I need published authors to answer this please.?

Question

I am wanting to become an author. I am almost finished with my book, and so far it is about 280 something pages long.

1.) How many drafts did you go through before you finished your book?

2.) Is it hard to find a publisher?

3.) How long did it take you before your book was published?

4.)Did you have to travel a lot during the process your book was being published?

Please answer these questions because when I get ready for my book to get published I want to know what to expect what is ahead.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

1) How many drafts?  

    I actually didn't finish my book prior to submission and it was a work in progress for nearly three years before I submitted.  I had a regular 9 to 5 job, two kids, single mom and a bit of a social life.  I didn't study the market or really understand the business of publishing prior to submission.  My editor was kind enough to give me a crash course.  I readily re-wrote, edited, updated, and corrected continuity issues, grammar, tone and theme during the actual writing process.  Adding and eliminating characters and entire scenes and chapters.  I think my particular style of writing is significantly different than other writers who say they write one draft then do one re-write/edit then put it down for a month or six and then go back and do a third and final polish.  

   I also tend to hand write my first draft.  Then edit and re-write while inputting it into the computer.  I correct as I re-read when picking up where I left off so I can really get into the scene.

2) Ideally immersion into publishing by reading all the information that the internet and library have available on the industry.  My editor was a friend of a friend of my friend, so I really didn't believe it was the real deal, but when I got the call I was overjoyed.  Now I'm at a point where I have fulfilled my contract with my publisher and I will submit either to them (they have first crack at the next manuscript I produce) and if they reject me then I have to begin shopping with everyone else.  My publisher as do a few others don't require agents but a synopsis an intro letter and a few chapters (1-3 or up to ten).  Sometimes writing groups, conferences, and writing contests offer opportunities to network and pitch to agents, editors and the like.

3) Signed my contract April 06 and my first novel was released February 07.

4)  I didn't travel.  I don't do much traveling as a rule.  One because money and budget constraints and two I have two small girls and I'm a single mom.  I had a nanny for awhile in order to do local conferences, book signings, author talks and book club appearances.  As glamorous and fun as those events are they are hectic, and require planning, prep and lots of coordination with the publisher.  They don't arrange those promotional events for you when you are a new author who isn't a 'brilliant breakout find'.  There are standard contracts that offer basic payment and royalties but some authors have agents who can negotiate promotional fees and get them better deals.  Some authors have some incredible story that becomes a phenom.  Everyone hopes they can be that and do that well from the start but do not forget all those books that come out every day that you and millions of others never hear of.  So no there is not very much travel for me but you can do that so you can promote prior to release.

J...

Answer 2

I have had 8 novels published. I am also a publisher and have published hundreds of authors. When I write a book, it usually goes through about 6-10 drafts before it is good enough. I had one that was published after only five.

It is hard to find a publisher. The market is very tight, so your book has to be very good.

It took me almost 6 years to get my first contract. I just kept writing new stuff and learning as much as I could

The traveling is up to you. If you want to sell more books you will have to travel to new places and meet new faces. As for the actual publication process, these days it is not necessary to go meet your publisher. A lot, if not most of the work is done via mail and e-mail. It makes things faster and easier. I have meet many of my authors at events and festivals that we do together. It is wonderful to build that relationship. This will not be the case with all publishers.

What you have ahead of you is a lot of hard work. Being published isn't just about writing a book, it is about being a publicist to market your book, and a sales person to sell your book. And a communication specialist to deal with all the different types of people you will meet.

I wish you the best of luck!

Karen Syed

http://karensyed.blogspot.com

Answer 3

I'm not published, but I can help you. Sort of. ^^

1) They go through as many drafts as they can. Just keep reading over it. You'll always see something you're not happy with. Get others to read it too. They'll provide a second opinion. Pick someone who is honest, though; your friends will flatter you. A parent or sibling is good. They have this sort of obsession with finding fault.

2) Finding a publisher...well, it varies. Remember, J.K. Rowling went through twelve publishers before she got anyone who would take Harry Potter! Mind you, she was a pretty special case...

3) See 2. Seriously, it does vary. There is no right answer, no matter how many people you ask.

4) It depends how successful your book is. More success=more train journeys. You will have to travel to meet the publisher; there's no way they're going to come to you. (Unless you're already amazingly successful, of course.)

Good luck!