In the natural flow of things

[Mee]

You get what you pay for, even with publishers. When looking at publishers keep in mind that they want to make money off your book. That is why not many publishers will take on a book, free of charge, unless you are a well known auther or personality or your book strikes them as a soon to be best seller. I wouldn't count on the later especially if you haven't been published before. All these things (issues) play a role in getting a book published.

Myself, although I have been in the ministry for 21 years (since 1985) and have some books published I am still relatively unknown when it comes to the United States. I have been on TV also but they were only local cable talk shows.

My best avenue would, probably, be to remain with some good self-publishers, the ones who do more than just edit and print your book, but will publicize and market your book if paid. I have found such publishers and I will share the info. with you if I can, here or if you give me a link.

The one thing that is absolutely required, whether you go with a self-, subsidy- or traditional publisher, is a publisher with a good reputable imprint. See, when some people and bookstores get ready to buy a book they look at the publisher and if it's a good one then they are more confident in that book.

No Worries,
Winner

[gregholmes]

Wow - for a new guy you're jumping right in there with the advice...are you pastoring right now? I'd be interested to check out your personal website, and ministry website, can you PM me?

[Mee]

Greg,

I don't know what you mean by PM you Bread (http://www.bolim.org)

No Worries,
Winner

[kriswrite]

That is why not many publishers will take on a book, free of charge, unless you are a well known auther or personality or your book strikes them as a soon to be best seller


This really isn't true.

There are 1.5 million + books in print ( http://www.parapublishing.com/sites/para/resources/statistics.cfm ) According to Book Proposals That Sell by former editor and current literary agent Terry Whalin, Publisher's Weekly says 1,000 books were published every week during 2003.

These millions of books aren't all being written by the famous. In fact, the majority aren't written by anybody famous.

Book publishers are eager to find new authors who can produce professional material. Many still wade through the slush pile, even.

The key here, though, is that they want professional material.

One point you made is valid, though. You really shouldn't try to sell a book before you've shown that some magazine publishers are interested in your work. It isn't that difficult to get published in magazines (especially if you don't start by trying to nab those big-name mags first), but showing a book editor that you've written a few short things professionally really helps him believe that maybe you could write a good book.

I am going to be very honest and blunt here. The vast majority of authors who are not published but have made steps to be don't write well. Or they don't present their material professionally.

The good news is that you can change that! Learn to approach publishers professionally by reading good books on how to do so. (And once you think you know what you're doing, continue to read up on the subject. I'm always learning something new about the business, or a better way to write a book proposal, etc.) Take writing courses. Get involved in a critique group, etc.

We writers should always be trying to better our craft.

Kind regards,
Kristina

[ProfessorAlan]

Thank you, Kris. I wish I could say it as well.

[Mee]

You will notice I said not many

[Mee]

and, hey, if you think I've wrong then don't sweat it, I never said I was an expert.