HOW TO PUBLISH A BOOK without a LITERARY AGENT

A writer pens a novel, and decides to share it with the world. Where to begin?

Begin with "DITCH THE AGENT - The Book for Writers". This no-nonsense book was written in response to hundreds of comments and questions from writers who are frustrated with, or clueless about the North American publishing industry. It answers the most pressing questions on every aspiring author's mind, from creating query letters, to approaching literary agents and editors, submitting a manuscript, dealing with rejections and finding contact information for those elusive editors. See the entire process, in-depth, from the perspective of a published author, invaluable first-hand experience that will save you time and aggravation, and help secure a publishing deal with a traditional book-publishing house.

DITCH THE AGENT is intended for writers who seek to publish their work with traditional publishing houses, however, all writers are encouraged to read this book, including those who self-publish.

DITCH THE AGENT

AND BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

THE HOW-TO BOOK FOR WRITERS

Table of Contents

AUTHOR - AGENT / PUBLISHER RELATIONSHIP

1 - INTRODUCTION
Books on getting published - why are they not helpful and what makes this one stand out; where the author makes a point that the vast majority of books on getting published, finding an agent, etc., are written by agents or editors, and with their authors' interest in mind; none are representative of the reality of a writer in pursuit of publication.

2 - FOREPLAY
How to become noticed by the object of your pursuit. The magic of manuscript preparation; common errors made by newbie writers, and tips on making the manuscript stand out of a pile of clones.
• For fiction writers
• For non-fiction writers

3 - BAIT AND TACKLE
Why a query letter is more important than a book. Query and Synopsis, what works, and why create several different queries and synopses.
• Anatomy of a query letter
• Common mistakes made by newbie writers

4 - CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARTNER
Agents vs. Editors. Does one need an agent? The folly of following and believing in advice found in agent- or editor-penned advice books.
• What is an editor?
• What is an agent?

5 - WOOING
Getting an agent / editor to fall in love with the manuscript. Benefits and disadvantages of email and snail querying. Guerrilla tactics to increase chances of receiving a ~~rejection~~ request to submit a manuscript.
• Careful targeting
• Email or Snail?
• When they do not return your affection
• Keeping track of your affairs
• Making it easier
• Unconsumed relationship fever
• Pleasing yourself (self-publishing)

6 - ENGAGEMENT ~~RING~~ MANUSCRIPT
Submitting manuscripts. How to find an ally in an editor's… cat.
• Dos and Don'ts
• Manuscript Editing and formatting
• Exclusive reading rights - ERR
• Cutting costs

7 - CONTRACTING REJECTIONITIS
The consequences of the fatal attraction. What are rejections? Are they terminal? How to cope with rejections and not allow doubt to kill creativity.
• Sample cures for rejectionitis
• Collection of authentic rejection letters

8 - THE PRENUP
The importance of negotiating publishing agreements, and why doing it yourself it is not black magic.
• Points to consider before signing an agency agreement
• Points to consider before signing a publishing agreement
• A Publishing Contract example

9 - THE MORNING AFTER
When the excitement dies down; what to expect after the contracts are signed, and how to be your own publicity manager.
• What to expect when you expect [to be published]

10 - RESOURCES
Literary agents, publishers and other directories for writers. How to dig out the bone - simple ways to finding agent / editor contact information.
• Glossary - common terms used in the industry
• Directories - industry publications with contact info
• Publishers' contacts