“The very reason I write is so that I might not sleepwalk through my entire life.” Zadie Smith
A Publishing Tool
If you want to traditionally publish your book (i.e. have a major publishing house print and distribute physical copies to bookstores and electronic copies online), then you need to first get an agent who will submit your book to publishers. Major publishers do not take unsolicited submissions from writers. This path to publishing can be difficult. Here's a recent tweet from agent Anne Tibbets: Anne's 2020 Query Stats for the Morbidly Curious: 2,193 queries received, open for 6 months of the year 81 manuscripts requested 5 new clients signed. This year, Weekly Words, will have more articles on publishing, and I will have a course on the mechanics of querying available next month. Some 300,000 books are traditionally published each year, and more than that are published through other means. Publishing is possible. Learn the facts and increase your chance of success.
Revising Tip
When you have someone read your novel, ask them what they thought worked, and especially what didn't. Other people's insight as to what can be improved is important, their remedies less so. Whether you use a friend or a professional, getting outside eyes on your story can give you the fresh perspective you need to make it better.
There's a Story Here: Tancos, Portugal 1994
What story would you write about this photo?
Next Step Book Coach - If you're ready to start your novel, are stuck in the middle, or have finished and need to know what to do next - we can help.