The process

After explaining the process of publication, at least as I understand it, for the dozenth time, I decided to write up a short description. That way I can just direct someone here, and say: read.

So you've finished your novel and want the whole world to see it, what do you do first? Edit. Proofread. Edit. Proofread. Then edit some more. Seriously. Go edit now.

Once you're done editing, to publishable satisfaction, you can start looking at the idea of publication. All of the following summarizes the wisdom of many months worth of vicarious understanding, coupled with some actual research, and a tidbit or two of real experience. Of course, bear in mind that IANAPA* so all should be taken with a grain of salt.

1) Option the First: Vanity Publishing. Doubtless a well-meaning family member has recommended that you pay-to-publish based on some ad they saw in a Spam Email. Self-publishing does exactly as it sounds: you pay money, you get a few bound copies of your work. If you've written a family history, or a local interest story, or perhaps a cookbook for friends, then Vanity Publishing is not a problem. You will get what you paid for, decently bound copies of your work. On the other hand, if you've written a novel, and have hopes that someone will read it without it coming as a gift from you on Christmas, then consider against Self-Publication. It won't be listed in industry publications and catologues, bookstores will only order it if YOU convince them to personally, and no one will write a scathing (blessedly free advertisement) review of your book. In short, no one will see it unless you first purchase it and stick it under their nose. On the plus side, no matter how awful your book is, no matter how bad your editing, style, characters, plot, and writing, you're guaranteed to see it in print. Vanity Presses are paid by you to print the book, whatever book you hand them.

2) Option the Second: Co-operative and Print-on-demand. This is a step-up. First, many of these publishers have editorial standards, which is a HUGE leap up. They do occassionally reject books so bad as to not be possibly worth their time. This might make it easier for you to convince a bookstore to carry the title, but that all depends on YOUR connections within the publishing industry. If the head of distribution of Amazon is your brother-in-law, then by all means, this is probably an excellent choice. Likewise if you are a skilled advertisor and marketer willing and able to pitch your work to the communities that may show interest in it. On the whole though, don't expect it to be on the Bestseller lists anytime soon, nor for their to be motion picture studios banging on the door, nor, sadly, for you to ever get a paycheck for your hard work. Certainly, exceptions can and do exist.

3) Sell your work via the Slush File. Don't worry, it's a lot worse than it sounds. You can always try direct submitting your work to for-real publishing houses. I think three of them look at unsolicited, unagented queries. Actually, I made that up. So far, I've found only two that do so, but I'm certain at least one more will, I just haven't found them yet. This way, you will control everything on your side. Once you've submitted, you can rest assured that your work will be read, just as soon as the other 9000 works in the Slush File are read. It's sort of like winning the lottery, only with worse odds, and less pay-off. If your brother's cousin is an assistant editor at a major house, then you will undoubtedly have an inside track. Otherwise, polish your query letters, and prepare to learn humility. Rejection letters build character.

4) Find an agent. Well, finding an agent is as simple as checking PublishersMarketplace or the Association of Artists' Representatives websites. Now, convincing an agent to look at your work...that's a bit trickier. Finding an agent interested in representing you, ah, beyond my experience. I haven't found one yet. However, I'm building character through rejection letters. If you're Tom Clancy is your neighbor, invite him over to a BBQ and bribe him with good food until he agrees to give you an recommendation to HIS agent. If your Great-Uncle Joe writes abusrdly boring narrative history for college textbooks, beg him for a nod to his agent. It sounds desperate, but after a few months of rej...character building, you'll be that desperate. If you live in a large city, or can fly to one with regularity, you may find some success meeting agents or helpful publishing industry types at writers' conventions. Neither of the aforementioned apply to me, so I have no experience in the way of conventions. I'm stuck with the old query letter route. Once you've found an agent, they will (theoretically) use their contacts in the industry to find you a publisher. At the very least, they know who the publishers are. And they know what contracts mean. This is two steps ahead of me, so I'm keen on the whole agent handling the legal side of things idea.

All I need is enough accumulated character via rejection. If anyone is actually reading this Blog, and knows more about The Process than I do, please, feel free to post a correction, addition, or mocking comment.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American family! I miss you all. (Yes, even YOU).

*I Am Not A Published Author