HOW TO GET PUBLISHED
Literary agent & writing coach Sarah Bullen gives you the low-down.
Everyone has a book in them – or so they say.
But what does it take to turn that killer idea into a publishable manuscript? Writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen gives us some tips on how to write a book that actually has a shot at a publishing deal. DO
you have a steamy romance brewing in your imagination? Or maybe you’d like to pen a professional book to expand your brand and your reach? If you are an aspiring author, the good news is that you are living in the right era. Publishing a book is accessible, and a very legitimate way of getting your story out into the world. And it’s not as hard or as daunting as it was back when I sent off my first (regrettably very bad) novel.
Back in 2002, book publishing was a totally different terrain. No publishers accepted emailed submissions. It had to be hard copy and posted with an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope). The first three chapters had to have 1.5 spacing with a 12-point font. I headed to the Illovo Post Office with 10 thick envelopes, dug deep in my student wallet and sent them off to the top UK publishers via registered post. Then I waited. I got just one (posted) reply after six months, and it was not good news.
‘Thank you for submitting your book. We will not be accepting it on our list. Good luck with your writing.’ They used my SASE to return my work.
Like so many writers, I just gave up. It was partly embarrassment, but I’d also shelved that dream and moved on to something else during the long wait.
Fast-forward 17 years and writers are dealing with a totally different scenario. Publishers take submissions via online platforms such as submittable.com or via email, they are approachable and they don’t really care what font size or spacing you use. They are just looking for some good, strong stories.
Your job as a writer is to send them the best version of your book.