How to get published.

What kind of writer do you want to be? What kind of career do you want to have? What are your boundaries and how do you want to show up in the world?

These are questions I wasn’t expecting to be asked, when sitting in front of a panel of experts talking about how to get published.  But according to those who know, the answers to these questions are imperative for the journey ahead and will determine the publishing route you go down. The type of literary agents you approach and the publishers you target, if you decide to go down the traditional route. Knowing where you fit, will help guide your decisions if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by all the options and ways to achieve your goals. So do spend some time thinking about these questions as I have, knowing the answers may chop and change until your manuscript is finished and ready to go out into the world.

Next, as promised in my last post Literary Book Festivals are some invaluable insights, tips and strategies on how to get published straight, from the mouth’s of published authors, agents and publishers.

WINNING PRIZES DOESN’T GUARANTEE A PUBLISHING DEAL.

Know that winning a literary prize is a significant achievement, but it doesn't guarantee a publishing deal. There are several reasons why this is true and it’s important for us first-time writers to understand this, when navigating this path.

1. Market Viability. Your manuscript might win prizes but it still might not align with  market trends or audience preferences.  If a book is unlikely to sell well or fit within the publisher's catalog, a deal might not materialise despite the award.

2. Genre and Audience. Literary prizes often focus on a specific genre or style, like experimental fiction or poetry which might be less commercially viable than others, such as thrillers or romance novels.

3. Publishing Strategy. Publishers consider how a book fits within their overall strategy, including their existing author roster and planned releases. Your manuscript just might not be the right fit or they may have recently published something similar.

4. Author's Platform and Track Record. Some publishers look for writers who have a strong presence on social media, previous publications, or public speaking experience. Without that, publishers might see the project as too risky.

5. Subjectivity in Publishing. Publishing is subjective.  Different editors have different tastes and visions, and they might pass on a manuscript simply because it’s not their cup of tea.

6. Publishing Contracts and Prize Requirements. If the prize comes with specific publishing contracts, it might limit your options. If it includes a publishing deal, it might not be with a major publisher or may have terms that you find unfavorable.

So if you do win a literary prize take it as a fantastic boost for your confidence, a celebration of the quality of your writing and story but remember it’s just one step on the journey to getting published.

AGENTS ARE BUSY, THEY NEED TO MAKE QUICK DECISIONS.

When sending a query letter to literary agents, making a strong first impression is crucial because agents receive hundreds of queries each week. Here are key strategies that can help first-time writers increase their chances:

1. Research and Target the Right Agents. Don’t send a generic query letter to every agent. Research agents who represent your genre and style of writing. Mention why you’re querying them specifically— do they represent authors you admire or have expressed interest in themes your manuscript explores.

2. Craft a Compelling Opening Hook. Start with a strong, concise hook that piques the agent’s interest. This could be a brief, intriguing summary of your book, a provocative question, or a compelling statement about your protagonist or theme. The goal is to make the agent want to keep reading.

3. Write a Concise and Focused Synopsis. The synopsis should cover the main plot, central conflict, and resolution in a clear and engaging way. Avoid unnecessary details and keep it to one or two paragraphs.

4. Showcase Your Unique Voice. Your query letter should gives the agent a taste of your writing style.  If your book is humorous, let some of that humour show in the letter. If it’s a thriller, convey a sense of tension.

5. Professionalism and Clarity. Always follow the submission guidelines, nothing more or less. An organised, professional query is much more likely to be taken seriously. Make sure to double-check for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors as this will indicate your manuscript will be similarly polished.

6. Include Relevant Credentials and Comparisons. If you have writing credentials, such as previously published work, writing awards mention them. If not, briefly mention any relevant experience or research that contributes to your manuscript’s authenticity. Mention one or two books that are similar to yours in style, theme, or audience. This helps agents envision where your book fits in the market, but please for the love of god don’t make comparisons like i.e. your work is the next ‘Harry Potter.’

7. End with a Strong Closing. Politely invite the agent to request more material if they’re interested and thank them for their time and consideration. A respectful, positive tone leaves a good impression.

The key is to be clear, concise, and engaging and show why your manuscript is worth the agent’s attention, even in the midst of their busy schedule.

I was going to share more insights and strategies around the type of publishers out there which may determine the agents you target, but realise there’s so much information around this, I don’t want to overheat your brains in one post. So watch out for part II. Until next time, love the journey and enjoy the ride.

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