How to Publish a Book

Know when to prepare a manuscript or a proposal. Novelists should prepare a full-length manuscript, while nonfiction writers should craft a concise proposal. Understanding what’s required will save you time and make you appear more professional when presenting your work to the public.

• Many novelists attempt to publish their books before completing the manuscript – futile. If you’re an experienced writer working with a literary agent, a few chapters or even a proposal might secure a contract. However, for most first-time fiction writers, the book should be 100% complete before moving to the publishing stage.
• If you’re writing nonfiction, start by perfecting your proposal. For health or cookbooks, focus on the proposal. For more literary works, write sample chapters or, in some cases, complete the manuscript.
• If you decide a proposal suffices for your nonfiction genre, proceed to step 6 and determine whether to hire a literary agent or approach publishers directly.
• If you’re writing a textbook, skip to the final section to learn how to publish by contacting publishers directly.

Edit your book. Editing your book can be even more challenging than writing it. Once you’ve drafted your manuscript, whether it’s a historical novel or a thriller, you’ll need to refine it to ensure it’s in the best possible shape before approaching an agent or publisher. Here’s what you should focus on during the editing process:

• Ensure your book is as engaging as possible. Not every book is a mystery or thriller, but make sure your readers are hooked from the start and have a reason to keep turning the pages.
• Many agents mention they rarely accept manuscripts over 100,000 words from debut novelists.
• Make sure your ideas are clearly conveyed. Whether you’re writing a romance or science fiction novel, your intentions should shine through the pages.
• Ensure your thoughts are as clear as possible. While your ideas may make sense to you, they might confuse your readers. Of course, your book might target a specific audience, such as college students or nurses, who may grasp your concepts more easily.

Seek feedback on your book. Once you believe your book is "truly" complete, it’s crucial to gather feedback to determine if it’s ready for publication. You might think it’s perfect, but there’s almost always room for improvement. Receiving input from a trusted colleague or expert is far better than facing rejection from an agent or publisher. If you seek feedback too early in the drafting process, you might feel overwhelmed, so ensure your book is polished before seeking help. Here are some ways to gather feedback:

• Ask a fellow writer. Someone who understands writing will have deep insights into what works and what doesn’t in a book.
• Ask an avid reader. A well-read individual can tell you if your book is captivating or if it puts them to sleep by the first chapter.
• Consult experts in your book’s subject matter. If you’re writing about business, science, or cooking, seek feedback from professionals in those fields to ensure your expertise shines through.
• Bring your work to a writing workshop. Whether it’s an informal gathering with local writers or a formal literary workshop, sharing a chapter can provide valuable insights from diverse perspectives.
• If you’re pursuing a Master’s in Creative Writing, you’ll have access to plenty of feedback, whether from classmates or instructors.
• Hire a reputable editor for a manuscript evaluation. This can be costly, but the right editor can help you determine if your book is publication-ready.
• Remember to weigh feedback carefully. Not everyone will love your book, and that’s okay. Focus on constructive criticism from trusted sources, but understand that not all opinions will be helpful. Good feedback means you’ve found the right people.

Refine your book further if needed. Use the feedback you’ve received to make additional improvements. You won’t regret it. Take time to absorb the input, then get back to work.

• Even if your edits are on track, seek more feedback to ensure your manuscript is the best it can be.
• After revising your manuscript again, set it aside for a few weeks or even a month. Then revisit it with fresh eyes to see if it’s truly polished.
• Finally, proofread your book. Once all major issues are addressed, ensure your manuscript is free of grammatical and punctuation errors. These mistakes can make your work appear unprofessional and undermine your hard work.

Prepare your manuscript. Once you feel your manuscript is complete, you’ll need to format it to meet the requirements of the agents or publishers you’re targeting. While there are general guidelines, it’s wise to check the specific submission guidelines on the publisher’s or agent’s website to ensure your manuscript meets their standards. Here’s what you can do:

• Always use double spacing for your manuscript.
• Set your margins to 2.5 cm on both the left and right sides.
• Avoid unusual fonts. Times New Roman is the best choice. Courier or typewriter-style fonts can stand out, but TNR remains the most professional option.
• Number your pages. Place the page number in the top right corner, along with your name and the title before the number.
  • For example: "Smith/CLEAR SKIES/1"
• Include a title page. The title page should contain the following:
  • Your full name, email address, phone number, and address should appear on the left side of the page.
  • The title of your novel should be in all caps and centered, followed by your name. For example: "CLEAR SKIES" on one line and "by John Smith" directly below it.
  • The word count should be at the bottom of the page. Round to the nearest 5,000 words. You can write, "approximately 75,000 words."

