Question about book publishing?

Question

I've written a book. A friend of mine said that I should get it copyrighted and published. She also said that to get something copyrighted and published takes money. But, apparently, other people can steal my work if it's not copyrighted.

I'm fifteen, so obviously, I don't really have a lot of money.

Also, I'm completely new at this.

Does anyone have any idea where I should go from here?

Answer 1

Print up a copy of the book.  Put it in a sealed Jiffy bag envelope (that's what you use to send it to a publisher, anyway).  Address it to yourself and mail it.  It will have a postmarked date on it when you receive it.  NEVER open it.  Put it in a safe place where you will know where it is.  If you EVER find anyone has copied it, you take them to court.  What you have is PROOF that you had the novel before they did.  Unless, of course, someone has already done so, and has sent the copy to themselves.  Even if you improve the writing between now and then, you should be fine with that as evidence that the basic story belongs to you.

As for publishing the book.  If it is worth anything, you need to first find an agent.  THEY will find you a publisher.  Publishers do not take random submissions from authors.  They will simply send you an automatic rejection slip.  

Get a copy (from the library, or there are also places online) of The Writer's Almanac...I think that's the one, with lists of agents looking for new authors.  

Good luck to you.  They say getting a first novel published is about 10% as likely as winning the jackpot in the lottery.  But it's worth trying!  

Answer 2

   Really, it doesn't take money to get somebody to publish your book. I mean, think about it, you have to PAY for somebody to publish your book? I've been writing books sense Kindergarten, and I've met some authors.

   Ethan Radcliffe, he made a book about sports. And Ms. Hall, one of the teachers at my school made a couple of books this summer called

"Little Blue" and "A Dolphin Named Tag".

   But back on track, it does not take money to publish your book, and I'm really glad that someone like you is making a book. I hope to see it soon!  

Answer 3

Get the book The Writer's Market, current edition. Study the first section, all about proper publication, before doing anything else. Study it well. If you can't afford the book, go to the library and take notes on it there, and copy pages from that first section on the library's free copier.

Do not get a copyright. A form of copyright is what you and your parents or guardian (unless you are of age then) will one day agree to sell to a publisher.

Your work IS copyrighted already.

All you have to do is put your name and a date in the header on every page and always keep a copy at home.. on a floppy, in the  hard-drive, on a print-out, one or all three. The work is yours even if it's incomplete. This copy at home proves it, and that is all you need. Do not post your work online.

Suggest again that you not listen to a friend but read what experts have been printing in The Writer's Market since I think 1921. There are many tips, examples of necessary things like query letters, lists of what to do when-- all you will need.

One thing you do not need is money to publish, except for stamps and envelopes. Your friend didn't know about copyright, and was also referring to the vanity press, now called 'self-publication,' which does cost.

Take care of this yourself, with any older and more experienced mentor you may choose, even the reference librarian, and do it right.

Best of luck.

ADD: Don't send anything to any agent or publisher who does not take unsolicited work or queries. That means any who have not asked for it.

Do not send out full manuscripts unless asked for one. The natural order in proper publication bids are: query letter, book synopsis and maybe a few first chapters, then, perhaps, a manuscript.

Also, don't be discouraged by the rejections you will get. We all get them, and we all keep doing the proper things to get published the right way.

(Also, you do not have to mail anything about your book to yourself.)

Again, good luck.

Answer 4

Your friend is right and here is the place to contact on the Web  www.loc.gov/copyright It cost you only $35 to send it by uploading to the Copy Rights Office when you send in Document form using Microsoft Word. It will take 4-5 months to get your certificate from the government but least its protected incase someone tries to use your work. Thats the main idea of having it done. As of now its officially protected soon as someone writes something thats (in their own words). Your an Author now so cograts.!! The Publishing can run from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Check the Web for book Publishers. After doing that I opted to use eBook Pro that was great at helping me get my book officailly Published and Im selling it on ebay.com for more return then what most Publishers wants to give you, just pennies on the dollar. I say no cas as you know its very hard work to write a book. Mine is over 100,000 words with appx 290 pages and can be bought on CD saving the trees from paper!!

I paid an Artist to make the cover for me. If you care to preview it take a look here ebay.com>>>official page>> enter The International Blonde >>search

Thanksss!!

Answer 5

Go through some books you have with different companys on them and copy your book and post it to them! Then go with the one that you like and offers the most money! But don't rush into it wait and get the best deal! I wrote a book and am doing the same thing! Good luck and can't wait to read it!