by Carl Hose

Created on: October 26, 2009   Last Updated: October 27, 2009

Writing a novel is just the first step. What comes next is selling that novel to a publisher who will get it out to the reading public. The goal is to be able to make a living doing what you, as a writer, do best. To do that, you need to get your novel published.

Selling a novel to a publisher is hard work. Anyone who says different isn't being honest with you, or he or she doesn't know the facts. There are plenty of writers looking to score with a publisher. Competition is stiff. Only the strong survive. Before you even get started, understand one thing: You will probably be rejected before you're accepted. That's a fact. If you can't handle rejection, find another line of work. If, on the other hand, you feel you can take the rejection, then you have part of what it takes to sell your novel and become a writing success. The other part is the manuscript you're sending out. If it's a good story, well written, then you have the rest of what you need.

Now let's talk about selling it to a publisher. You don't need to have an agent. Join the Writer's Market online database. It's relatively inexpensive and almost essential for writers looking to sell their work. The database lists hundreds of publishers, complete with full contact information, information about what each publisher is looking for, instructions about how to submit, and information regarding how much you will be paid. A subscription here will save you time.

An agent may not be necessary, but having one can be helpful. There are a number of big publishers that won't consider work from a writer without an agent. Agents have contacts. They can open doors in the business. They have the power, in many cases, to keep your manuscript out of the slush pile. The small percentage you pay an agent will be worth the contract they get for you. Remember, agents don't get paid unless they get you a sale. If you're going to consider an agent, consult the Guide to Literary Agents, put out by the same people who bring you the Writer's Market guide.

Contact agents according to the guidelines in the book. You're selling yourself and your work to an agent just like you would to a publisher, so write a query letter that introduces you, gives a synopsis of your book, and wraps up by thanking the editor for considering you and your work. The agent has to believe he or she can make money with you on his or her roster.

Don't give up. That's an important part of the journey.

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