Publishing Question

mixed_biscuits

mixed_biscuits

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Dear Dissensians,

Occasionally I come up with decent-looking ideas for books (non-fiction). How does one go about sounding out publishers before forging ahead? Is this what agents are for?

Yours n00bishly,

Biscuits
 
Mr. Tea

Mr. Tea

Let's Talk About Ceps
Personally I don't have a clue, but I'd guess someone who does know something about publishing would be more able to help you with some idea of what sort of non-fiction you want to publish, viz., is it a text book, popular science/history/politics, biography of Jodie Marsh, a Titchmarsh-killer of a gardening manual....?
 
M

martin

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Get a copy of the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2008, has related information plus a list of publishers and would be a good start. Not sure how crucial agents are, they're useful, especially if you're dealing with bigger pub houses, but not always essential - I can't imagine needing them if you're going for an academic publisher or someone specialising in niche areas etc
 
mixed_biscuits

mixed_biscuits

_________________________
Mr. Tea said:
Personally I don't have a clue, but I'd guess someone who does know something about publishing would be more able to help you with some idea of what sort of non-fiction you want to publish, viz., is it a text book, popular science/history/politics, biography of Jodie Marsh, a Titchmarsh-killer of a gardening manual....?
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Thanks for the Yearbook tip, Martin - I shall hunt it down!

I think the main thing I want is someone to run lots of ideas by on a regular basis. My ideas for books are quite varied (from silly comedy things to stats books to educational things) and I don't fancy hawking them round a vast range of publishers. I just want someone savvy to run things past and give informed counsel before taking any further steps/wasting more time than is necessary.
 
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jenks

jenks

thread death
I don't know if I can help but would second Martin's recommendation.

Someone who is worth reading is Scott Pack - former buyer at Wtaerstones and now running the Friday Project - an independent publishing house that specialises in web to print. He generally has fascinating things to say about the mechanisms and machinations of the publishing world

http://meandmybigmouth.typepad.com/scottpack/

I get the impression that getting something published is the start - once in, it's much easier. Maybe put some effort into your best, most fully formed idea and pitch it to an agent. After that you can start bouncing your other ideas around.

However you go, good luck - it's generally disheartening work, I can assure you!
 
mixed_biscuits

mixed_biscuits

_________________________
jenks said:
I don't know if I can help but would second Martin's recommendation.

Someone who is worth reading is Scott Pack - former buyer at Wtaerstones and now running the Friday Project - an independent publishing house that specialises in web to print. He generally has fascinating things to say about the mechanisms and machinations of the publishing world

http://meandmybigmouth.typepad.com/scottpack/

I get the impression that getting something published is the start - once in, it's much easier. Maybe put some effort into your best, most fully formed idea and pitch it to an agent. After that you can start bouncing your other ideas around.

However you go, good luck - it's generally disheartening work, I can assure you!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, Jenks!

I'm getting something web to print'ed soon on a small run - it's a training resource for table-football players. It will shock the world with unexpected Booker Prize success.
 
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