As previously mentioned in the comments section, manuscripts are sometimes put up for auction.
So what does that mean?
Well, the traditional auction is one held by an agent who is asking publishing houses to compete for the right to publish the manuscript.
Sometimes it's about the money; and when a book goes to auction like this, it's normally something that's getting a lot of interest. But it can also be about what the publisher can offer the agent – such as marketing or publicity commitments, an ongoing relationship or the publisher's enthusiasm for the book or idea.
These factors give rise to some quite amusing auctions – such as entire editorial teams dressing up as a favourite character from the book, or wooing the author with themed cocktails and limousines!
An agent who can run a hotly contested and successful auction is a huge asset to an author. A recent example is when Hodder and Stoughton won the rights to Daughter of Smoke and Boneby Laini Taylor – their imaginative approach can't have hurt!
I have heard rumours of unpublished and unrepresented authors auctioning their manuscript rights on eBay - but I'm yet to see an example of this. If anyone has any, please let us know!
(editorial consultant)
I have always loved writing. But i never thought i could possibly write a book. I recently wrote my first book and have now started on the sequel. But knowing how to find a publisher is the hardest. My book is called Bella. The idea came into my head as I put the pen to the paper. I always think when you read a book; you know its good when you can put a picture in your head as you are reading; put a face to your characters.