Publishing your first book doesn't have to be difficult.
More than one method will help you get your first book published. The process depends on whether you want to see your name on hardback copies lining the walls of a bookstore or simply hope to get the book in the hands of readers as soon as possible. The tools to accomplish the task are probably right at your fingertips. Follow basic steps to take whichever path you want to publication.
Instructions
1. Peruse the Writer's Market via its annual bound guide or on the Web at WritersMarket.com. Full use of the site requires paying a membership fee. This publishing guide is divided into nonfiction and fiction subjects. Publishers are listed for each genre and type of writing. The website is especially useful, because it is equipped with a search tool that allows you to filter the list of possible publishers. For example, you may want to view only those publishers that have websites or only those that pay in advance.
2. Choose a publisher. You should make this choice based on more than just your book's topic and the convenience of the publisher's requirements. Again, Writer's Market is helpful here, because it provides up-to-date information on the writing market and also offers an FAQ page regarding publishers and a place to ask for expert advice. Writer's Market provides the specifics regarding contact each publisher and submit your manuscript. The website does not offer an upload option -- you must contact each publisher directly.
3. Print your book yourself if you can't find the right publisher or are in a hurry to make your book available for purchase. Print-on-demand companies will publish your book for a fee in exchange for formatting services and art work. They sell the book on their own websites as well as on linked affiliate Web pages and in bookstores.
4. Publish your book as an e-book rather than the traditional print book. A number of formats are available, and e-book readers have made it possible to format your book, upload it to a website and sell it directly to readers. You may even be able to set the price of the book and how much you will receive in royalties.
