How to Get Your First Book Published: Tips for First-Time Authors

Getting your first book published can feel like an impossible feat, but with the right preparation and persistence, it is achievable.

Dealing with acquisitions editors for over a decade, we’ve seen many talented new writers get their big break. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to getting your book published, provide tips, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions on how to get a book published for the first time.

Submission Process

The first step is polishing your manuscript and query letter. Take time to carefully edit your work and get feedback from beta readers. Research agents and publishers accepting submissions in your genre. Follow their submission guidelines exactly – this shows you can follow directions.

Why Hire a Beta Reader?

You should query literary agents first. Research agents representing books similar to yours and pitch your book in a compelling one page query. Highlight your credentials and any unique hooks. If an agent is interested, they will request your full manuscript.

If you get rejection letters, don’t get discouraged. Consider their feedback and revise your work. Successful authors often get hundreds of rejections before getting signed. Persistence is key.

Once you land an agent, they will pitch your book to publishers and negotiate a book deal on your behalf. This takes the pressure off you to find a publisher directly. The agent’s connections and knowledge of the industry are invaluable.

If you don’t secure an agent, you can directly submit your manuscript to publishers accepting unsolicited submissions. Start with smaller, independent presses with less competition. Thoroughly research the publishers to target ones publishing work in your genre. Follow their guidelines and be prepared for a longer process – major publishers only accept submissions from literary agents.

How to Query a Literary Agent?

Getting Noticed

As a debut author, you will need to put in extra work to get yourself noticed.

► Build an author platform on social media and grow your following. Share insights into your writing process and life as an author.

► Start developing your brand. Create an eye-catching book cover, author website, tagline and other branding elements that reflect you and your book’s vibe.

► Look for speaking and guest post opportunities. Getting your name and book title in front of new audiences builds buzz.

► Network online and in person with other authors, especially in your genre. They can share valuable wisdom on navigating the publishing process.

► Don’t underestimate the power of local media. Pitch yourself as a local author to follow – this type of community interest story can go viral.

Build and Boost Your Author Platform

The publishing process requires tenacity, ingenuity and patience. But with hard work and the right support, talented new voices can get their break. If you believe in your book, keep persevering. Your published book is waiting for you in the future.

A manuscript assessment or manuscript evaluation from Writerful Books can provide valuable feedback to help your submission stand out from the slush pile. Investing in your book’s potential pays off when you hold your published book in your hands.

Why Get a Manuscript Assessment?

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions that first-time authors have asked on how to get their books published. If you have a specific question, feel free to reach out and ask us:

How do first time authors get published?

The best path is to secure a literary agent by pitching your manuscript to agents accepting new clients. Agents can get your manuscript directly in front of acquisitions editors at publishing houses. You can also submit directly to smaller presses accepting unsolicited manuscripts, but is harder to sign a publishing deal due to smaller budgets.

How hard is it to get published?

Book publishing is extremely competitive – agents and publishers reject the vast majority of submissions. On average it takes 3-5 years from starting a manuscript to getting published, with lots of rewriting and critique along the way. Building an author platform early increases your chances. Perseverance is crucial.

What is the best way to get published?

The gold standard is getting a literary agent, as their connections and negotiation skills are invaluable for landing a book deal with a publisher. Thoroughly research agents in your genre and craft targeted, compelling query letters.

How can I increase my chances of getting published?

Make sure your manuscript is polished and publication-ready before submitting. Research submission guidelines extensively and follow them exactly. Query widely but selectively. Grow your author platform online and in your community. Join writing organizations and critique groups. Seek feedback from published authors.

How to get a book published for the first time?

First time authors should focus on securing a literary agent by pitching to agents actively building their client lists. While waiting for responses, work on manuscript revisions and grow your author platform. With an agent’s help, you can get your book in front of acquisitions editors at publishing houses.

How to get a book published without an agent?

Target small, independent presses in your genre accepting unsolicited submissions. Thoroughly research manuscript requirements for each press. Be prepared for a lengthy process and lots of rejection. Having published short stories or articles will help build your credentials.

How to get a book published for free?

True traditional publishing without any author payment is extremely rare and usually reserved for celebrity authors or alumni of the publishing house. For free publishing, you’ll need to pursue self-publishing venues that make money through print-on-demand technology. The tradeoff is you handle all marketing and distribution yourself.

