FAQs
How to Get Published
There are many different ways to get published, and it all 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.
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. You want to make sure your manuscript is as free of errors as possible, and the writing is as good as it can be.
For some nonfiction publishers—and especially in genres such as memoir—the process is similar to fiction. However, in some cases it can also be possible to submit a book proposal rather than having the full book written as publishers like to have input into the structure and content of the book. In this case, you will usually need to develop a book proposal, including a chapter-by-chapter outline, a synopsis of the book, a short author bio detailing why you are the best person to write this book. You may also want to include some marketing ideas, including who your target audience is, comparison titles, and information about potential marketing opportunities. You will also need to provide sample chapters.
How do I find a publisher to submit to?
A good idea is to go into a bookstore 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 find the direct people you’d like to submit to, and if you can mention other titles they’ve worked on that are comparable to yours in your cover letter, that will 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 to see some of these.
The Australian Writers Marketplace has a list of publishers and agents for a one-time fee which you may like to purchase. Visit their website for details.
Remember, before signing with any publisher, it’s important to do your research and know your rights.
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, festivals and other writing-related events, and they also participate in professional development programs. Sales representatives are often at book launches. You can also reach out on social media or though online events publishers may be running—publishers will recognise people who engage with them frequently.
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 on 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 your world to lots of great contacts. But it also means that word travels quickly, and if you act unprofessionally or treat someone rudely, it may seriously affect your career.
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.
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.
How do I submit to a publisher?
Find the submission guidelines on the publisher’s website. If they are open to unsolicited submissions, follow their guidelines carefully. Some publishers will have certain times when they are open to unsolicited submissions.
If you cannot find submission guidelines or a publisher is closed for submissions, you may consider writing a very polite direct email to an editor asking if they would be interested in seeing your work, with a very short pitch. It can help to mention that you are a fan of their titles and name some which may be comparison titles for your own.
How do I write 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 should include the ending. It is designed for the publisher to be able to see the structure of your full manuscript without reading the whole thing, so that they can determine whether they would like to read the full manuscript.
This should be easy to read, with paragraph breaks, a simple font, and clear spelling and grammar. It should also be engaging and showcase your voice. It shouldn’t need 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. When writing a synopsis for a manuscript assessment, you are aiming to show the assessor your vision for the novel so they can help give you feedback on how to meet it. When you are writing a synopsis for a publisher, you are aiming to sell your manuscript.
How do I write a query letter?
Think of the query letter as selling your product to an educated buyer. Of course, you need to include the specifications, including the word count, genre and target audience, but you should also look at how your manuscript fits both into the marketplace, and into this particular publisher’s list. It’s a good idea to include some comparison titles, to give the reader a sense of where your book sits (and how it differs). When picking comparison titles, however, be careful to make sure they are relevant, that the readers of their work would likely be interested in yours, and that you’re being realistic.
Personalise your query letter for each person you are sending it to. Take a look at the authors and titles that this publisher or agent has worked with. Is your work the genre that they normally publish? Why is your manuscript perfect for this person? Mention any similar titles, as well as what makes your manuscript different. A publisher or agent will notice if you look thoughtfully at their list, and can show why your work would complement it.
Include some brief information about yourself, including any interesting facts about you, your writing history, and any other relevant experience you have.
The most important thing is to be polite and to come across as someone the publisher would like to work with. It’s an opportunity to showcase your writing skills and your personality.How long should I wait after I’ve submitted?
Take a look at 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 usually 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 love to send through more information if it is of interested.
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.
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 for you with an hourly rate if you do not have an agent, and she provides a discount to ACT Writers Centre members. For the latest information visit her website and make contact.
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 will be marketing and publicity, and it will be pitched by sales staff to bookstores and other sales outlets.