Wednesday 5 November 2008

How do I submit my friend's book for publishing

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Submit for publication.


Hello Mister Barnett. My friend is fourteen and is writing a book. He’s written sixty pages so far, so is doing quite well. When he’s finished I’m going to be his agent and will want to send it to be edited then submit it for publishing. What I want to know is, how do I go about this? I don't want to let him down.

Not Qualified.

  • Hi Brent. Mm…. I'm afraid you're not going to like what I'm going to say.

  • You realise an agent has to be au fait with all aspects of publishing it isn't just a matter of 'submit a book'. An agent has to be capable of sifting through legal papers, of forcing the hand of the publishing house, of making the most of royalties and advances, and of acting in the author's best interests in all aspects of publishing. I'm afraid you simply aren't experienced or sufficiently qualified to act on his behalf.

    I must also point out that a full book will call for somewhere in the range of 85,000 to 100,000 words, not a meagre sixty pages. There is a long way for him to go yet.

    For the sake of your friend, click on my previous post How Do I get Published. He'll need to make sure of his work and this MIGHT just help him on his way.

  • May I wish him all the best with his work. But PLEASE don't try to act on his behalf. If he has talent, he'll need professional help to guide him on his way.

  • Next post on Tell Me A Story - Brecon Farm.