How to Get Published

Recommended resources for learning about how book publishing works, what agents and publishers are looking for, and industry trends.

Interested in a more do-it-yourself approach? See self-publishing resources.

How Book Publishing Works – the Basics

Publishing a Book, Poets & Writers
Small Press Database, Poets & Writers
Literary Agent Nathan Bransford: How a Book Gets Published
A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Published

You should not have to pay any kind of fee for your book to be published! Some publishers, while claiming to be “traditional” or “small” presses and saying they are “selective” about the works they publish will begin ask for fees for various aspects of the publication process. Learn about the deceptive practices of “stealth” vanity publishers here and here and read more warnings for writers on our self-publishing page.

Word Count

Agent Rachelle Gardner on Word Count
Agent Colleen Lindsay on Word Count
Agent Kristin Nelson on manuscripts that are “too short”

A few words about agent and anonymous publishing blogs. What you’re seeing there are the thoughts of the few. Don’t forget to employ your own good judgment and common sense to synthesize information you find on the Internet.