Decide whether to seek help from a literary agent or approach publishers directly. While securing a literary agent is challenging, approaching publishers directly to publish your book is even more difficult.

• The benefit of working directly with a publisher is that you don’t need to use (or pay) an agent as an intermediary. The downside is that publishers trust agents to filter submissions, so they’re less likely to take you seriously without one.
• You can also try approaching literary agents first and then publishers if that doesn’t work. However, if your work is rejected by agents, it’s even more likely to be rejected by publishers.

Research the market. Once you’re ready to pitch your book to literary agents, you need to research the market to find the right fit. Look for books in your genre or field to understand where your book fits and how similar books are marketed. Identify key players in your writing niche. If your book doesn’t fit neatly into one genre, explore multiple genres it might align with.

• After researching the market, you’ll be able to describe your book more effectively. Is it science fiction, literary fiction, or historical fiction? Is it a young adult novel or something more literary? Understanding your book’s category will help you connect with the right agent.

Research literary agents. Now that you know which agents to target, it’s time to find the perfect one to represent you. The ideal agent will understand your vision, be passionate about your work, and collaborate with you to refine and sell your book. Ensure the agent specializes in your genre; otherwise, reaching out will be a waste of time. Here’s how to find the right agent:

• Consult reliable guides like the Guide to Literary Agents. These resources provide details on thousands of agents, including their specialties, the number of new clients they take annually, and their recent sales.
• Explore the Publisher’s Marketplace. While full access requires a subscription, it offers insights into recent book deals, popular genres, and top-performing agents.
• Use Query Tracker. This website helps you identify agents who respond quickly to queries and those who take months or rarely reply. While the data is user-reported and incomplete, it provides a good sense of agent responsiveness and their genre preferences.
• Visit individual agent websites. When you find a potential match, review their submission guidelines, preferred genres, and client list to ensure they’re a good fit.
• Ensure the agent accepts unsolicited submissions. Unless you have a personal connection, this is the standard way to approach agents.
• Beware of scam agents. Reputable agents never charge reading fees. They only earn money by selling your book. Check Preditors & Editors to verify an agent’s credibility.

Write a query letter. Once you’ve identified your dream agent—or better yet, several—it’s time to craft a query letter. This letter is your chance to introduce yourself, pitch your book, and provide a brief summary. Since responses can take time, consider querying multiple agents simultaneously (if they allow it) and be patient. Follow this structure:

• First paragraph: Introduce your book and express your interest in the agent. Include:
  • A one- to two-sentence hook that captures the essence of your book. Be specific, unique, and engaging.
  • The genre, word count, and any relevant themes or categories. Mention if it’s multicultural, young adult, historical, etc.
  • Explain why you’re reaching out to this agent. Do they represent similar books or authors? Do you have a personal connection? Mention it upfront.
• Second paragraph: Summarize your book. Include:
  • A concise description of the plot and key themes. Be precise and compelling.
  • Introduce the main characters, their roles, and why your book matters.
  • Keep this to one or two paragraphs.
• Third paragraph: Share a brief bio. Mention any awards, relevant experience, or personal connections to the book’s subject matter.
• Fourth paragraph: Indicate that the full manuscript or sample chapters (for nonfiction) are available upon request. Provide your contact information and thank the agent for their time.
• Follow submission guidelines carefully. If the agent requests a synopsis or sample chapters, include them.

If you receive an offer from an agent, sign the contract—if it feels right. If the agent likes your query letter, they’ll request sample chapters or even the full manuscript. If they love your work, you’ll achieve your goal: an offer of representation! But before signing, ensure the agent is the right fit for you.

