How to Publish a Novel

Last Updated: August 8, 2022

You've written your novel, but you don't know how to get it in bookstores. Assuming you don't want to self-publish, and assuming you're a first-time author, you're going to need a literary agent. Literary agents are the gatekeepers of the publishing world. Here's a step-by-step outline for snaring the elusive beast.

Steps

1
First, be sure your novel is finished and well-edited. You may wish to have your manuscript professionally edited. You should only pitch agents your absolute best work.
2
Research potential agents. Top resource books include Writers Market and the Jeff Herman Guide to Literary Agents. Plus, almost every literary agency hosts a website. Consult for the most up-to-date information.

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3
Make a list of agents who represent your type of work, be it young adult, romance, science fiction, non-fiction, and so on.
4
Narrow your agent pool by researching titles each agent has represented. Dozens of agents specialize in young adult paranormal fiction; don't pitch them if you've written a young adult book about a kid detective.
5
Craft your query letter. A query letter is an agent's first look at you the writer. It needs to be dynamite. It should 1. Tell what you book is about in three compelling sentences; 2. State why you are querying that specific agent; and 3. Explain why you are the person to write this particular book. One page, max.
6
Follow each agent's query submission guidelines and send your letters. Yes, you can query more than one agent at a time. Just be sure to personalize each query and only solicit one agent per literary house. Note: make sure your first chapter is dynamite. Some agents request a first chapter along with your query letter. This is your chance to impress. You need to make the most of it.
7
If an agent is interested in seeing your work, he/she will request either a partial or full manuscript. Follow submission instructions closely. At this point it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a reading timeline. A reputable agent should respond to a manuscript within 2-3 months.
8
While you wait, keep writing. If you do receive an offer of representation, the agent will want to know what else you are working on. Think of it as a long-term relationship.
9
The offer. If you get it, be prepared with a list of questions. Commission structure? Foreign rights? Editing process? You want to know exactly what you're entering into.
10
Publication. Remember, an agent needs to sell your book to a publishing house. This may take one week. Or one year. Or it may not happen at all. Be patient and professional in this process and let the agent do his/her job.
11
Be persistent. The book The Help was rejected over two dozen times before it was eventually published. Look how that turned out. Literary agents are busy, in-demand folks. But they want to discover the next great novel. Keep after them.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I try to publish a book at the age of 14?

Community Answer

Yes! You can publish a book at any age assuming you can find a publisher.
Question

What is the cost of publishing a book?

Community Answer

The cost depends on how you want to publish the book (paper vs. online), its length and how many copies you want.
Question

What does a literary agent charge?

Community Answer

A literary agent shouldn't charge anything up front. They get about 10-15% of your profits from the book. The fee is negotiable.

Warnings

Beware the agency without a website.

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Beware the agent who charges a "reading fee."

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Beware the agency not listed with the Association of Authors' Representatives.

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Securing an agent does not guarantee a published book.

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Never address a query letter "Dear Agent." Always use Mr. or Miss or Mrs. + last name.

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Copyright your book before sending it off to agents, editors, and publishers. Some agents have been known to steal their client's work!

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Never pitch more than one agent at a literary house.

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Never call a literary agency to pitch your book or to follow-up on a query.

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