Heather Nicklaw
asked
Sheldon Charles:
I am a nurse, I have always wanted to write a book and thanks to you, I am going for it. You gave me a book as a gift and it just seemed like a sign. I am currently writing my first novel, how do I get someone to look at it to try to get it published?
Sheldon Charles
Congratulations, and welcome to the world of storytelling.
In most cases, publishers won’t accept a manuscript directly from an author. They require a literary agent as an intermediary, unless you are writing a children’s or religious book. Ready for the Catch-22? Most literary agents won’t accept someone who isn’t published. It’s sort of like trying to get a job at sixteen, being told you need experience before you can get a job. But don’t fret, there are other avenues. An online publisher called SmashWords has a fantastic collection of videos to help the new author self-publish. (https://www.smashwords.com/about/supp...) also, Amazon offers an avenue to bring your work to the public yourself. I have used both and they’re a great way to get your book out there.
Before you get to that point, you’ll probably need some talents that you may or may not have. A while back I wrote a rundown of some talents I found in the wild that might help: http://www.wordsbycharles.com/2019/04...
I hope this helps. We’re fortunate to live in a time when it doesn’t take the approval of a small group of elite publishers to get your story into the hands and hearts of readers. Take advantage of it.
Good luck
Shel
In most cases, publishers won’t accept a manuscript directly from an author. They require a literary agent as an intermediary, unless you are writing a children’s or religious book. Ready for the Catch-22? Most literary agents won’t accept someone who isn’t published. It’s sort of like trying to get a job at sixteen, being told you need experience before you can get a job. But don’t fret, there are other avenues. An online publisher called SmashWords has a fantastic collection of videos to help the new author self-publish. (https://www.smashwords.com/about/supp...) also, Amazon offers an avenue to bring your work to the public yourself. I have used both and they’re a great way to get your book out there.
Before you get to that point, you’ll probably need some talents that you may or may not have. A while back I wrote a rundown of some talents I found in the wild that might help: http://www.wordsbycharles.com/2019/04...
I hope this helps. We’re fortunate to live in a time when it doesn’t take the approval of a small group of elite publishers to get your story into the hands and hearts of readers. Take advantage of it.
Good luck
Shel
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more