As you might imagine, I receive a lot of email from would-be authors who are trying to get published. Because I make my email address public, it’s pretty easy to get to me.
However, by the time I hear from people, they are usually frustrated. They can’t get anyone in the book publishing world to respond, and they are convinced that they have a killer-idea. “If only someone would just read my manuscript,” they plead.
The problem is that most publishers will not review unsolicited proposals or manuscripts. I personally receive hundreds every year; our staff receives thousands. We simply don’t have the resources to review these. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.
So as an author, what do you do? Here’s what I recommend:
- Educate yourself. If you want to publish with a general market publisher, read 2010 Writer’s Market [affiliate link] by Robert Brewer. If you want to write for the Christian Market, read Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2010 [affiliate link] by Sally Stuart. Both books include writer’s guidelines and submission procedures for publishing houses. These books will give you a good overview of the literary marketplace.
- Read blogs written by agents. You can get some incredibly helpful advice and straight-talk from people who pitch proposals for a living. I recommend three: Terry Whalin, Chip MacGregor, and Rachelle Gardner. There are other blogs, but I have found these to be the most useful.
- Write a killer book proposal. If you want to write (or have written) a book, I recommend you read one of my eBooks, Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal or Writing a Winning Fiction Book Proposal. These eBooks will tell you exactly what publishers want in a proposal. They are used by numerous literary agents and publishers.
- Have someone review your proposal. If you have a friend who teaches English or is a professional editor, ask them to review your proposal. You might even barter something with them. In addition, the Editorial Services section of Literary Market Place, 2008 [affiliate link], lists over 500 entries, many of which provide some kind of critique service. (This is a very expensive book, so you may want to try and find it in your local library.)
- Find a literary agent to represent you. This is usually the only way to get in the door with a publishing company. Most publishers do not accept unsolicited proposals or manuscripts. Instead, publishers let the literary agents do the filtering. If you want a list of general market agents, you can buy 2008 Guide to Literary Agents [affiliate link]. I have also compiled a list of agents who represent Christian authors. This is the only list of Christian agents I have been able to find.
- Consider submitting your proposal to Christian Manuscript Submissions. This is a site sponsored by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), an industry trade organization. It provides an opportunity to get your work in front of Christian publishers who use the site to discover new authors. I don’t know of a similar service for the general market.
Finally, don’t lose heart. This is probably the most important thing I can say to you. Yes, you will be rejected. I had over 30 publishers reject my first book proposal. However, it went on to be a New York Times bestseller. I know scores of authors with similar stories.
Like many things in life, nothing worthwhile comes easily. But if you have a great idea and are persistent, you will eventually succeed.
Building Champions has been coaching me since 2002. They have taught me to be more proactive and intentional in both my business and personal life. Visit their Web site to learn more and see their special offer for my blog readers.
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i think this is just what i need.
thank you.
My christian book publisher, amazon and several internet bookstores have been selling and re-selling my books down through the years since 2005 but all have failed to pay me. Now the publisher has begun charging me a (DCF) digital catalog fee? If I don’t pay it, they are threatening to delete my books and charge another $250 to reinstate them. What is you advice? Thank you.
I have written a children’s book, and I would like to get it published. From reading this blog and other websites, it looks like getting it published will take at least a hundred times the effort that writing the book did.
It would be great if some publisher would just realize how much demand for the book already exists (it’s a response to an already existing, controversial children’s book, “The Rainbow Fish”), bring in an illustrator, publish the book, and watch it sell a bazillion copies.
You wouldn’t think a children’s book would be controversial, but “The Rainbow Fish” was written by a notorious socialist, and it teaches children that it’s bad for anyone to be better than anyone else. My book, “The Bright Fish,” teaches children that wealth is earned, not distributed, and that we should all strive to improve ourselves instead of trying to tear down people who are better than we are.
I’m not going into this endeavor thinking, “I want to be a writer.” Instead, I have something to say, and I’m not going to try to force myself to write any more until I again have something to say. I’m perfectly fine with being a one hit wonder, if that’s how it turns out. Trouble is, it sounds like publishers are not okay with that. They want to build a writer’s reputation and sell a long series of books. My answer to that is, I’d rather sell one good book than a hundred crappy ones!
