How to Get a Novel Published Effectively

It really is a similar story every year: This year the actual book will finally get published! This year could really be it. Here's how to get a novel published this year.

Creating a book is tough enough, however getting it published by a legitimate publisher--large or even small--is when the real challenge starts. Things you will need is a Word processor, printer, the envelopes and postage.

In summary,

1. Finish the book.

It should go without saying, but the novel must be finished before publishers or agents may wish to look at it, particularly if this is a first novel. I would suggest writing 600 to 1,200 words daily. With 800 words each day, 7 days weekly, a 70,000 word manuscript will be finished in three months.

2. Edit, modify, edit. Then change some more.

This is where writer's groupings, workshops and specialized feedback come in. A book is made or lost during the editing process. Published books won't be just edited for grammar and spelling, they're furthermore edited for story content, character arcs and narrative structure. An excellent editor can mean the distinction between a published book and a stack of papers accumulating dust in a desk drawer.

3. Find an agent or even publisher.

This is where literature like Writer's Market and Literary Marketplace come in. Do a little research. Which published books are exactly like the one just completed? Who publishes that type of book? Make a list of agents and publishers who may consider the novel.

4. Query properly.

The majority of agents and publishers have submission rules on their website and in publishing guides like Writers Market. Follow the guidelines precisely. Not following rules is the fastest path to the trash.

5. Wait.

Yes, wait. Do much more research and keep writing while waiting around. If an agent or publisher won't respond, follow up after a few weeks prior to moving forward to query others.

About the Author:

Want more information on how to get a novel published? Then visit http://firsttimeauthors.org to find the best advice for new authors.