Whether you're writing a fiction or nonfiction book, if it's your first one, you probably feel at a loss of what to do to get your material out there. When I completed my first serious novel several years ago, I felt at a loss of what I needed to do next. I found that the publishing industry had certain rules of how, who and what you should submit your material to.
I've listed some valuable sites below that have a wealth of information for the aspiring writer. These sites will take the mystery out of whom to submit to, what you need to submit, how to submit it, and who you should look out for. I hate to say it, but yes there are plenty of people out there waiting to take advantage of the uninformed writer. Other than postage and supplies, submitting your work shouldn't cost you any money.
This is a writer's forum that has a wealth of information! Personally, I'd be lost without this place. Here you are able to ask questions to writers that are trying to do the same thing as you……get published. You can search out others experiences with certain agents or publishers, get your work critiqued, learn how to write a query letter, freelancing information, and learn basic writing techniques so you won't make the dreaded first timers mistakes. This sight has so many attributes it's hard to list them all.
If you want to join in on the conversations, it's easy. Here you will always find someone with experience who is more than willing to help. If you prefer to be quiet, you can surf this forum unnoticed. This is a must sight to help the unpublished or published author find any information they need concerning publishing or writing.
This is another must site for the writer. Preditors & Editors is a guide to publishers and writing services for writers. It is not only a list of agents, attorneys and publishers, but gives warnings about scammers who are out there. If something raises a red light about a particular agent or publishers, here is the place to find it. Remember, money flows toward the writer. You never should have to pay to get your work published! There are a bunch of unscrupulous people out there who are looking to take advantage of the unpublished writer, this sight outs them.
This is a terrific place to find agents or publishers, their current contact information and what they are looking for. Here you will find a massive searchable database of literary agents and publishers and believe it or not….it's free! There are no strings attached to this sight.
You will also find descriptions of the various genres and are able to search by genre only. You will also find great information on such things as how to write a query letter, how to mail it and how long a synopsis should be, plus much more. This is another must sight for the writer.
Here you can search for agents in a particular genre. This site is a great resource because you can track your queries and responses. There is also a list of success stories of Query Trackers users, stating the agent who offered them a contract, genre and the word length of the accepted manuscript. You will be able to see the trends of a particular agent/agency and know what's selling.
The best things you can do for you as a writer, is become informed and never give up! Rejection is normal and one must grow really thick skin. Remember, you aren't the only one who got rejected. Hopefully these sites will make your writing journey a bit easier. Good luck!
