Weekly Words - a quote, a tool, and a tip for writers

"Our truest response to the irrationality of the world is to paint or sing or write, for only in such response do we find truth." Madeleine L'Engle

What are my publishing choices?

There are three main ways to publish a novel, although the area between them seems to get grayer each day.

• Traditional publishing is where the publisher pays production and distribution expenses and can provide marketing support. The Big 5 traditional publishers are Penguin/Random House, Hachette Book Group, Harper Collins, Simon and Shuster, and MacMillan. Agents are almost always required. Small presses are numerous, and agents may be required.

• Self-publishing is where the author is responsible for production, distribution, and marketing expenses.

• Hybrid publishing varies from company to company, but typically the publisher charges the author for production, distribution, and possibly marketing.

Whether a writer seeks an agent and a traditional publishing deal or wants to self-publish, a manuscript must be high quality to find success. Querying a manuscript that isn’t ready won’t get you an agent, much less a book deal, and publishing a book that’s not ready results in negative reviews and few readers.

Format Your Novel the Right Way

Photo Inspiration - Barcelona, Spain, 2000

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.