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-   -   Publishing books (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=567118)

  • Apr 1, 2011, 08:17 AM
    catcrazy567
    Publishing books
    I am 14 and I wrote a book. Its very short but I am very proud of it. Does anyone know a website where I can upload my book and get feedback. I don't want my book to get copyed by someone else. Please help. I really want to know what people think of my book.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 09:24 AM
    tickle

    If your book is not protected by copyright rules, and you download to website so people can read it, then you can't stop them from copying your book. Therefore, you have lost it.
    What you can do is send copies into publishing houses, they will add yours tl a long list of books to read to see if they are good enough to publish, and see what happens.

    Tick
  • Apr 1, 2011, 10:56 AM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on tickle's post
    Does it cost and if so how much thanks
  • Apr 1, 2011, 11:02 AM
    tickle

    Please don't use the comments feature, use the reply feature. Don't know how much it costs, but you and your book are added to a long list and you may not hear for months if they think your book has merit.

    Tick
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:37 PM
    catcrazy567
    Is this how you reply
    Sorry I am new to this site
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:49 PM
    Wondergirl

    I'm a freelance editor and would be glad to look at your book. I will offer (free) advice as to any corrections it needs, and will help you find an agent or publisher, if that's the way you want to go.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:50 PM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Wondergirl's post
    What do I do
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:52 PM
    Wondergirl

    First, let me get permission to communicate with you off-site. Usually we don't allow that. Hang on.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:53 PM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Wondergirl's post
    No thank you I am feeling uncomfortable do not try to contact me outside of this site
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:55 PM
    Wondergirl

    Not a problem. Can you tell us anything about the book, like fiction or non-fiction? If non-fiction, what general area of interest? If fiction, what genre, like mystery or scifi or thriller?
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:56 PM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Wondergirl's post
    I just want to find a site that is free and where I can upload my first chapter of my book on to the ite and see what people think
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:57 PM
    Wondergirl

    Btw, never, never post your book on a public site or blog. Many publishers consider that "being published" and will not even look at it.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:57 PM
    ScottGem

    Yes, feel free to attach a copy of your book to a post here for review. If you wish you can remove the attachment later on.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:58 PM
    Wondergirl

    You can post a chapter here and get feedback. Others have done that with a chapter or two.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:58 PM
    Alty

    There are many options to having your book published. You can do what Tickle suggested and send your manuscript to a publishing house, or you can self publish.

    Self publishing will cost you money. There are companies that will print your book, and even market it, for a fee. They'll publish anything. It's the quicker way to get your book on store shelves, but it doesn't mean your book will do well. Self publishing companies don't even read your book, and they don't care if it's worthy of publication or not. It is the sure way to get your book published though.

    Most publishing companies won't look at a manuscript unless you have an agent. They do receive and will sometimes look at unsolicited manuscripts, but it can take many years before they get to yours unless you have an agent. You could wait years only to have them read your book, consider it unworthy of publication, and end up in the trash bin.

    If you can afford it then self publishing is the best bet for your first book. If it's good and it sells, then it will be a lot easier to get published by a real publishing house for your next book.

    Good luck. :)
  • Apr 1, 2011, 02:59 PM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Wondergirl's post
    Actual how would you contact me outside the website just wondering
  • Apr 1, 2011, 03:01 PM
    Fr_Chuck

    Since it is your profession and you are a senior member, my opinion is it is OK to contact.
    Again, I am not the final say or word, but will give my opinion
  • Apr 1, 2011, 03:01 PM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Wondergirl's post
    Okay does this site offer like an email
  • Apr 1, 2011, 03:02 PM
    Wondergirl

    actual how would you contact me outside the website just wondering

    I'd PM you and give you my email address.
  • Apr 1, 2011, 03:06 PM
    Alty

    Catcrazy, since WG has been given the go ahead to contact you off site, I would like to tell you that you shouldn't be concerned.

    I understand why you are. I too have written a book, and I also was very concerned, as you should be, about posting any part of it in public.

    I have sent my book to WG. She not only read it and gave me her critique, but she also corrected my numerous grammatical errors. She's a wonderful lady, and I can tell you that you can trust her, you have nothing to fear about sending a copy of your book to her. Whenever I write something and I want some advice, or someone to edit, WG is the lady I go to.

    There is one thing you can do to protect yourself. It's a poor mans copyright. Send a copy of the book to yourself. Yup, that's right. Print it out, put it in an envelope, and then send it to yourself. Don't open the envelope.

    If someone steals your book and there's a question of who wrote it, you then have a date stamped sealed envelope with your book inside, which will predate anything a thief could produce. :)
  • Apr 2, 2011, 07:44 AM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Altenweg's post
    Thank you
  • Apr 2, 2011, 07:46 AM
    catcrazy567
    Comment on Wondergirl's post
    What is a PM and I am fine with giving you my email then I could email you a copy of the first chapter but please remember that it is a very rough work in process

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