‘My path to publication: The complicated world of having my book published’

I have recently been lucky enough to have my book published. I can’t speak for others, but I can tell you how hard it was in my case.

When I wrote my story, it was published as a limited edition for The People’s Library by ‘A Published Event’, run by the Salamanca Art Centre in Hobart, Tasmania. It was one of many books submitted and lucky enough to be chosen. After the month-long event was over, it was suggested I have my story commercially published. I wrote this novel initially for my own sake and didn’t think it would ever be published. However, I decided I could possibly do some good with my story, so I embarked on a mission to put it out into the world of books.

I’m not sure how it works for writers of romance novels or science fiction or other genres, but I’m sure, with all the books out there, your book could be exceptional and still be lost in the “crowd”. If you can find an agent, it is the best way to go, but agents — dedicated, good ones, willing to take on a new, unknown client — are few and far between. I’m told that in Australia, it is harder than some other countries and looking further afield should definitely be considered. I should point out that you don’t absolutely need an agent, but it can make it easier to achieve your goal.

Then there’s your book itself. You can’t just write down the words. You need to have at least three edits. Not just edited for spelling mistakes or grammar, but for many things. You need to know that your story is easy to follow, the flow is right, you have enough information or can delete too much irrelevant information. The list goes on. Then finally, after months and you think you are done, you read it again and you find more than likely, that you have more changes to make. A professional editor can also assist you here.

Once it’s ready to go, or you think it is, you have to try to “sell” your idea to your agent or to a publisher or both. This is and will be, for most of you, the hardest part of your journey.

I needed a synopsis, a cover letter and a few pages of the book, to send. If you’re planning on going to the publisher directly, you need to follow their submission criteria to the letter. I can tell you, if you don’t, they will not even look at it.

It is tiring and extremely disheartening when you receive rejections, and most new authors will receive them many times before or if someone interested is found. It does not mean your book is no good or not publishable. It could be that the genre your book fits into is saturating the market. For example, romance and historical romance novels are abundant, so you really need to have an outstanding story as a new writer.

My story was based on fact, real events and for many it was confronting. I found that many publishers, for various reasons, were not willing to take a chance with my book. You might have a similar experience.

There are many reasons you may never have your book published, but to one person it could be the reason they decide to take it on. I don’t class myself as an author as such, but I can write.

I’ve written a story that is true and I’ve been fortunate to have a publisher and a team of publicists and designers who believe in me. I have been backed by influential believers and now my book is a reality.

It took more than a year, many rewrites, many rejections and a lot of heartache. You need to be determined and prepared for this.

You need to realise it is big business for some, but most writers will almost never make a living from their trade. Most of all, you need to be honest with yourself and ask yourself what sets your book aside from the thousands of others out there. If you can’t find an answer to that question, perhaps you are in the wrong profession.

Whatever you decide, be prepared for the long hours of work and the long lists of rejection, but if you believe in your story, don’t give up.

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