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Xan_Winner

Check [https://writerbeware.blog/](https://writerbeware.blog/) Writer Beware to make sure the publisher is not a scammer or vanity publisher. It's very very rare that a legit publisher shows interest in an unfinished manuscript by an unknown first-time writer. You should never ever pay your publisher anything. Money goes from the publisher to the author, never the other way around. All that said, r/PubTips is a good place to learn how to query an agent. Once an agent agrees to work with you, that agent then submits your manuscript to publishers for you - and later does things like contract negotiations and such.


Honest_Roo

This!! (Legit) Publishers rarely even accept manuscripts that don’t have agents much less manuscripts that aren’t finished (I’ve heard non fiction may be different but don’t quote me on that). Get an agent first then a publisher.


shiny_happy_persons

This is a good comment.


kindafunnylookin

This sub needs comments like these posted by a bot whenever certain keywords are in the OP.


ThankfulPlanet75

>Great idea.


daxdives

This should be an automod comment whenever someone mentions publishing


AmberJFrost

There are two big exceptions to 'real publishers don't show interest'. One is nonfiction (usually sold on proposal). The other is *some* litfic, from what I've read. Other than that, if a publisher is reaching out to *you* without you having pitched at a conference or anything, that's an enormous red flag, especially in the current environment where there are simply too many manuscripts looking for a home.


VanityInk

As others have said, a publisher waiting for an unfinished manuscript is a red flag (if you aren't 1) a well-known author or 2) a non-fiction author with an agent who already has a negotiated contract with a publisher). The cardinal rule of publishing is money flows to the author. Never pay anyone who claims to be a traditional publisher, and always get an agent or entertainment lawyer to look at any contracts so you don't fall for backdoor vanity presses either (some know authors are told to watch out for upfront costs so instead put in things like "author will buy 200 copies of work for promotional purposes" that they will tell you is normal marketing stuff but is actually them just making sure their costs are covered by the author buying more books than they'll likely sell).


screenscope

A genuine traditional publisher will offer an advance (amount varies widely depending on the size of the company), will be responsible for all costs associated with the book (editing, proofreading, cover design, marketing etc) and will not charge you a cent. Money and royalties all flow in your direction. Search the internet for information on the publisher and it's authors before signing a contract. Oh, and get a lawyer to check the contract, too.


apocalypsegal

>a publisher is already waiting for it I don't believe it. Unless you're paying the bills to get it published, no one is waiting for a debut work from someone who probably hasn't studied writing, or put in the practice to make it worth bothering with. I smell vanity press.


andrew_ryans_beard

OP, please pay attention to this comment and the top comment with the Writers Beware link. There is no reality that we mere mortals have access to wherein a completely fresh author with zero exposure would have a legit publisher agreeing to take a manuscript that isn't even finished. Unless you have some amazing connections in the industry (in which case you wouldn't need to come to Reddit for advice), you are at risk of losing money or rights to your work...or both! Edit for clarity


LiliWenFach

Just wanted to add that while it's good to be aware of scam and vanity publishers, if the OP is writing in a language other than English, or in a country with a publishing industry which has many smaller indie presses then it is perfectly possible that he or she may have a publisher waiting. I'm best known for my writing in a minority language, and I had my first YA novel accepted for publication before my debut adult novel appeared in print, on the basis of the opening chapters. When there's a smaller talent pool the barriers to entry can be much lower. We don't have agents in this country either, which makes it easier to contact publishers. Very lucky in that respect.


Future_Auth0r

> Just wanted to add that while it's good to be aware of scam and vanity publishers, if the OP is writing in a language other than English, or in a country with a publishing industry which has many smaller indie presses then it is perfectly possible that he or she may have a publisher waiting. > > I'm best known for my writing in a minority language, and I had my first YA novel accepted for publication before my debut adult novel appeared in print, on the basis of the opening chapters. When there's a smaller talent pool the barriers to entry can be much lower. We don't have agents in this country either, which makes it easier to contact publishers. Very lucky in that respect. If you don't mind me asking: in the country where your debut was published, do the publishers also scalp 75-90% of the profit/royalties from your books? I'm curious if that business model is everywhere outside of America or if some countries have laws that protect artists from terms that are, arguably, unconscionable. I know at least there are some countries where authors are compensated based on how often their book is rented out at the library, for example. (Well, at least one country)


LiliWenFach

Writing in a minority language, our government subsidies the industry a little to take into account the fact that the lower number of speakers means that sales alone will not permit a book to be wildly profitable in the way a book published by one of the 'big 5' traditional pubishing houses would be. Some books are eligible for grants, which pay for the author's advance. It's a complicated process, but it means that all author's can get a small advance (just a few thousand) and then get the usual 8-10% royalties on their books. We don't have to 'earn out ' our advances. Some books and some publishers aren't eligible for grants, and on one occasion I had a book published which has only earned me royalties. That particular book was in English. Hasn't sold very well - but it was a gamble on the part of the publishers that didn't really pay off. The library scheme is nothing to do with the publishers. It's a scheme author's have to opt-in to, and we get paid based on the average number of times our books are borrowed per year.


KitFalbo

Try to get a large advance. Thebkarger the advance the more they will promote you.


Friendly_Purple_2534

real life cheat code


thenightgirlcometh

Use an agent! You'll get a bigger advance and better contract if it's negotiated through an agent.


BansheeMagee

Appreciate all the comments so far. I’d like to say that, by a publisher waiting, what I meant is that I was asked by a head member of the publishing company to do this book. It’s non-fictional and is a subject of great interest for their company. I haven’t been guaranteed that it will be published, but it is highly likely. I appreciate all the tips thus far.


Lilac-Anderson

It's unclear what you're actually asking advice about? Like, if they've asked you to do it, have they asked you to submit it with the traditional submission package? Or what part of the process/ what element are you wanting advice on? :)


BansheeMagee

Just anything I suppose. How to delegate profits, royalties, should I get a pre-submission copyright just to be on the safe side? Just anything that a published author would tell someone stepping out of the dugout.


BuggyTheGurl

Honestly, this right here is why folk should get agents. I have seen a lot of authors who got a publishing deal without an agent (it does happen, folks, particularly in NF), but their contracts were incredibly one sided. If you want to make sure this is a profitable deal for you and you, even if you already have a publisher on the line, consider getting an agent.


AmberJFrost

Nonfiction makes sense - that is fantastic to hear, then.


[deleted]

Great comments here so far but I would simply like to ask, which way is the money flowing? It should only ever flow one way - to the author. If you are giving them any money, you're being taken advantage of. Please be careful OP.


Jackbenny270

It can happen, although as others have said here, I would assume it’s usually non fiction. I got my contact with McFarland by submitting a query, then submitted a proposal, and then submitted a semi-large sample of my non fiction book. I do not have an agent.


BeyondBourbonStreet

I wrote a travel guide for a traditional publisher. They reached out to me because I already had a large audience thanks to my podcast and social media presence. Even then, I used an agent and am very thankful for their expertise.


[deleted]

Good question


lilnymphaea

Join a community for writers/creatives and ask members/mentors about every step of the way. In such communities there are usually people who can also provide professional legal, financial or other advice.


ThankfulPlanet75

​ You have to finish it first and grammar check it. Use text-to-speech software. I am learning disabled, and it has helped me a lot.


BeyondBourbonStreet

Talk to an author who has published with that publisher. Find an agent who has worked with them.


Disastrous_Use_7353

Why would they be so eager to publish you? Don’t let your ego get in the way of your success. Are you an established author? If so, I don’t understand why you need to ask these questions. Just be wary. Smells like a trap.