Finished the book, what now?

by Alex Smith
30th December 2012

Hi all,

I've got to the point where my book is finished, I just need to tighten it up and then it's ready.

But where do I start looking to get it published? Should I focus on relevant agents, try and find publishing houses that accept unsolicited manuscripts (if any?), or look into it getting self published as an ebook? Where would I look for that?

I realise this is a big question to ask, but if anyone has any advice at all they don't mind sharing that would be great!

Replies

That sounds great, thanks for the advice. I'm actually going to university in Cardiff, would that count as living there if I'm renting a house with other people?

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Alex
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Alex Smith
31/12/2012

If editing is out of your price bracket you should take a look at editing by arts councils. They are subsidised and edit for rock bottom prices. If you are lucky enough to be born in Wales or currently live there The Welsh Books Council is the one to try. (I love living in Cardiff!) If you are in England there is an alternative but the name escapes me. It was based in Norwich and was some form of arts council. I think they offered mentoring and editing. Either way, have a really good look around before you make any decisions.

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Whithear
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Victoria Whithear
31/12/2012

Thanks Adrian, that does help. I've checked out the services on the site but they're way past my price range. Might have to rack up some points for the 20% discount before I consider them. I'll look into the '2013 Guide' to get an idea of agents.

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Alex
Smith
330 points
Starting out
Short stories
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Adventure
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Comic
Speculative Fiction
Popular science, Social science, Medical Science
Practical and Self-Help
Historical
Gothic and Horror
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Alex Smith
31/12/2012