So just general advice for someone who doesn't even know where to start but if someone is trying to get something published, how does somebody do that? Just like in general
Oh boy, about 13 years ago, I was asking the exact same question. Some things have changed since then, and some have stayed the same, but I think the VERY first step is asking yourself what your goal is. Do you want to walk into Barnes & Noble and find your full-length novel in stock? Are you more interested in short stories, novellas, etc.? Do you want to have full control—and responsibility—of the process, by self-publishing?
I've personally taken the path of traditional publishing, so that's what I can speak to. That path hasn't changed a ton since I was querying in 2014-2017; the basic steps are this:
Complete and polish your manuscript.* Nonfiction can get away with a proposal (sample chapters and outline) but fiction, particularly debut fiction, needs to show you've completed the story from start to finish. If you envision this as the beginning of a series, it still needs to feel like a complete installation with its own resolved plot. Also be mindful of wordcount (she says, running gleefully over her wordcount budget every time—which I get away with SOMETIMES solely because I've written enough books to earn some trust the length is needed.)
*THIS IS MY UNCONVENTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ACTUAL FIRST STEP: Write your query letter. A query letter is essentially the summary on the dust jacket; it introduces the main characters, the substance of the plot, and the hook. This is the first thing literary agents and editors see to sell them on your manuscript. I personally prefer to write this prior to actually drafting the manuscript itself. Why? Because sometimes, a hundred pages in, subplots are staging a hostile takeover, characters are in mutiny, the solutions are overwrought, and it is really damn helpful to have your original vision for the book as a Polaris. You can update it once you've completed (and polished!) your manuscript.
Research literary agents who may be a good fit for your work.** Bare minimum: Are they actively accepting submissions? Do they represent the genre and age category you want to write in? These will be on the agency website. (Yes, this takes research, there's no shortcut.) Other things that help: Do they represent an author you like? Have they sold books to publishing imprints/editors you'd like to work with? Try to make a list of at least 15 potential agents who could be a good fit.
Start querying. My querying days predate QueryTracker having its own platform for this, but you can typically find instructions on the literary agency websites. Querying is tough. Follow instructions to a T—you're showing that you can read and follow directions like a professional. I'd recommend sending out queries in batches of 5, see how you do, adjust your submission materials accordingly, and try another 5. QueryShark is the gold standard of advice and feedback here.
Don't lose hope. You'll notice I said I was querying from 2014-2017. I unsuccessfully queried, revised, queried, revised, etc one manuscript that was okay from 2014-2016. From late 2014 - early 2017 I also wrote what would be my debut, The Merciful Crow, and applied everything I learned (including writing the query first!) That one got me my agent within oh, 2 months? 3? But it took years of research, revision, reflection, and growth.
Once you sign with an agent, it's not quite home free. Your agent will probably ask you to revise your manuscript further before "going out on sub" (taking it to editors.) The manuscript may then languish for months in an editor's inbox; the editor may love it but the publishing imprint isn't won over; it may get a round of rejections that prompts you and your agent to discuss further revisions.
When your manuscript sells... you're still not home free! Unless a book is being rushed to sale, there's a good 18-24 months between it selling to a publisher, and the actual finished book making it to stores. Your editor will ask for revisions, which is a whole other post on its own. Even if you have a ton of in-house support, the marketing department will ask you to help promote it. The sales team will be pitching it to major stores for features, special editions, etc. The publicity team will set up events for you to attend at bookstores and festivals. And let's not forget... if it's part of your book deal, now you need to write the sequel.
I will state up front that I got very, very lucky, and was able to leave my day job very soon after signing my first book deal. But I'm the exception, not the rule, here. And even so, I wrote and queried around a day job from 2012-2017. I planned on still holding down a day job for the first 5 years of my publishing career. My first book was bought in 2017 and didn't release until 2 years later, and that is very standard; when I got my deal offer for 3 books, I asked myself if it was enough to live off for at least 2 years, and the answer was yes. Looking back? I'd ask if it was enough to live off of for 4. (One year for each book, plus one for the delay between completion and publication.)
I know this is a LOT of info, so I'm going to put a TL;DR here that I hope sticks with everyone who's considering trad pub:
Publishing is a lot of work, research, and rejection. Even books you think are silly or shallow have more work than you'd ever guess.
Prepare for the long haul. It's not a poor reflection on you if this is too intimidating, but honestly, it should be a factor in how you navigate the industry.
Know what you want for your writing. Where you want to see it on a Barnes & Noble table or a library shelf. Who your audience is. What you want to say.
Above all: Writing is art. Publishing is business. Specifically: the business of helping your art reach as many people as possible, with as high a profit as they can manage. But a business. And a business will never be your friend.
**A Sidebar: Yes, if you want to traditionally publish, you need an agent. No, this is not negotiable, and frankly it's so essential to the process that being precious about it is... let's just say natural selection at work. A literary agent pitches your work directly to editors at publishing imprints, who they have working relationships with and whose tastes they know. If the editor acquires your book, they negotiate for the best deal possible, and go through the contract (my first was 37 pages long) with a fine-tooth comb to make sure your future publisher is not fucking you over. When (not if) disagreements or conflicts arise with your publisher, they act as your advocate and intermediary, and advise you on realistic expectations and resolutions. And if all that hasn't sold you:
The vast majority of traditional publishers do not accept manuscripts directly from authors. They accept them specifically and exclusively from literary agents.