This situation reminds me of the guy who created “Monopoly,” the most popular board game ever. Game manufacturers rejected it at first, because the game did not fit their formula of what they thought makes games sell. Publishers and manufacturers often reject the BEST opportunities because they’re looking at the world through their soda straw of prescribed formulas. Remember, George Lucas was rejected by NINETEEN studios before he was allowed to start making the Star Wars series, which last I heard has now grossed well over 6 BILLION dollars!
Jeff Putman
Dayton Ohio
je_freedom@usa.net
I could not agree less with Matthew’s comment about Self-Publishing.
The list of successful self-published authors is legion – and had we not gone that route it is not likely we would be about to self-publish our 9th book in a series that has sold nearly 100,000 copies to date.
There are wise steps to take with self-publishing for sure, but I would never, ever say never, ever self-publish.
Gary Allen VanRiper
http://www.adirondackkids.com
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the great PDF on writing a book proposal!
In the introduction of the PDF, you mention that the proposal is “in addition to captivating cover letter.”
Can you please offer more insight into this?
Thanks again for the outstanding resource!
A new site that you might to exchange links with.
A new site that you might to exchange links with.
Hi Michael,
I too really appreciated your blog, it was super helpful! I actually submitted something to ChristianManuscriptSubmissions.comabout a month ago (after working on my killer book proposal) I was so excited when a publisher (who’s name I can share if you’d like) contacted me today saying that they were intrigued by my idea and wanted to talk with me further. However upon reading their site they start talking about “partnering” or “sharing the risk”. It looks like they print and distribute like 1500 copies of the book, but they make you buy 1000 copies of your own book. I’m a recent college grad, and that stacks up to around $9000. What do you think about this type of publishing?
The Lord has given me multiple “lessons” to teach at Bible studies and at a few prison bible studies.
Recently, He started putting the series of lessons through me into a book form. I was delighted at the outcome believing that what was shared there would help people grow up in Christ, answer many of their questions about why things are happening or not happening in their lives, and give them victories as well as great exhortations and testimonies to what He has done in my life that will help others.
I haven’t the foggiest idea how to go about getting it into the hands of hurting people. Those are the ones that I’d be targeting. Christians, but hurting.
Any other suggestions?
The Lord has given me multiple “lessons” to teach at Bible studies and at a few prison bible studies.
Recently, He started putting the series of lessons through me into a book form. I was delighted at the outcome believing that what was shared there would help people grow up in Christ, answer many of their questions about why things are happening or not happening in their lives, and give them victories as well as great exhortations and testimonies to what He has done in my life that will help others.
I haven’t the foggiest idea how to go about getting it into the hands of hurting people. Those are the ones that I’d be targeting. Christians, but hurting.
Any other suggestions?
Michael, Wow. There is a ton of information here. My head is hurting now. I just wanted to say thank you for all the information you have here. I'm not sure exactly which direction to take. Sure would be nice if, since God gives you the inspiration, He had His own publishing company that would just do it for you!
Nah, that would be way to easy? The struggle is part of the growing process.
Haha. I will Amen that!
Nah, that would be way to easy? The struggle is part of the growing process.
Wow! I guess I am clueless. After being encouraged by friends to sit down and write a book on witnessing, I finally started one. Reading this blog is a bit troubling. I had no idea it would be so difficult to get it published. Actually, I thought I would probably have to self-publish.
Like some of the others who have left comments, I too have felt that God was calling me to write. I felt God asking me to write my testimony and how my past choices have led me to where I am today. I have done so. It's not long, a mere 30 pages at best. How would you recommend I make my message known?
Thank you so much Michael for this blog…it is the best info I have found thus far in my research on getting my picture books published
This site is very cool throughout the Internet by a hot girl Clik
This site is very cool throughout the Internet by a hot girl Clik
I find this very interesting. I have started writing a small book based on a scripture that turned my life around as a failing christian. I turned my back on God, even questioned if I was saved. By devine intervention I was able to get my relationship with God back to the way it should be.
I have really felt a conviction to follow through with this book.
After spending 30 minutes of my life reading this blog Im really thinking hard about what I'm trying to do. I am told almost daily that I am a creative writer. I am not so sure I am creative enough now.
