Rough draft or final copy to the Publishers

Japikid · Post by **Japikid** » 25 Jan 2011, 23:34

Hello everyone,
I would like to know if anyone could help me. I am located in Japan and would like to get a book published in Canada or States. It is a childrens how to book. Do I have to do all the pictures and put it together so it is what would go on the shelves? Would I pick the colors? Do I need to make the cover(pictures, colors and wording(slogan))? I am just starting out here and any kind of help would be great.
Much appreciated,
Ken

BookWorm617 · Post by **BookWorm617** » 31 Jan 2011, 17:15

From what I learned unless you are already an accomplished author you should always send the completed version of your novel. You also need to include a query letter and it must be sent to the publisher in a particular format. Also send to editor in a manuscript box - you can get one at staples!

Just be aware that from what I also learned is that if the manuscript is not sent in proper format or not sent properly they will trash it and not even read it.

Good Luck

Japikid · Post by **Japikid** » 31 Jan 2011, 21:01

Hi,
Thanks. Is there a link or someway to find out the format on what they want? This is my first project.
Thank you,

Dodge · Post by **Dodge** » 01 Feb 2011, 00:09

Japikid wrote:Hi,
Thanks. Is there a link or someway to find out the format on what they want? This is my first project.
Thank you,

1.) Find out what publishing house you want to publish it and follow their submission guidelines to the letter.

2.) Find a literary agent that handles that kind of material and once again, follow the submission guidelines to the letter.

3.) Self-publish your own book and do all the work (marketing) yourself. Try Lightning Source for print. Try Smashwords or Amazon for an eBook. There are tons of opportunities to self-publish out there. Just dig around.

Natali123 · Post by **Natali123** » 01 Feb 2011, 07:11

The best according to me to start a story is the plot. Don't divert from the plot of the story and in the introduction never show what you are upto. A good writer always reveal his thoughts secretly and intelligently.

BookWorm617 · Post by **BookWorm617** » 01 Feb 2011, 18:45

Self-publishing is an option however just be aware that a self-published book isn't really considered "published". You will have trouble with book-chains such as Barnes & Noble carrying your book as well as libraries. That's what I was taught anyway.

My friends aunt self-published a children's book and it didn't go so well. She had to put ALOT of money into it getting them printed and trying to market it. Anyway the book flopped and she lost her life savings and now she is stuck with a building on her property full of books that noone will buy.

Also if you are going to send your book to an editor make sure you get that person's name and send your package directly to them. If you just send it to editor they will not take you seriously.

andr70 · Post by **andr70** » 02 Feb 2011, 10:29

I'm agree with you that self-publishing is really risky way to be published, popular and rich at least. But our life would be boring without risk, so It's up to you! Good luck!