I need help... with publishing, if anyone has the slightest clue

Yeah, so I've written a book that's about 270 pages. I've been writing bits of it for the past two and a half years, so some parts, such as the first 3 chapters, need editing. But, on a whim I guess, does anyone have the slightest clue about publishing a book? Because, obviously, I don't, other than looking up publishing companies in the area in the phone book.

Don't take this as the "offical" way to get published, but I'd wait outside the offices of the managing editor of Random House with a kerchief soaked in knock-out gas and your manuscript. When he starts to leave the building, sneak up behind him, slip the kerchief under his nasal passages, and leave your manuscript for him to find when he comes to. He'll admire your tenacity but you'll still go to jail.

Seriously, just send a copy of the manuscript to any publishing houses you think might like new, unsigned authors. Tell you what, make that COPIES, send it around to several publishing houses along with a letter of introduction. that's about the best I can suggest.

Originally posted by Taboo # 7 Seriously, just send a copy of the manuscript to any publishing houses you think might like new, unsigned authors.

No, seriously, don't do that. They hate that.

A woman my wife met online just published a book via Publish America. Honestly, I don't know that much about it, but it is apparently legit and worth a look.

Originally posted by Gnu Odor > Originally posted by Taboo # 7> > Seriously, just send a copy of the manuscript to any publishing houses you think might like new, unsigned authors.

No, seriously, don't do that. They hate that.

A woman my wife met online just published a book via Publish America. Honestly, I don't know that much about it, but it is apparently legit and worth a look.

Hmm, no wonder my 'Dutch shoe makers' novel manuscript kept coming back to me

Tell you what, totally disregard everything I've said, I don't know what I'm talking about (not that that's unusual)

Originally posted by Al Jarvis > Originally posted by Who is this man that follows me?> Yeah, so I've written a book that's about 270 pages. I've been writing bits of it for the past two and a half years, so some parts, such as the first 3 chapters, need editing. But, on a whim I guess, does anyone have the slightest clue about publishing a book? Because, obviously, I don't, other than looking up publishing companies in the area in the phone book.

Don't know how the US works but over here you need an agent. You'll get nowhere without one. I had a novel published a few years back, but said novel also sat with Faber & Faber (who I'd approached first-hand) for 18 months before that, and who then decided not to use it. I then got an agent, and the thing was sold to Pan MacMillan within a month, and I had a bundle of dosh!!

We have a Writers Yearbook in the UK, and I assume the US must have something similar - simply pick out an agent(agents!) who already deals in the sort of literature you've written (crime, fiction, childrens, whatever) then approach them with a synopsis and a few sample chapters and see if they bite.

What if (like me) you're trying to get into the "short humor" market (fake news stories, humorous short stories, etc)? I've been sending out stuff via the Web for a few weeks now, so far I've gotten a "we'd like to use your stuff in the fall" from the Yale University comedy mag. I haven't really gotten a portfolio, so I suppose that would come in handy if I tried for an agent.

Yeah, ignore Tabsy on this one and listen to Mr. Jarvis. If you're at all serious, go to the library and grab a copy of the latest edition of The Writer's Market and do some research into agents and agencies.

Do not send out unsolicited manuscripts; sadly, it's just like stamping "IGNORE: RANK AMATEUR" on the cover. It's twisted, but publishers don't want your manuscript; they have plenty of agents hammering them all day with solicited material.

And Tabsy, get to work on that Personals profile.

Originally posted by Gnu Odor Yeah, ignore Tabsy on this one and listen to Mr. Jarvis. If you're at all serious, go to the library and grab a copy of the latest edition of The Writer's Market and do some research into agents and agencies.Do not send out unsolicited manuscripts; sadly, it's just like stamping "IGNORE: RANK AMATEUR" on the cover. It's twisted, but publishers don't want your manuscript; they have plenty of agents hammering them all day with solicited material.

And Tabsy, get to work on that Personals profile.

Quick, respond to my post (otherwise your post total will be the same as the mark of the beast, i.e. Tony Wilson!)

Yeah, I'm full of shit (as usual), I was thinking more in terms of submitting to magazines, some of whom do look at unsolicited stuff (college mags and other publications desperate for copy)

Thanks, all. I could use some of this stuff. I never bothered to look into any magazine, yet. But I'll look into some of the serious stuff mentioned here that won't get me put into jail.

of course depending on the type of book, done time could be benefit! (see howard marks' career)