"Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published" article by Jane Friedman

[Quantum]

This long-standing article on Jane's blog was just updated on June 12, 2017!

This article throws in everything, including the kitchen sink, and as such is the most comprehensive one that I've found so far. Here's an example of the great content you'll find in it:

Some books are “big” books suitable for New York traditional publishers (e.g., Penguin Random House, HarperCollins), while others are “quiet” books, suitable for mid-size and small presses. The most important thing to remember is that not every book is cut out to be published by a New York house, or represented by an agent, but most writers have a difficult time being honest with themselves about their work’s potential.

Here are some rules of thumb about what types of books are suitable for a large, traditional publisher:

* Genre or commercial fiction: romance, erotica, mystery, crime, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, young adult
* Nonfiction books that would get shelved in your average Barnes & Noble or indie bookstore—which requires a strong hook or concept and author platform. Usually a New York publisher won’t sign a nonfiction book unless they anticipate selling 10,000–20,000 copies.

Works that can be difficult to sell:

* Books that exceed 120,000 words, depending on genre
* Poetry, short story, or essay collections–unless you’re a known writer, or have a platform
* Nonfiction books by authors without expertise, authority, or visibility to the target audience
* Memoirs with common story lines—such as the death of a loved one, mental illness, caring for aging parents—but no unique angle into the story (you haven’t sufficiently distinguished your experience—no hook)
* Literary and experimental fiction

Note: This post focuses on getting a traditional book deal, but there's a link to self-publishing and advice on which one you should go with.

Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published
https://janefriedman.com/start-here-h...

Thoughts?

[Nik]

Yeah, Jane seems to know a few things about getting published.
Wonder who would categorize his/her book as 'big' or 'quiet'?