Become a Published Author
You have just finished writing your book, and now you want to become a published author. However, you have no idea where to begin or how to get your books published. Here are some tips to become a published author.
The first step is ensuring that you become a published author is to make your manuscript completed and polished, ready to be sent to an literary agent or publisher. Editing is an integral step in becoming a published author, and it is recommended that every writer should work with a professional editor to become a published author. A professional editor has the experience and knowledge of the publishing industry to guide an author in reworking their book and bringing it to the next level so that they can become a published author. Editing is a process, a manuscript may need to go through a number of times before it is ready so that the writer may become a published author..
Once your manuscript is ready for submission, the next step to become a published author is to decide whether deciding to have your book published with a traditional, commercial publisher, or with an independent publisher. There are pros and cons to each type of publishing company.
A commercial publisher is typically a larger company, while independent publishers are smaller. You are more likely to be offered an advance from a commercial publisher, however their production time is much slower. With an independent publisher, your book will be published and released in two or three months, as opposed to a traditional publisher which can take up to nine months to a year.
If you want to work with a commercial publisher, you must first find a literary agent, as commercial publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. An literary agent will help you become a published author by representing and selling your book to the commercial publishers. They will curate a list of the right commercial publishers to whom to submit your book to, manage offers, and negotiate a great deal and contract on behalf of you, the author. It is important to research agencies and find an agent with a great reputation who specializes in your genre of book to help you become a published author.
When you are ready to become a published author, you should prepare your query letter to submit to a literary agent. Your query letter should be strong, with a good hook to attract the attention of the literary agent. A query letter should typically include a brief description of your book, your bio and previous work, and five sample pages of writing.
Even before you become a published author, it is important to work on marketing and building your audience. Create an author website, and social media pages, where you can develop your image and share your work to help you become a published author. Having a strong social media presence, with a lot of followers, will show that there is an audience who would be interested in buying your book when it is published.
Langtons International agency has helped many writers become published authors. Some of our most successful debut authors include Bonnie MacBird of Art in the Blood a Sherlock Holmes trilogy sold to Harper Collins. A Dark Knight in Aurora by William Reid sold to Skyhorse Publishing, Power Your Profits by Susie Carder sold to Atria Books, Miracle Ball Method by Elaine Petrone sold to Workman Publishing. Trumbo by Bruce Cook sold to Grand Central Publishing.
We are always looking for great writers to represent. Please contact us on our website here.