Rachel Werner
My Manuscript Is Done… Now What?!

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Months—maybe even years—have passed, and the manuscript you have poured your time and talent into is finally finished. You likely have spent countless hours trying to imagine what comes next. Yet you are equally aware that getting a book published can be an arduous process.

Before you get started on figuring out how to proceed, pause to fully revel in this achievement. Writing a complete novel, nonfiction book or poetry collection is a MAJOR accomplishment. Too often, those of us passionate about our creative work wrap one project and dive directly into the next without taking time to properly appreciate what we have accomplished.

It can be as simple as treating yourself to your favorite latte or a new book at a local bookstore. 

Once you have sufficiently celebrated yourself, start researching the pros and cons to each publishing path: traditional publishing industry; hybrid publishing; and self-publishing. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with common industry terms such as royalties, option clauses, and types of publishing rights (like first serial, reprint, and foreign rights).

Often, the best place to start is by talking to other authors and/or poets. Especially those who took a similar approach to getting their work published as you are considering. For example, if you’re considering self-publishing, ask other writers for recommendations on copy or content development editors. This will provide the names of professionals you might want to hire, along with additional details like speed of service and approximate cost. Also ask about their overall satisfaction with the hybrid publisher, vanity press, or e-book distributor they used. Make sure the people or businesses you hire have the skills you actually need.

To better understand norms around agent representation, talk with authors about their past and current experiences with literary agencies. Another proactive move is to inquire if anyone in your professional network knows a lawyer who handles publishing contracts. If you eventually sign with a literary agent, she/he/they will review in-depth with you any book deals prior to signing. However, if a small indie or university press (which accepts unagented manuscripts) shows interest in your work, be sure you fully understand the terms of any contract before signing.

Finally, no matter which publishing path you choose, expect the timeline to take longer than you’d like. You may receive more rejections than expected—or simply silence from editors, agents, or contest judges. I suggest reading one of the resources in the list below as a reminder that you are not alone. Very few writers' careers are straightforward. Most of our careers have stretched across a series of "peaks" and "valleys." Nevertheless, we keep moving forward by putting words on the page — then sharing our work with others. Believe your writing has immense value beyond yourself. The stories and/or verses that live inside of you are there for a reason.