networking through workshops, conferences, and the Internet; getting your novel reviewed; and more.
Throughout the book, you’ll find sample query letters and synopses, lists of do’s and don’ts, pet peeves, and advice gleaned from years of experience--both mine and those of fellow agents, editors, and writers.
Whether you are a first-time novelist who is serious about building a full-time career, or you simply want to get your one book into print, How to Publish Your Novel will guide you every step of the way. Most important, it will arm you with the knowledge you need to get your name on a publishing contract--and on the cover of a novel.
Reviews
to come
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