There are a number of ways on how to publish a book, with the most common way being through an agent. A literary agent has a number of roles, including the negotiation of contracts and profits. For these services, the agent receives around 15% of the books profit as payment.
The Agent
A writer needs to find an appropriate agent. A good place to start is on one of the number of websites that assist writers to search for agents. If a new writer knows other published writers, then they should also make time to speak with them about agents and publishing.
The Manuscript
A manuscript has to be properly prepared before sending to an agent, this means it has to be in a specific format. It also needs to include a synopsis and cover letter and a stamped addressed envelope for return of the manuscript. Because agents receive many scripts they are unlikely to look at one that is not formatted correctly.
An agent will view a manuscript and consider its potential. If the agent selects the manuscript, they will guide any major editing or rewriting that will need to take place. Once this is complete, the agent will approach publishing houses. Agents know editors and publishing houses and are able to use this knowledge to approach the most suitable publishers.
The Publishers
Once publishers become interested in the manuscript, the agent will then open negotiations with the publishers. Once these negotiations are complete, all parties will sign contracts.
Some writers may choose to approach a publishing house directly. Rather than sending a full manuscript, some sample chapters and a synopsis are often enough material for the publisher to make their decision.
Vanity publishing occasionally occurs, when a publisher will agree to publish a book for a large fee. It is unusual to see many vanity published books in bookshops.
For those authors who are considering self-publishing, they are following the path of many famous self-publishers including Virginia Woolf, Tom Clancy, William Blake and L. Ron Hubbard.
Print on Demand Companies
There are companies that offer print on demand services for authors who wish to self-publish. These companies also offer access to many of the services that a literary agent would provide, including editing, distribution and book promotion.
Ebook
As well as the traditional form of book publishing, many people are now choosing to publish their book online, in the form of an e-book.
Companies such as Amazon offer writers the opportunity to publish e-books through them at the cost of a percentage of profits. Other self-publishing options include Apple and Lulu.com. There are also specialist sites for picture driven books, such as Blurb.com.
Copyright
Whichever way an author chooses to publish their book basic an awareness of copyright is necessary. In the UK, unless copyright is ‘signed over’ (or the author writes for employment), then a writer maintains copyright of their work once it is written down. This copyright remains in place for seventy years after the year of author death.