5 Ways to Boost Your Chances of Getting Published

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Getting a book deal from a major publishing house is not easy. There are many steps authors need to take between finishing their manuscript and getting it out onto the shelves, and even if you query literary agents, there is no guarantee that one will agree to represent you to publishers. On your end as a writer, it can seem like there’s little you can do to speed up the process or boost your chances of getting published—but that's a myth! In this video, I go over five ways you can increase your chances of getting published so that you can feel more in control of your book publishing journey.

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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:

SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:

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MORE BOOK PUBLISHING ADVICE:
 
WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING PUBLISHED: 
01:24 – Strengthen your manuscript
03:34 – Research the market
05:08 – Publish other works
06:25 – Refine your query letter
07:44 – Build a platform
 
ABOUT ME: 
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
 
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MUSIC: 
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[cjpreach]

POINT #1. The Manuscript. Yes - Yes - Yes! The worst meal in restaurant history served by the finest wait staff in history is still the worst meal. STRENGTHEN THAT MS!

[Intelligencia]

Great piece again. Any tips for authors who are getting published? How can we get word of our books out to the public? How can we engage PR agents or journalists who write about books?

[rowan]

I made sure that my latest work was being read by a competent beta reader who gave me honest and brutal feedback. Telling me how the flow of the story is and how well the characters come over. So it's as good as it can possibly get.
Already self published 4 books, but sales aren't there. Thankfully you said this doesn't matter otherwise I would be crying in a corner for making the worst choice ever. Honestly speaking, I still regret ever self publishing my novels.

Sadly, my platform is really small. Especially since I shunned myself from the indie path. Thankfully my letter was written by you, so I know it can't get any better than that. Sadly, as of writing this, have been getting only rejections. Still many more agents to query, so there is still hope, but would be lying that its upsetting getting rejections. Especially from agents you hope to work with.

[melvindodson]

This is your best class great teacher happy holidays

[alancook]

Thanks A. Excellent summary of moves we can make to increase the likelihood of being favourably noticed by the publishing industry. As you say ultimately we're talking business here which isn't romantic but it is true.

[calebd.]

I finished my first rough draft of my YA fantasy (based on Ancient Near Eastern Mythology) last Saturday!

[karine]

Thank you so much Alyssa for the inspiration as well as for sharing valuable advice!!
I just finished writing a children's book and am planning on writing two more before querying. Am also currently writing a book on motherhood (although this one takes me forever to write.)
I would like to know if it's better to query children's books agents and later another one for my maternity book or if there's a chance I can find an agent competent in dealing with both children's books and non fiction books? (My children's books are multilingual therefore I need to find someone dealing with this particularity as well.)
Thank you for giving hope and consideration to us all!!

[floragraves]

if you have the time, can you do a video on the different publisher sizes? I’ve heard small press before but I’m confused what that means. Like autumn house press?

[Ruylopez]

A useful tip I heard with getting feedback from beta readers is to ask them questions to confirm that the characters and their motivations are coming across intended. Their actions might seem completely different to what the writer imagines. They might seem cowardly rather than responsible, or manipulative rather than caring.

[andeeharry]

4:46 True...very rare original or unique gets anywhere, which is a shame. I am throwin my WIPS around Twitter during shamelessselfpromo and I know my ''target'' audience is. Most of it is strange and it surprises me, but it is coming along nicely

[jcjjones]

Would very much like to learn about your published titles.

[sharonjansen]

I have self-published three books and have several WIPs. I have been quering my PBs but haven't got an agent. As I have published the first book in the psychological thriller series I wonder if I query the second. All though it's a series they hold up as standalone books too.

[yup]

Hi Alyssa, i have contacted some agents and asked if they can see any potential to publish my book which is already published via KDP. The problem is KPD printing and postage cost is no good at all. Do you think just because the book is already on the Amazon bookshelf, all agent/publisher will not consider it publish it at all ? thanks

[LieOfOmission]

Hi Alyssa! Question, there is a clear target group for my novel, a large potential audience that can be measured, would it be useful to specify it, and name numbers? It's not very romantic, but if you know who would have a special interest in a novel: do I mention them?

[paulstroessnerjr]

Thanks! I just graduated with an MFA last week! I believe I have all the information completed that I need to submit to an agent. I'm finally able to focus on my book now. I do have a manuscript ready, but I feel like I need to have my book completely done, or at least a full first draft. Or is it fine to look for an agent while my first work is still in progress?

[BA-omec]

Dear Alyssa, When one's manuscript hasn't been copyrighted yet, is there a way to protect one's work when having someone read it? Can anyone use your manuscript without consent? Love your YouTube channel!

[andeeharry]

The agents and industry are very fussy about what they want through thier door and they will only take on something that is already popular and ''what's hot'' in the market. They only take on something they personally want.

[AlohaTrev]

The manuscript is clearly not as important as the query letter. No one will read the MS unless your query is brilliant. Sadly, the #1 rule of the publishing industry is to judge a book by its “cover”.

[gokux]

Tik Tok is affecting the literary field? That's terrifying lol.