by Carl Hose

Created on: October 26, 2009

Let's be realistic, shall we? Writing a book is hard work. Writing a book that is good enough to get published is even harder work. Writing a book, however, is only the first step. Getting your book published is the next step in the process, and it's just as hard, if not harder, than actually writing your book.

Let's answer a big question up front: Do I need a literary agent to sell my book to a publisher? The simple answer is no. You can (and should) subscribe to the

Writer's Market online. This database is run by the same people who put out the yearly Writer's Market book, which features publishers for just about any kind of writing there is. The listings include contact information, they tell you what to submit and how to submit it, and they tell you what you will be paid. Writer's Market is one of the most valuable resources a writer can have. If you subscribe to this resource, you will found hundreds of markets you can submit your work to without an agent.

Now, let's switch the question up: Should I get an agent? The answer is yes. There are a lot of big markets that won't look at your work without an agent. Agents can open doors for you that may otherwise remain closed. You can find potential agents by consulting the Guide to Literary Agents, published by the same people who bring you the Writer's Market. Again, a valuable resource for writers. The agents you'll find listed here are all legitimate. You won't pay them anything except the percentage they get when they sell your book.

Using the above resources, and presenting a good manuscript, you will eventually find success. In theory, anyway. Most writers give up before they reach that point. Part of writing is rejection, and if you can't handle it, you shouldn't be writing. Chances are good you will be rejected many times before you find a publisher. If you run at first sight of rejection, or if you take rejection personal and crumble, you won't make it far. It takes determination and belief in the material you have to offer. The only way to succeed in this business is to keep writing and keep submitting. The only way you can lose is if you stop writing and don't send your manuscript out. A successful writer will continue to write regardless of the number of rejections he or she gets, and that determination is what will finally bring home the publishing contract.

Learn more about this author, Carl Hose.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.