After you settle down from the thrill of finishing your novel, read it again. Revise it if necessary, polishing it with the best words and sentences possible to convey your story. Following that, edit your manuscript for content and grammar. If you need a professional editor’s services, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Once your manuscript has the finishing touches, file a copyright.  This record will prove that you are the author of this work and ensure that all of your rights as a novelist are protected. Form TX is used to copyright a novel. Download it from the US Copyright site copyright.gov/forms. You can also order forms online or call their hotline number. Presently, the fee to register your book is $45. However, always check the copyright website because the cost can change.          

Now that you have a finished novel, an entertainment product to market, decide whether to seek a major publisher or small press. If self publishing appeals to you, it will require lots of hard work. However, it can be exciting, lucrative, and spiritually fulfilling. Let’s examine each option.     

Major Publisher

Major publishers are large, well-established conglomerates in the industry, usually with a long history of publishing books. Their works are widely distributed and often benefit from topnotch advertising campaigns. What’s more, major publishers typically offer book advances to authors.

To attract a major publisher, most of the time you need a literary agent. Reach out to literary agents by sending a query letter. A query letter should express your interest in representation, a summary of your novel, and information about your background or qualifications. If the agent requests your book and wishes to represent you, he or she will offer you a written contract or verbal agreement. If the agent rejects you, move on. Send your query to other agents. An extremely helpful, free site for those seeking an agent is AgentQuery.com. In addition, Literary Market Place by Karen Hallard is a great, well-known source for seeking an agent.

Once you have a deal with a major publishing house, your agent will assist you with negotiating your contract. The advance amount, royalties, delivery date, publishing date, film rights, first print run, and publicity are the basic issues for negotiation. As well, you will have to firm up these matters if a publisher accepts unsolicited manuscripts and you’ve secured a deal on your own. In this case, hire an attorney experienced with book publishing. At this time, you can also seek out an agent to assist you with your contract.

Small Press 

For an aspiring author, the path to print may be a small press.  Ordinarily this type of publisher gives special attention to their products because it is easier to concentrate on a smaller amount of releases. Another benefit is that many small presses accept unsolicited manuscripts and authors without representation. 

Some small publishers pride themselves on publishing for the love of the art rather than commercial success. Others seek profit-making along with books they are proud to publish. A number of small houses offer advances while others pay royalties after the novel sells.

It is one of the most exciting times in history for the small press, mainly because of e-book publishing. Many newcomers as well as veteran authors are finding a home for their work with electronic publishers. What's more, genres such as romance and erotica are achieving great success. You can research e-book publishers online. Additionally, consult the most recent edition of Literary Market Place, to find out about all types of publishers. Moreover, it’s important to check out any business you engage in business with.  
 
Self Publishing

Self Publishing is popular and can often lead to astonishing success. In recent years, there have been countless stories about self publishers, who have become wealthy from their enterprises. For inspiration and to read about the amazing accomplishments of self publishers, visit best-selling author John Kremer’s web site Bookmarket.com/selfpublish.html.

To get started on your road to becoming a self publisher, think of a business name, register your company, complete a business plan, and handle other details that properly set up your new company. Many self publishers begin by operating from their homes. Other entrepreneurs set up an outside establishment. Next, shop for printers, get quotes, and decide how many copies you want printed. Consider your business goals, budget, and book storage area in making these decisions. If you are publishing solely e-books, find out what is involved to successfully launch this venture.   

After this, determine how your product will reach the public. Are you going to work with a distributor? Most self-publishers take this route. Or are you going to sell to stores directly, maintain records, send out invoices, and collect payments?

To complete your success, you need a great marketing campaign to let book lovers know about your novel. For more info, read the section entitled Promotion.   

*Get Published information is published by award-winning, best-selling author Loure Bussey