10 Tips for Getting Published
Writing a novel is a monumental task that requires years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. It’s a big risk with an uncertain outcome. Most writers do it because they love it, or because they believe they have an important story to tell. But no matter the reasons, and no matter the amount of toil and sacrifice, most writers will tell you that the ultimate goal is to get published. It’s the ultimate validation and perhaps the most important step to getting your story heard. With that in mind, we’d like to help writers by giving them ten tips for getting published. Though there is a lot writers can’t control—circumstances and luck play a huge role—there are things writers can do to give themselves the best chance possible at landing that publishing deal.
Use Beta Readers - Beta Readers are people who read your manuscript voluntarily, and provide you with honest feedback about your story. It’s important to have at least five or more Beta Readers so that you can begin to see patterns in their feedback. You don’t have to agree with everything a Beta Reader says about your story, but it’s important to be open-minded about their opinions. It will make your story better! It’s okay to use a few friends and family members as Beta Readers, but I highly recommend getting feedback from a handful of people you don’t know. You can usually find Beta Readers in writer’s groups and social media forums.
Get your manuscript professionally edited - Although there is a cost involved, getting your manuscript professionally edited is the best way to get it noticed by publishers. An editor will give you critical feedback from an objective point of view. They will help strengthen your writing and your story in ways you’d never be able to accomplish on your own.
Use industry standard formats - Publishers review hundreds of submissions a year. With so many manuscripts to review, it’s important to use standard formatting. Below is brief style guide. You can learn more by reading this article by Writer’s Digest.
→Use a 1" margin on all sides
→ Use a title page
→ Don't number the title page. Number your pages beginning with your first page of the text of the book, usually the introduction, prologue, or chapter one.
→ Use a header on each page, which includes your name and the title of your novel in all caps, and the page number.
→ Start each new chapter on its own page, one-third of the way down the page.
→ The chapter number and chapter title should be in all caps, separated by an em dash: CHAPTER 1—THE BODY.
→ Begin the body of each chapter four to six lines below the chapter title.
→ Indent fives spaces for each new paragraph.
→ Double-space the entire text.
→ Use a standard font, 12-point type. Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier will work.Follow the submission guidelines - We cannot stress this enough! Pay attention to every detail of the publisher’s or agent’s submission guidelines and follow them. First impressions are important, and if you start off by not following instructions, your work will be ignored or you’ll be putting yourself at a major disadvantage.
Make the first paragraph engaging! - Publishers and agents are reviewing hundreds of submissions. They don’t have time to read them all. If you have any mistakes in your first paragraph, or your first paragraph isn’t compelling, then the publisher will quickly move on to the next submission.
Don’t flatter the publisher or agent - While you may be tempted to praise the publisher, it won’t help your submission get noticed. It comes off as insincere or pandering and it isn’t necessary. Instead, be succinct and to the point. Provide only what the publisher asks and little else. Keep your bio short and your synopsis brief and engaging.
Develop an online presence - Publishers want to know who you are and if you, and your book, are marketable. The best way to do that is to have and develop an online presence. You can do this by creating a website, writing blog posts, writing guest blogs for other websites, posting book reviews, and by consistent interaction on social media. Then, when you submit your work, provide links to your various online platforms.
Don’t be discouraged by rejection and accept feedback - Publishers and agents are considering countless factors when deciding whether or not to accept your work. The quality of your work is just one of those factors. Because you can’t see from their perspective, you can’t completely understand why they might reject your work, so don’t take it personally. Also, accept the feedback they provide without getting defensive or lashing out. Consider what they have to say and use what you find valuable. Then, forget the rest. Thank them for their feedback and move on.
Networking - Although writing can be a solitary endeavor, it doesn’t have to be. And, if you want to improve your work and get it noticed you’ll need to do some networking. Join groups such as The Alliance of Independent Authors, Nanowrimo, The Absolute Write Water Cooler, and the Independent Book Publishers Association. Also join groups on social media such as #writingcommunity on Twitter, The Write Life Community on Facebook, or The Reddit Writer’s Group. There are a lot of groups out there. You don’t have to join them all, but find a few that fit your interests and get involved.
Know your target audience and develop a marketing plan - As mentioned earlier, publishers want to know whether or not you and your book are marketable. If you’ve got a plan, you’ll save the publisher a lot of work, you’ll show them you’re committed, and you’ll give them confidence that your book will sell.
We hope that helps. What else would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction. As a traditional publisher, he works with authors who want to share important historical stories with the world. He is also an independent author and historian who has published four historical novels. He has a Master or Arts degree in history and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. Mustful is an avid runner and soccer player who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He believes that learning history is vital to understanding our world today and finding just, long-lasting solutions for the future.
