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[Stacey Cochran]

Hey folks,

Feel free to ask a question about how to publish your book here.

Stacey

[shantique]

HELLO

[Stacey Cochran]

Hi Shantique,

Welcome. How's it going?

Stacey

[Kathleen]

Hi Stacey: Your information has been well taken. But I need to ask you two other questions: If you were to have it edited and I must, will the story line be protected by copywrite. Second questions with all the help to help publish your book on the internet, who do you see as a company that is honest, fairly priced, and will deliver on their promises. thanks

[Kathleen]

My manuscript is ready to be sent out for copywrite, or is it? Does a manuscipt have to be edited before it is sent out? And with all the fear of a storyline being copied, how do you pick a reputable editor? I know these are basic questions but this is my first book, a memoir, and I do think I have a audience that would love to read this book. Thanks

[Stacey Cochran]

Hi Kathleen,

Just so you know... the word is actually "copyright." Secondly, your work is copyright protected by law if you can prove that you are the original author. You don't have to send your manuscript anywhere to "get it copyrighted."

If someone ever stole your idea or used part of your writing without your permission, you would need to hire a lawyer. The lawyer would probably want to have proof that your manuscript was written at a certain date and that you are, in fact, the original author.

Also, if I may, this has got to be one of the most common unfounded fears of aspiring writers... that someone is going to steal your idea or manuscript. It simply doesn't happen.

The odds of being struck by lightning twice in the same day in two different cities are greater than the odds of an editor stealing your idea and making money from it.

That said, you could always mail your manuscript to yourself. By doing so, your mailed manuscript will have a postmark date on the envelope. You could store that sealed envelope somewhere as proof that you wrote your manuscript prior to sending it out to editors.

That's an inexpensive way to prove that you are the original author.

I hope that helps!

Stacey

[Kathleen]

Thanks for the insight on this. I am just sitting on my laurels and not doing anything. I really do not trust self publishing, so being from a small town in upstate new york, where do I find a literary agent? Will this person also edit the manuscript? I feel this book or memoir is something that most people will respond to and I even thought at one time, I don't need to publish it. For the real reason I wrote it was for "healing" (my healing) but, It does have a bigger message. So Im just putting it out there waiting for the right answer from the universe how to publish, and even should I publish. Thanks again for all your info...

[Stacey Cochran]

Hey Kathleen,

Well, I think you have a great attitude and I believe good things usually happen to folks with positive attitudes like yours.

You asked whether literary agents will edit your manuscript and how to find them. The answer is, "No." Usually literary agents prefer the manuscript to be flawless; they may offer some initial suggestions, but they are not editors or so-called "book doctors." An agent usually prefers newbie writers to have some working knowledge of the publishing business, marketing, and sales (though this is not a requirement). As the majority of a writers job is actually in marketing their book and building a readership, often having a flawless, brilliantly written book is not enough. That said, if you're having trouble editing the manuscript or don't have a mastery of grammar, spelling, and manuscript format, you're most likely not ready to publish your work with a major publisher. Self-publishing might be your best option.

The best place to begin learning about literary agents is http://www.agentquery.com

Your book does sound special, and I can appreciate how much it means to you.

Thanks for sharing and thanks for your questions.

Stacey

[Nick]

Hello,

I am completely new to the book publishing world. I'm currently working on a book that will be finished in due time, but I am completely ignorant as to how to get it published. I have checked out self-publishing websites, and they sound perfectly fine, but people have warned me against self-publishing, saying that the book would barely get circulated. Plus the fee wouldn't be my favorite part.
So I guess I'm curious as to what to do. Agents? Where do I get one? What do they cost? Will they actually sit down with me face to face? Or will I have to Email them every day from across the country? I'm just not very educated in this area. Like I said, I'm new to the world of publishing.

Thanks,
Nick

[Stacey Cochran]

Hey Nick,

Thanks for posting, and thanks for your questions. Literary agents are a little like real estate agents. If you've ever bought a home or sold a home, think about how that agent worked with you. Literary agents are somewhat similar, except that they sell publishing rights to publishers.

Just like in any good business relationship, knowing how to communicate effectively is a big help. For a newbie like yourself, you may want to first start reading about literary agents at websites like http://www.agentquery.com

I'd also recommend checking out Jeff Herman's Guide to Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents. Most libraries keep a copy in their catalogue, and you can certainly find a copy for sale at Amazon.com

It may take you a year or two to build a base of knowledge through books and websites before you're ready to start querying them about your work. It sounds like your book in process, so that may work very well for you. It definitely doesn't hurt to begin educating yourself about how publishing works.

I'd encourage you to embrace learning about the biz' -- it takes a lot of time to build a base of knowledge to be up to "pro" standards.

Thanks again for your question and for posting here at howtopublishabook.org

Stacey

[Stasha]

Stacey,

I have great ideas for a few books. I don't have a clue as to where to start. Can you help? Thank-you, Stasha

[Stacey Cochran]

Stasha,

It sounds like perhaps a craft-related book would be the best place to start for you (you can worry about the business of publishing at a later date:)

What kind of book would you prefer to write? A memoir, a novel, a poetry collection, etc.?

Stacey

[Dave Combattelli]

Hello Stacey,

I have been watching your video discussions on youtube and enjoyed them very much.

I wrote two SF novels over 10 years ago, and never even tried to publish them. I never wanted to as I was using them for enjoyment and to improve my writing skills. I had planned on writing a fourth in regard to publication.

I submitted a short story to Interzone back then and got a nice rejection letter. The editor sat the time said the story was very good, but the layout was poor. He was of course right, no double line spacing etc. I am surprised looking back that he even read it.

Life took me down a different path and I stopped writing for the next ten years.

I have just completed a 3 year travel journey. And found that through all my journals I had the making, and desire of a travel book. I am in the process of finishing up the first rough draft. Developing characters and trying to get the storyline correct. It's fiction/non-fiction book.

I see that times have changed a lot in the publishing industry in the last ten years! I find myself spending more time looking through pages of internet forums and websites about getting published. than I do writing. It has be quite pessimistic about the whole thing.

knowing a little about my background, what would you suggest I do at this time in regards to publishing. I will finish the book in any case. But really am at a loss to all this POD, self publish, find an agent (though no one rarely can), and self marketing material.

Even as I get my head around this self publish thing I see Amazon have but the blockers on things. I see writing in two main areas now. People wanting to get their story out. And people who want to sell and make a million.

Hey I would be lying if I said the latter was not my motive. I have a story to get out, but I can blog that one to the world for free.

I am hoping maybe you could take some time to help with what I have written on this forum today?

From you videos you seem to have this 2008 approach pretty much under your hat.

Care to enlighten a guy coming back from 1998 to a new world?

Many thanks for you time.

Dave