Getting Published
There are many ways to get published, and it depends on which pathways are right for you. There is no right or wrong way, and each manuscript is going to have a different pathway.
Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing?
The first step is understanding what the difference is between being published by a traditional publisher and being self-published. Check out our resource sheets on traditional publishing and self-publishing. If you’re looking to be traditionally published, this fact sheet is the right one for you.
Do I need an agent in Australia?
While an agent can be helpful for many reasons, it is possible to get published without one in Australia. If you are going to seek an agent, it is best to do this before approaching any publishers. Check out our fact sheet on literary agents.
When am I ready to submit for publication?
The process for being published can vary between fiction and nonfiction.
For fiction, you should have a fully formed manuscript before submitting for publication, and it should be as polished as possible. While some publishers may only ask for the first few chapters when submitting, you will want to be able to send them the full manuscript as soon as possible if they request it. Make sure your manuscript is well written and as free of errors as possible. Check out our fact sheet on getting writing feedback.
For some nonfiction publishers—and especially in genres such as memoir—the process is similar. However, in some cases you may instead need to submit a book proposal, as publishers may wish to have input into the structure and content of the book. In this case, your book proposal will include a chapter-by-chapter outline, a synopsis of the book and a short author bio detailing why you are the best person to write this book. You may also want to include your target audience, comparative titles, and information about potential marketing opportunities. You will also need to provide sample chapters.
How do I find a publisher to submit to?
Visit bookstores and look for similar titles written by Australian (or overseas) authors. Find their publishers and read their acknowledgements to find the names of their editors and agents. This can be a great way to build a list of those you’d like to submit to. Highlighting comparable titles they’ve worked on in your cover letter may give you an advantage.
In Australia, there are six major publishers:
· Penguin Random House
· Simon & Schuster
· Pan Macmillan
· Hachette
· HarperCollins
· Allen & Unwin (Australian only)
There are also many small and medium presses which contribute to our vibrant literary scene. You can take a look at the members of the Small Press Network (https://smallpressnetwork.com.au/members/) to see some of these.
Before signing with any publisher, it’s important to do your research and know your rights—check out our fact sheet on publishing scams and vanity presses.
Do I need to network with publishers to get published?
Most publishers in Australia accept unsolicited submissions, but networking can be a good way to get your foot in the door. Many publishers will attend writing conferences (some of which incorporate pitching opportunities), festivals and other writing-related events, and they also participate in professional development programs such as ACT Writers’ ACCESS ALL AREAS program. Sales representatives are often at book launches. You can also reach out on social media or through online events that publishers may be running.
If you do meet a publisher or connect with one, remember to be polite and kind, and to respect their time. (It’s not a great idea to interrupt them while they are eating or in the bathroom!) Asking questions or seeking advice can be a good way to open up a relationship, and be prepared to give a thirty second pitch about your manuscript.
Remember that the writing industry, especially in Australia, is very small. This is great for many reasons—it means that the industry is accessible, and that making one good contact can open doors to more great contacts. But it also means that word travels quickly, and if you act unprofessionally or treat someone rudely, it can have a broadly detrimental impact.
Writing a synopsis
A synopsis is a 1-2 page description of the major events in your novel, or the major points in your nonfiction manuscript. It is designed to show the publisher the structure of your full manuscript at-a-glance, so that they can determine whether they would like to read the full manuscript. It should include the ending.
A synopsis should be easy to read, using paragraph breaks, a simple font, and with clear spelling and grammar. It should also be engaging and showcase your voice. It shouldn’t require to be personalised too much from publisher to publisher.
Note that if you have prepared a synopsis for a manuscript assessment, this one has a different purpose to a ‘sales pitch’ for a publisher. It should include your vision for the novel so the assessor can give you feedback on how to realise this.
How long should I wait after I’ve submitted?
Refer to the publisher’s website, as they will usually have an indication of the amount of time you can expect to wait. Wait times can be long as publishers often read manuscripts in their free time, and it is not usually part of their day job. Once it has passed the time they have indicated, or about 3 months if they have not specified a time, reach out politely to the publisher to confirm that you’re still interested and would be happy to send through more information if it is of interest.
What if my writing is rejected?
There are lots of reasons good writing is rejected, and it’s not always because of the quality of the writing. Some publishers and agents provide a little information about their decision not to accept your work, but many do not have time to do this. If you do receive feedback, this can be a wonderfully productive thing. Overall, a rejection can be a good prompt to reflect on your work, your pitch, and the place you want your book to find a home, in terms of publisher, audience and market. A full or partial manuscript assessment service can provide insights and guidance not just on your story, but some context relevant to its commercial prospects in the industry.
What if I get an offer?
A good publisher should talk to you about what their offer is, what their goals and plans are for the book, how they envision it selling, and what their marketing plan is. You should feel comfortable asking lots of questions.
At this stage, but before you have committed to anything, you can reach out to agents to see if they are interested in taking you on, or if they’d like to negotiate your contract for you. Alex Adsett provides a service where she will negotiate your contract (https://alexadsett.com.au/consultancy-2/) for you at an hourly rate if you do not have an agent, and she offers a discount to current ACT Writers members.
What next?
Once you have signed a contract and you have been accepted for publication, your publisher will guide you through the process. Generally, a release date will be established, there will be an editing process, marketing materials such as a cover and blurb will be designed, there may be marketing and publicity, and it will be pitched by sales staff to bookstores and other sales outlets. Smaller publishers may not have the resources to provide much marketing support, and in some cases authors will have some work to do themselves pitching to retailers and seeking promotional opportunities.