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Q:
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How Do I Get My Work Published?
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A:
Publishers
You need to be selective about who you send your work to – approach publishers with a track record of publishing work similar to your own – and follow the publishers’ submissions procedures.
If you are having no success, it may be useful to get professional assessment of your manuscript.
See The Writer’s Handbook (Macmillan) and The Writers’ & Artists Yearbook.
Or click on to www.poetrylibrary.org.uk
These provide comprehensive information and advice on how to go about getting published, including lists of publishers, agents and magazines.
Small Independent Presses
As well as approaching the large publishing houses, you could try some of the smaller independent presses.
Self-Publishing
Many poets are now designing their own books and then paying a printer to typeset and run off copies. Costs charged by printers will vary and it is worth shopping around. Of course you will be responsible for distributing, selling and promoting your book and it is worth having a strategy for this.
There are various guides to self publishing, see the Book Trust Website: www.booktrust.org.uk or www.author.co.uk
Magazines
For poets in particular, a good way to get your work in print is to submit to poetry magazines that may be looking for new writing. A comprehensive list of poetry magazines is provided by The Poetry Library at the South Bank Centre: www.poetrylibrary.org.uk.
You are strongly advised to read a copy of the magazine/s to which you are considering submitting your work.
Vanity Publishing
If any publisher offers to publish your work for a fee, be aware that they will probably not include any provision for the marketing or distribution of your book. If this is the case it may be more economical to consider self-publishing. For free advice on reputable and disreputable vanity publishers see Jonathon Clifford’s website at www.vanitypublishing.info
Agents
Finding an agent to submit your work can be a more effective way of approaching publishing houses but may prove as difficult as getting published in the first place. Agents have personal contacts with a range of editors in a variety of houses. They may know how best to target the submission of your work.
Check through either The Writer’s Handbook (Macmillan) and The Writers’ & Artists Yearbook to identify the agents who represent the kind of work you do. Often agents will have specified in the handbook entry what they would like you to submit. If in doubt, start by writing a brief letter, introducing yourself and giving a brief description of what you have written. Ask the agent if he/she would like to see a sample of your work. Don’t send a full manuscript until an agent asks you to do so.
SEE ALSO:
Bloodaxe Books
Writers Services
How to get published in UK
Making poetry submissions by Chris Hamilton-Emery
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