It is every writer's ultimate dream to get published. The publishing world is a vast and many-faceted place; finding your niche and then working your way into it can be a tricky task. This webpage will teach you how to publish your literary masterpieces.
Here are some publishing tips and Publishing How Tos:
Do Your Research. Whether you are writing fiction, medical journals, poetry, or cookbooks you need to research your segment of the publishing industry. Find out who the publishers are, where they are, and how to contact them. It also helps to attend conferences or seminars in your industry, learn the hot topics and trends specific to the industry--understanding these will help you present your manuscript in a more appealing light by tying it to a popular trend.
Consider Using an Agent. In some publishing industries, obtaining a literary agent to represent you is a must. In others, it makes no difference. It is a literary agent's job to help you get published--that's how they make their money--they have the publisher connections, the advice, the know-how, the time.
Choose the Right Publisher for You. The list of publishing companies is extremely long. You need to understand what a publisher's specialties, strengths, and preferences are, so you can narrow down the publisher list and match up your material with their needs correctly. Be thorough and picky. The same advice applies to literary agents.
Approach the Publisher Properly. Some publishers want a call first, some want an email, some want a query letter, some just want a portion of your manuscript in the mail. You must show respect and approach them how they want to be approached--take the publisher's advice; otherwise, they will not listen to you or view your material. The same goes for approaching an agent.
Learn to Shrug Off Rejection. On the average, 98-99% of submissions to both publishing firms and literary agents get rejected, especially if you've never been published before. That's just the way it is. It will help if you can learn from rejection. Be open-minded. You may need to revise and try again. If you have talent and perseverance, you will succeed in getting published.
I highly recommend these comprehensive publisher directories and guides on how to get published:
The Writer's Market. It gives over 4000 market listings for consumer magazines, book publishers, trade journals, and contests and awards, along with 50 listings for literary agents.
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. This directory provides everything working writers need to find the most receptive publishing houses, editors and agents for their work. Each entry presents an overview of the publisher, including its history and current lines, followed by the names of specific editors, their areas of interest, and complete contact information.
Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. This gives 2000 completely updated publishing listings, including magazines, book publishers, literary agents, contests and literary journals.
Writer's Online Marketplace: How and Where to Get Published Online. The most enticing aspect of this book is its publishing listings: 161 paying online publications, 10 potentially lucrative alternative markets, and 26 commercial electronic publishers (e-publishers).
The Poet's Market. This book provides contact information for magazine and book publishers, small presses, journals, conferences, contests and more, specifically for poets and their poetry.
Extensive publisher directories and publishing guides can be found on the Internet.