Selling A Novel

Selling a novel doesn't have to involve years of senselessly banging your head against the brick wall of the publishing world, hoping to find a soft spot. Using proven techniques for success you can find the door in that wall and save yourself time and money. The publishing world is fickle and difficult to navigate, unless you know what you are doing. First time writers struggle to break in to this seemingly impenetrable world and many end up walking away dejected, convinced that publication isn't possible. It is possible! Take a look at a few simple steps you can take to improve your chances of publication:

1. Researching your genre is very important. Many writers fail to do this and find themselves falling "off formula" within their particular genre. Read a few books like the one you have written or are writing to get a feel for the successful side of your writing niche.

2. Take 30 days off! Walk away from your novel, you are too close to it after you have written it. Put it on a shelf for a few weeks. Take a vacation. Start your next book, or simply rest your mind. After the 30 days have passed revisit your novel and see if it still holds the same appeal to you. Does it start strong? Does it flow well? Is there anything that doesn't need to be in there like a side story that detracts from the main plot? Do a little editing here if necessary and then get ready to start your submission crusade.

3. Research the publishers you are going to submit your novel to. Pretend you are hiring them as a nanny for your first-born child and do as much research as you can on them. What kind of books have they published? Were any bestsellers? Please don't do this over the phone with them, but just a simple background check online. Nobody is safe from Google these days!

4. Follow the submissions guidelines for each publisher or agent you submit your manuscript to. Some want the entire book, others want a query letter and plot synopsis, still others may want sample chapters or any combination of these devices.

5. I would recommend getting a website with the name of your book, and perhaps a website with your author name. Reserving these will cost you around $12 per domain. This shows you are serious about promotion and proud of your work.

These simple strategies can greatly increase your chances of selling a novel. Write the best book that you can and then stay positive in your approach to getting published. Even the greatest writers started right where you are today.