How to publish a book and get paid?

Traditional publishing pays advances based on projected sales and royalties from each sale. Average advances for debut authors range $5,000-$10,000. Unless you get a large advance, income mainly comes from royalties over time as your book gains readers. Self-publishing pays higher royalties per sale, but marketing is on you.

How can I increase my chances of getting published?

Polish your manuscript extensively, research submission requirements meticulously, query agents and publishers selectively but widely, build your author platform assiduously, network and collaborate with other writers, seek critiques from published authors, and perseveres through rejections.

What book genre is easiest to sell?

Popular fiction genres like romance, mysteries and thrillers tend to be easier sells than literary fiction. Genre fiction has devoted fan bases always looking for more books in their favorite genres. Build your platform around your specific genre.

What do publishers look for in a book?

A polished, compelling manuscript in a popular genre with mainstream appeal and commercial viability. Tapping into trending topics or under-served niche markets helps. Most importantly, voice and plot that feel fresh yet comparable to successful books in your genre.

Do publishers pay for your book?

Yes, publishers pay authors an advance when first signing the book deal. Then royalties are paid based on sales that exceed that advance. Advances vary based on projected sales but commonly range $5,000 to $15,000 for debut authors.

How much do publishers pay you for a book?

The average advance for a debut trade fiction author ranges from $5,000-$10,000, though can be higher with a big name agent advocating on your behalf. Unless the advance is substantial, income mainly comes from ongoing royalties over time as the book gains readership.

Do publishers pay you to write a book?

No, publishers don’t pay simply to write a book. Payment comes in the form of an advance when first acquiring the book, then royalties earned on sales exceeding that advance. The advance is paying for the right to publish your completed manuscript.

Is it worth it to go into publishing?

Publishing pays modestly unless you become a bestselling author. Most authors cannot fully support themselves solely from writing income. But for those passionate about writing and storytelling, a published book is reward enough for most debut authors. Just focus more on sharing your story than earning potential.

How do new authors get noticed?

Building an engaged social media following, guest blogging for popular sites in your genre, seeking out speaking opportunities, pursuing local media interviews, collaborating with other authors for cross-promotion, and developing a compelling author brand and website.

What age do most authors get published?

Most debut fiction authors get published in their late 20s to late 30s after years spent honing their craft and accumulating life experience. However, there are always exceptions on both sides, with debut authors ranging from their early 20s to 60s plus. It’s about the manuscript, not the age.

How to get a book published in the UK or the USA?

Research UK and USA based literary agents and directly submit to them, following their guidelines closely. Having previously published short stories or articles in UK / USA magazines or journals will help build credentials. Or pursue regional publishers in your home country first and then seek a deal based on initial success.

How easy is it to get a book published?

Statistically, it is very difficult, especially through traditional publishing. But with a polished manuscript tailored to reader demand, professional feedback from writers groups and beta readers, query letters targeted to the right agents and publishers, and unwavering perseverance through rejection, talented voices can and will break through. If publishing your book matters enough, you can make it happen.

At the end of the day, getting published requires writing a stellar book, perseverance in the face of rejection, and a commitment to long-term platform building. But with hard work and the right manuscript, your publishing dreams can come true.

Don’t leave your publication dreams to chance – get your manuscript assessed by an experienced book editor!

Have you finished writing your manuscript, but are unsure what to do next or need professional advice on whether it is ready to be submitted to an agent or publisher? Or have you exhausted all feedback avenues such as family and friends or even beta readers and are ready for practical advice from an industry professional?

Our manuscript assessment and evaluation services provide unparalleled reliability and practical support to unpublished writers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK and the USA. Our team of editors are committed to helping you unlock the full potential of your book.

Our trusted, professional manuscript assessments and appraisals will give you the insight you need to identify areas where further development is required and move your manuscript one step closer to publication.

Our team of experienced book editors are committed to providing you with the highest quality service possible. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the quality of our work, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will work with you to address any issues or concerns and either redo the service to your satisfaction or provide you with a full refund. We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and helping you create the best book possible. You can have full confidence in our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

Why Choose our Manuscript Assessment Service?

How a Manuscript Evaluation Can Land a Literary Agent!

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