The Publishers Association

faq answer

Advice to writers

1. I have written a book and would like to get it published, what should I do now?

   We recommend to new writers a book called, The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook, published by A&C Black and is available online: www.writersandartists.co.uk
   You should find it in the reference section of your local library or from any good bookshop.  As well as giving practical advice on how to get published and how you should present your work, it also contains a list of publishers and agents, including the type of work that they publish. 
   We also have a Guide to Getting Published:
     Guide to getting published




2. How can I get help marketing my book?

   There is a list of sales and marketing service providers in the Directory of Publishers, published by Continuum.
   

   
   The directory is available in the reference section of libraries or directly from the publisher:

   
   www.continuumbooks.com




3. Should a publisher ask me for money to publish my book?

   You know when you have encountered a vanity publisher when they ask for payment. Avoid them unless you are really sure that you wish to pay for the publication of your book and, if this is the case, consider self-publishing first. Often vanity publishers will praise your writing in order to persuade you to part with your money. If your work is as good as they say, a reputable publisher will be willing to publish it without requesting you to pay for the pleasure. Books published by vanity publishers are often of poor quality and are rarely stocked by bookshops or libraries.
    
   For information and advice on vanity publishing visit: www.vanitypublishing.info
    




4. How do I protect the copyright of my book?

   In the UK, you hold the copyright for your work as soon as it's written down - you do not need to apply for copyright or register your work with any organisation. The only exception to this is when you are writing as part of your employment - for instance, if you are a journalist working for a newspaper.
   Copyright lasts for 70 years after the end of the calendar year in which an author dies.




5. Where can I find an editor for my book?

   The Society of Editors and Proofreaders can help if you are looking for a professional editor, proofreader or project manager. 
   They have an online directory of editorial services that provides contact information for more than 440 SfEP members plus details of the skills, subjects and services they offer:
   www.sfep.org.uk/pub/dir/directory.asp




6. How can I get my book translated?

   The Institute of Translators and Interpreting have a Directory of Members that can help you to locate a professional service provider.




7. I would like advice on how to self-publish

   Self-publishing is on the increase especially with the advent of user-friendly desktop publishing (DTP) technology.  
   Advice on self-publishing can be found in the Guide to Getting Published (pdf):
     Guide to getting published




8. Where can I find a ghostwriter?

   Information on ghost writers can be found in The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook, published by A&C Black and is available online, in the reference section of your local library or from any good bookshop.




9. Where can I find a print-on-demand publisher?

   We do not have a comprehensive list of print-on-demand publishers but you can find details of print on demand publishers if you conduct a basic online search.