01
Polish the package, not just the book
Agents ask for the same three things: a one-page query letter, a synopsis of the whole plot (ending included), and the first ten pages. All three must be as good as your best chapter.
Part two
Publish the book
There is no single right route to publication. There is only the route that fits the book you actually wrote.
Traditional
- Timeline
- 18–36 months
- Money
- Advance, no upfront cost
- Best if
- You want bookstore shelves and are patient with rejection.
Small press
- Timeline
- 9–18 months
- Money
- Small or no advance, higher royalty
- Best if
- Literary or niche genre work; you want an editor without an agent.
Self-publishing
- Timeline
- 2–4 months
- Money
- $1.5k–4k upfront, 60–70% royalty
- Best if
- You have a series plan and are willing to run the marketing.
02
Query in batches
Send eight to ten agents at a time, chosen because they represent books like yours. Wait for responses, adjust the letter if nobody bites, then send the next batch.
03
Read every contract twice
Watch for rights grants, reversion clauses and option terms. A legitimate publisher never asks you for money.
04
If you self-publish, hire out three jobs
A developmental or copy editor, a cover designer who works in your genre, and an interior formatter. The cover sells the book; do not draw it yourself.
05
Launch slowly and keep writing
Build a small mailing list, line up early reviewers, and publish. Then start the next book — a backlist sells the first one better than any ad.