Isn't learning the industry the same as learning
your craft? The answer is no. The publishing industry is complex.
Even the most talented writers can make mistakes if they forget
to pay attention to the "business" side of writing.
Writing a good book isn't always enough.
Start with the basics. Make sure you know the
industry standard for manuscript format.
Font: Courier, point size: 12, margins:
1"-1.5", lines: double-spaced, 25 lines per page,
paper: white 20lb.
All publishers have submission guidelines. These
tell you what the house is looking for and how to submit to
them (full-manuscript, proposal, query, unagented, unsolicited,
etc.) Just send your request along with a SASE and the publishing
house will send the guidelines to you.
Be aware of your target market. It's unprofessional
to send your cookbook to a house that only publishes poetry.
Books like The Writers Market, Short Story and Novel Writers
Market and Romance Writers Pink Pages will help you find the
appropriate places to submit your work.
Do you need an agent? For some publishing houses
you do and for some you don't. Find out which agents are reputable
and which aren't. If you decide you want an agent, find one
who doesn't charge reading fees.
Make sure you know the proper ettiquette for
approaching editors and agents. When is it appropriate to
pitch your book? If you take an industry professional to lunch,
who pays? What is the most effective way to bribe an editor?
;-) These are all things you need to know about the publishing
industry.
Resources:
Publishing Houses:
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