• Speak with the agent over the phone or, if possible, meet them in person. If you live near major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, this is easier as many literary agents are based there. Gauge their personality and enthusiasm for your work.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off—like the agent seems too busy, disinterested, or dismissive—don’t sign. It’s better to keep searching than to entrust your book to the wrong person.
• Ask to speak with some of the agent’s clients. A good agent will gladly provide references so you can get a better sense of their suitability.
• Verify their track record. Ensure the agent has a history of sales and a reputable client list before committing.
• Read the contract carefully. If the terms are standard—around 15% for domestic sales and 20% for foreign sales—and you feel confident, sign the contract, email it back, and celebrate your progress.

Revise your work with the agent. Even if the agent loves your book, you’ll likely need to revise it one, two, or even three times before it’s market-ready. This may involve cutting word count, refining your narrator’s voice, or addressing the agent’s questions.

• Remember, the book is still yours. You don’t have to make every change the agent suggests—only those you’re comfortable with.

Pitch your book to publishers. Once your agent is satisfied with the manuscript, they’ll pitch it to publishers. This is the most nerve-wracking part, as the fate of your book is out of your hands. Your agent will approach trusted editors at various publishing houses, and with luck, you’ll secure a deal!

• The contract will involve you, your agent, and the publisher.

Work with an editor. Once your book is sold, you’ll sign a contract with the publisher and continue refining the manuscript with an assigned editor. You’ll collaborate on perfecting the prose, and decisions about the release date, marketing, and cover design will follow.

• But you can’t just sit back and wait for the release date—there’s still plenty to do!

Market your book. Once the reality of your book’s publication sinks in, you’ll need to work hard to promote it—whether through ads, websites, Facebook, intimate readings, or word of mouth. Do whatever it takes to boost sales when the book launches.

• Never stop promoting your book—especially after its release. While you can bask in the glory for a while, remember that marketing is just as important as writing!
• Create a Facebook page and a website to promote your book.

Research publishers. Explore the websites of various publishers to see if they accept query letters or only submissions from agents. Many publishers only accept works submitted through an agent.

• Look for publishers that not only accept unsolicited submissions but also specialize in your genre.

Write a query letter to the right publisher. The process of writing a query letter for a publisher is similar to writing one for an agent. You’ll need to introduce your book and yourself while providing a concise summary of your work.

• If the publisher is impressed by your letter, they’ll request a partial or full manuscript.

If your book is accepted, sign with a reputable publisher. If the publisher is impressed by your work, you’ll receive an offer. Review the contract carefully and sign if it meets your needs.

Revise your book with an editor. Collaborate with an editor to refine your book until it’s ready for publication.

Market your book. While waiting for your book’s release, promote it to people you know—and those you don’t. Once published, continue marketing your book. Enjoy the milestone, but remember that marketing should never stop.

• Promote your book through blogs, interviews, and excerpts.
• Build a website and a Facebook fan page to spread the word about your book.

Research self-publishing companies.

Create an account with a company that aligns with your goals.

Write your book using Microsoft Word or similar word-processing software. Most self-publishing companies will require you to upload a Microsoft Word file of your book.

Choose the size and format of your book (paperback vs. hardcover).

After completing the necessary steps to self-publish your book, make it easily accessible for purchase.

• Ensure you provide payment options and receive earnings from each book sold.

Promote your book. Start by telling friends and family. This increases the chances of others buying your book. Use social media and online ads to expand its reach.

• As a new writer, expect rejections. Don’t let this discourage you. Many successful authors faced rejections before being accepted. Few succeed with their first book. A true writer keeps writing, regardless of publication.
• If you struggle to secure an agent or publisher, consider self-publishing.
• Try publishing an excerpt of your book before approaching agents or publishers. This builds credibility and demonstrates its appeal.
• Be cautious of fee-based publishing companies. These are often vanity presses.
• Always work with reputable publishing professionals. Any literary agent charging a reading fee is untrustworthy.
• No agent? Research publishers in your area. Check their submission guidelines and follow them carefully. Some publishers have multiple branches; explore those options.
• To connect with literary agents, attend writing workshops where you can meet and pitch your book. Ensure you have permission to do so.
• If your budget is tight, look for publishers near you to avoid travel costs. If you have friends near publishing companies, stay in touch! Save on hotel expenses and network while your book (potentially) gets published.

• There are many unscrupulous agents and publishers. Do your research before engaging with anyone. Never sign a contract with an agent who charges a reading fee!