Basics every aspiring author should know
How do people become authors?
What, or how should I write?
How do I get myself published?
How do I get paid as an author?
Who owns the copyright to the book?

How to write a book?
How to write a fiction novel?
How to write non-fiction?
How to write a children’s book?
How to write an auto-biography?
How to write science fiction?
How to write a romance novel?
How to write a short novel?

How to get published?
What is the difference between a Publisher & Literary Agent?
How to find a Publisher/Literary agent?
How to publish a poem?

How to self-publish & sell your books?
How to decide whether to self-publish?
How to self publish a book?
How to self-publish without spending a cent!
How to market a book?
How to get an ISBN and barcode?

Other Related Topics:
How to write a good story?
How to write a script?
How to write a screenplay?
How to write a short story?
How to write a poem?
How to write a famous blog?
How to become a freelance writer?
How to write successfully for the web?

Useful Resources and Links
Warning on scams for aspiring authors
List of Literary Agents' Websites
Facebook Poets & Writers Registry
Literary magazines directory

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How do I get myself published?

You have to find a literary agent or a publisher who is willing to sign you up as an author. If you don’t know the difference between the two, read the article “What is the difference between a Publisher and Literary Agent?”

Finding a literary agent and getting published by a publisher is a very long and painstaking process for most aspiring authors. From the time you complete your manuscript, expect it to take a year or more before you finally land a publishing deal. It might take another year or so for the book to go to print while the publisher edits and prepares your book for publication. Most big publishers also have a long pipeline of books waiting to be released into the market and you'll have to get in queue even if your book is accepted. Add some more months while the book goes from printer to distributor to finally being placed on bookshelves in stores, most first time authors find that it is years before they see their book finally being sold. That is, if you manage to land a publishing deal in the first place. Trying to be a published author is like trying to be an actor; hundreds of thousands aspire but only a few make it.

If you are considering self-publishing, please refer to our comprehensive section on this.

Tips
Most major publishers will not accept unsolicited submissions, although there are a few exceptions. You'll have to find yourself a literary agent to represent you first, who will in turn try to market your work to a publisher. If you'll like to try, take note that different literary agents/publishers have slightly different instructions for submission. Most will require you to submit a brief write-up and/or 3 chapters first via snail mail. These days some also accept email submissions.

Literary agents and publishers usually post information on submission openings and instructions on their website or literary magazines. You are best advised to read each literary agent/publisher's instructions carefully and submit accordingly. More details and tips on finding agents/publishers and making submissions are found in the article “How to find a Publisher/Literary Agent?”

Important warning!

A genuine publisher or agent will never ask you to pay a single cent for any reason. Anyone who asks for a reading fee or require you to buy a certain quantity of the books yourself is fleecing you. They make a business out of preying on aspiring writers and NOT selling books.

Authors who intend to self-publish or look for publishers/literary agents are well advised to read this excellent website by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc's excellent website on scams, frauds, dodgy publishers/literary agents, writer services, writing contests, copyright issues and other important information. http://www.sfwa.org/beware