10 Things Every Creative Writer Should Know About Getting Published

Thu, 2011-02-10 16:56

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Author：Susan Kersley

1. You need an agent

Most people who want creative writing published need an agent to represent them. However finding an agent to take you on board can be very difficult and frustrating

2. You don't need an agent

For some sorts of writing notably non-fiction an agent isn't always necessary. Some publishers will accept non-fiction books direct from the author.

3. You must have more than one book to publish

Your work is more attractive to an agent and a publisher if you have written more than one book. They seem to like publishing a series or knowing that if the first is a success there is another not far behind.

4. You only need one book to publish

If your book is very specialised and contains a lot of useful information then it's more likely that you might get a one book deal. This is less likely for a novel, so it helps to have the start of another book to offer the publisher.

5. It's easy to self publish but difficult to market and sell

If you can't get a publisher or agent you could consider self-publishing which is a great way to see your book in print. However it may be a challenge to market and sell it especially when you self publish.

6. It's difficult to have a book published and difficult to market and sell.

Books have to be marketed and unless you are a big celebrity you may find that not many people know about it.

7. Your chances of being a million pound best seller are low

Most published books in the bookshops are written or ghost written by television celebrities, footballers or pop stars. If you aren't any of these you may find that people don't buy your book. Also publishers pay the booksellers to put the books by famous authors prominently on the tables or shelves you see when you enter the shop.

8. You could have a 'big break' if Richard and Judy like your book

Don't be too despondent. Sometimes a relatively unknown author rises to fame and fortune if their book is chosen as a 'Richard and Judy Summer Read'.

9. Be prepared for years of toil with little to show for it

Unfortunately the reality is that most creative writers work hard for many years but either never get published or if they do fail to make much money from their book.

10. Don't expect to earn big money

Most million pound best sellers are by extremely well known authors or celebrities don't be surprised of either you are published your financial reward may be quite small.