I know anything worth while takes hard work, but I'm not sure if I am ready for rejection. I'm sure this probably sounds crazy. I am working hard to finish up my book.
I think it's about time to look up an old school teacher. She use to proof read novels for a publishing company. I think this may be a good place to start.
Thank you Sir for your advice! I am only in the stage of contemplation of an attempt at writing a book. I have an idea, but I am at a loss with regard to how to begin this whole book writing process! Ah, I see I have much to learn. Thanks again!
~Karen
Dear Michael
Thank you for your articles and advice which have brought me much encouragement and wisdom.
7 years ago, my husband was told I would likely die from the injuries sustained in a horrific car crash. He prayed, and in a series of miraculous events God spared my life. During my recovery I experienced angelic visitations and visions. God spoke to me in ways I had never experienced before, and deposited the idea for a story which would bring the present reality of his supernatural power to the fore.
In October 08 God sent 2 independent prophets, 1 from South Africa and another from USA (Craig Kinsley) to my home town to tell me that it was time to write the book.
I completed 'The Seer' last month, created a website for it, duly bought and scoured every line of the Writers and Artists yearbook, and went to the London Book Fair last week to obtain blisters and advice on where to from here. Having spoken to the gentlemen at ECPA I have started investigating Christian agents and publishers Stateside as it seems that you guys have more of a vision for this genre.
If you have any words of wisdom, or specific contacts for me as a UK / international author, they would be much appreciated.
Michael:
Thank you for the informative article. I am working on a proposal for a non-fiction book and can't decide whether to write for a Christian audience or a secular one. It will basically be the same book, but without Biblical references if I go secular. How do you make this decision?
Thank you,
Fran Carona
Thanks for the solid advice. I just saved your "how to write a proposal"…I'm gettin' to work!
Hello, I'am a stay at home Mom . I have 4 young boys.__I have been writing books for them for years. My family and friends tell me to get them published ASAP. I'm so clueless with the process. __I Know i can create myown Platform & Constituency.__I have some awsome Marketing stategies. But to bring my vision alive I need some advice and encouragement. Please give me a direction.__ Godsgirl__
If it is nearly impossible to get an agent, or to be published, then it only makes sense to give self-publishing a try. Why not make your dream a reality–even if you only sell to people you know? It beats dying as a frustrated writer that never got published! Buy books on self-publishing. Print 100 copies instead of 1000. Develop a website to sell your book, find a niche, and learn how to drive traffic to your website. Any profits will be yours! We can all find someone to edit our manuscripts–it isn't rocket science. Get an amazing printer, a paper cutter, a book binder, a book number, a barcode, and do it all yourself! Stay away from businesses that "help" you self-publish–no one can afford the price they will want to sell your book for–and they pocket your $2,000 fee–that you could have spent on the items I just mentioned. Unpublished authors could ban together and BECOME publishers. Getting published shouldn't be like a membership to a private club! One of the God Club.
I really appreciate this advice and the insights that follow in the comments. Thank you.
Getting published today can be discouraging. For my first book published I had sent proposals to over twenty publishers before I got published. Now I am ready with two more manuscripts and it seems like I have to go through the process again, unless I want to build a platform and self-publish. It seems that the writing is the easy part of the whole process.
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your advice. I have used your "Writing a Winning Book Proposal" and received two contracts, "O" God (WND Books, October 6, 2009) and Why Trust Jesus? (Moody Publishers, March 1, 2010). I will have to start reading your blog more. It looks like some very helpful information. Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Dave Sterrett
http://www.davesterrett.com
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your e-mail of earlier today. Actually, I had read this entry and comments earlier, but as I've been unable to hire an agent figured it couldn't hurt to send you a query directly. (See? You didn't hurt me. :)
A few months ago, after completing my manuscript and proposal, one of the first things I did was submit it to Christian Manscript Submissions.com. However, the only company to contact me was a self-publishing firm that wanted me to buy 1000 books. More recently, I've read on a Christian Writers' Guild and other blogs that publishers have admitted – at writers' conferences – that they never pull proposals from that site. Some responded with blank stares when asked. I'm wondering if I didn't just waste the $98 – an agent who represents a few Zondervan authors even told me he doesn't believe it's very useful. Of course, I don't know any of this for a fact, but have heard from a few sources.
