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ProudMommyof2 · Sep 23, 2009, 12:05 PM

I have been writing a novel for quite some years now. It has 3 parts-each about 15 chapters. I did not start to write it with intentions of publishing it but now that I am finishing up the book, the thought has crossed my mind. However, I have no idea where to begin. Do I look up local publishing companies or are there certain publishers that will read it? I am totally lost.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Wondergirl · Sep 23, 2009, 12:15 PM

Congratulations! What fiction genre is it in? (or is it nonfiction?)

Has anyone else read it -- for consistency/content and as a proofreader?

Before you think about getting it published, you first want to polish it up nice and bright!

(I've been facilitator of a writers' group for the past year and have had half a dozen things published during the past 20 years.)

ProudMommyof2 · Sep 23, 2009, 06:18 PM

Thank you. It is fiction. It is a novel about two best friends & the directions their lives take. The first part is their teenage years & the 2nd part is college years & the third part is their adult life. I have a friend who reads it as I write it. Do you think I should get a professional proofreader? If so, how would I find one?

Wondergirl · Sep 23, 2009, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by ProudMommyof2

Thank you. It is fiction. It is a novel about two best friends & the directions their lives take. The first part is their teenage years & the 2nd part is college years & the third part is their adult life. I have a friend who reads it as I write it. Do you think I should get a professional proofreader? If so, how would I find one?

You appear to be a good writer, but still want someone to check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Is there a community college or four-year college nearby that you could hire someone who teaches in the English department -- or even a student who knows English grammar? Maybe that same person could comment on how well the story holds together. Another possible reader could be a librarian or high school teacher.

After you get that done, research and find publishers who publish similar kinds of stories. I wouldn't send my just-written cookbook to Oxford Press or Penguin Books because that's not what they publish. I'd look at fiction publishers' web sites and check them out in Writer's Market (available at the library). I'd read up on how to send a cover letter and synopsis, or does the publisher want the entire manuscript right away?

Please keep asking questions, if you have any.

Eileen G · Sep 24, 2009, 10:46 AM

Agreed. Be prepared to spend a lot of time going back to edit and polish and rewrite. Don't worry, this bit is fun, nothing like the torture of trying to get the words on paper in the first place.

A critical reader is a huge help. Someone who will tell you honestly what bits don't work and need cutting or rewriting, and which bits are great.

Most publishers will read submissions from authors without an agent. Ring up, ask who deals with the sort of book you've written, ideally talk to him or her about it, then send it in, perfectly presented, with a covering letter which mentions the conversation.

ProudMommyof2 · Sep 24, 2009, 02:16 PM

Thank you both! I may need to look into having some one professional or at least more grammatically experienced take a look at it after it is finished. My friend reads it & gives me advice on it but she's not a writer either so what may look good to her may not to someone else. Thanks a lot! You guys are helpful!