(contnuation)
What is frustrating is finding that publishers won't even look at a proposal unless it comes through an agent, but agents won't work with authors who haven't previously published books. (Kind of like applying for a first credit card and being turned down because you have no established credit history!). It's a viscious circle.
One (very nice) agent gave me two helpful pieces of information: 1) My proposal and chapter summary were very thorough and extremely well-written (I used your online proposal guide, so you get credit for that); and 2) while my project is very niched (which he considered a good thing), it would be a hard sell because I don't have "name recognition". Therefore, I should work on expanding a ministry in order to build a platform – which makes sense from a publisher's business perspective, but it is much harder to "build a platform" if you're a writer and your book hasn't been published.
(last part of comment)
I had no delusions about breaking into the publishing world being easy, but I didn't expect it to be THIS hard. It has long been my conviction that if a piece of writing is good quality, serves a legitimate need, and is doctrinally sound, the publishing playing field would be level. Evidently, it's not that straight-forward. Certainly, I am not yet ready to give up and don't mean to sound cynical, but after so much work researching, studying, and pouring myself into the actual writing I am a bit dismayed (especially when I see the volume of aberrational literature currently being sold in Christian bookstores). Fortunately, there are more Christian self-publishers that offer POD if I ever get to the point of giving up.
Thanks for posting the list of literary agents – this is very helpful, and not something I could find in The Writer's Market Guide. The information on this blog is quite useful, and I appreciate your devoting your time to help us struggling authors out!
~Marie
Hi Michael,
I'm 11 years old and I just found your blog. I'm looking to write a book. I have a few ideas for my story, but other than that I have done nothing. Do you know any books that will help me get started? Do you have any advise for me?
Thanks for your time!
Devin
Michael, I have written my first childrens book for prek-4th grade, 24 pgs in length. I have not had anyone illustrate the book yet. Should I write a book proposal and find an agent before looking for an illustrator. What would you advise. Thanks!
Michael,
Since Thomas Nelson publishes Dave Ramsey's materials I was turned on to your site. I have a couple children's style projects that can I say do not exist.
After scouring Amazon's site for hours and have checked out the big box retailers Barnes and noble,borders.
I am not one to re-invent the wheel. Actually After listening to Dave Ramsey for so long he gave me the partial inspiration for one of the books.
However I know he has his own kids materials. This is a complete departure. After listening to "Inventing like Edison" by Michael J. Gelb
Edison and Ford both marketed their products as "Simple and to the Masses. That Got me thinking.
Anyhow Just saw your site and thought I would drop you a line.
Chuck Gerchow
Amen! Thank you for this encouraging blog. Rejections are a part of the life of a writer. I've learned to find the gems of encouragement in each one. I'm enjoying the journey, the little bright spots where a small press accepts my short story, and I am enjoy this new journey of actually writing a book series. I'm building my platform with twitter and my blog and enjoying how much my stories seem to encourage people. Keep up the good work! I've never met a CEO whose blog seems more other-centered.
Michael, both in concept and in execution your page here is excellent. I've developed my fiction writing and editing skills about as far as I think I can do without professional help – and I certainly won't get into legitimte print without the kind of advice you and other respondents give here. I've made submissions to publishers before and happily, they seem to agree I'm one of those needles in a haystack as a writer – it's just taken this long to figure out how to create a plot that hangs together fully, which was the basic reason for rejection! And it seems very probable that only a Christian publisher with a taste for eclectic blends of allegory, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and psychology will want my work without extensive reworking of the very core that makes it worth writing in the first place.
Hi Michael,
I’m from Australia and have recently completed co-producing a DVD teaching series on issues of justice and mercy.
We self-published it and are now trying to get it distributed. A Christian bookstore chain in Australia has taken it up, but I’m finding it more difficult to get into the US & UK markets.
I’m approaching distributors (would you suggest approaching several simultaneously?), and I’m also wondering whether we should seek an agent. Would the literary agents you list also do DVDs? Any advice you have would be appreciated.
Hello my name is Tracy Conrad, I just wanted to say thank you for all of your wondeful articles. I actually stumbled upon them by accident. I love to write as a new found hobby since divorce. I began writing blogs on myspace as a way to vent through some of the darkest hours of my life after a divorce and the snowball effect of hardships that followed. At some point someone asked me, "why are you not writing blogs anymore?" I laughed at them because I thought no one read them. I never read other myspacer's blogs. In eight months I had over 2000 views of my blogs which astonished me and still makes me laugh. They were simply rantings from the heart. Thanks to the encouragement of those people I have come to realize how much I do enjoy writing. I have put a bit on facebook too but I do it because I love it. I hope to one day be able to share thoughts in writing of how God has brought me through having it all, to losing it all, at a young age of 26 with other young women. Until then I will enjoy learning from you and others who have inspired or helped me to follow this path in my life. Thank You very much!
i am only thirteen and i am trying to figure out what to do with my story. but will any publishers really take me seriously?
I have a contract and my first book will be published in about 4 or 5 months, a book on American history. I know I can do book signings and talks, but what else is out there? How do I take advantage of the situation to advance my career?
Hi there Michael,
I bought your on-line 'Writing a winning book proposal'. I'm writing a Christian children's book (ages 4 – 7).
What should I submit instead of chapter-by-chapter synopsis and two sample chapters? The manuscript is only about one and a half pages of single-line text.
Kind regards,
Kirsten Rossiter
With a children’s book, you should submit the entire manuscript. Thanks.
My recent post Top Ten Posts of November 2009
With a children’s book, you should submit the entire manuscript. Thanks.
My recent post Top Ten Posts of November 2009
I have had a Christian book Published called (Dawn of Revelation) . I don’t have any way of knowing how my book is doing. Because of this I would like to republish my book myself. I don’t have any agreement written with my publisher. Since publishing my book I have much Biblical information of future events which are to take place shortly. I have been a Bible scholar for over 40 years. What I have found are Bible secrets that have been overlooked by many.
With out taking much more of your time, what suggestion would you be able to give me. A Christian in Christ. Thank you much for your time in reading this. Robert Pollick.
And don't forget The Association of Christian Writers – a non-profit-making organisation with a magazine and a website, full of helpful tips for Christian writers (and mjeetings where you get the opportunity for a one-to-ne meeting with Christian publishers and editors!
My recent post Hallmark goes mad
And don't forget The Association of Christian Writers – a non-profit-making organisation with a magazine and a website, full of helpful tips for Christian writers (and mjeetings where you get the opportunity for a one-to-ne meeting with Christian publishers and editors!
My recent post Hallmark goes mad
Thank you MH. I have been working on a project for quite some time now and hope to see it someday in print. I've been in children's ministry for 25 years and know to keep doing what works. I appreciate all I've read and especially the don't give up part. Merry Christmas, Love Jillybean
Thanks for the suggestions. I find this pretty helpful. I am working on a book right now, where I have a few more chapters to edit. It's a short read, but I think the resources you mention here will be helpful. What do you think about offering it as a free PDF download for the first few days on my website?
My advice to first time writers? Listen to what Michael Hyatt says. :-)
My recent post Five Posts You Haven’t Seen–But Should
I've never written a book or proposal in my life. I do freelance write for local fashion magazines, definitely just starting out. But would love to write a book for tweens and have a few ideas. Does anyone recommend taking classes and seminars? I've taken a couple with MediaBistro that gave good advice. Any other good seminars out there for beginners? I do like MediaBisrto a lot!
@ Michael:
Thank you for this helpful post. At the moment I have two projects sitting on the back burner while I'm slowly cooking through my Master of Divinity at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with full-time family and work. When I'm wrapped up with my degree, what you provided here will be of tremendous help.
Cheers, Jesse
My recent post #*@!: Profanity and the Bible
Thank you for the helpful information, I have been procrastinating regarding several books I have this compulsion to write. This has help me greatly. God bless you!
I have self published a children's book – based on a true event in our family. "The True Drummer Boy" is so well received, friends and readers tell me it should be published by a real published so that it can be shared more widely. Any advice?
Before I did this I did send many queries and found absolutely no respnse. I decided you must have to "have an in" or be "somebody" in order to be looked at or listened to.
Thanks.
This was amazingly helpful. I just checked out the blogs and found a wealth of great advice. Thanks!