Aug 21 2008
Get your book noticed by publishers without dealing with agents
There are many advantages to having an agent, someone who will negotiate your book deal and serve as a liaison between you (the author) and the publisher. But having an agent also means getting an agent to take you on and involves paying an agent some of your book’s profit. You may find that it’s easier for you considering your type of book to skip the agent process altogether. To do that, you’ll want to check out Creative Byline.
Creative Byline’s tagline is “We connect people who write with people who publish.” It’s simple to sign up, start a profile, and establish direct contact with editors who may be interested in publishing your book. First, put together a clear, well-organized profile with useful information about who you are and what your interests are. What’s your area of expertise? Why do you enjoy writing? What are your current and future writing plans and goals? Putting together a profile is free.
To be notified by email of new editors looking for a specific genre, you need to add a “query package.” There you will enter a title and select the type of book and genre (up to three). This will help you form a book proposal. Depending on the type of book, Creative Byline suggests you submit a specific type of proposal, which may include a synopsis, an outline, and/or the first three chapters. To send a submission to an editor, there is a submission fee, but you’ll have the project approved by a “first reader” first. You can submit to a specific editor or the Manuscript Library, which editors often browse for new projects.
Creative Byline also has an excellent section for writer resources, including books and websites you’ll want to check out to learn more about the process.
Rest assured that editors do use this service, especially because it is very inexpensive for the publisher to join. However, editors don’t use this site for every type of book–they will typically have a project in mind. Do research on the publishing companies that have signed up. There are currently six publishers (many of which own multiple imprints), and it appears that the site is growing in popularity.
I’m almost hesitant to post a comment as none of my others have been approved!
But thank you for this information - I’ve never heard of Creative Byline; it sounds interesting… if not for me, then for several writer friends.
Flit — THANK YOU for your consistent commenting despite my inconsistent approving! Now I know what I was doing wrong, so it shouldn’t happen again, and thanks for pointing that out!
Definitely check out the site. It’s good info to have if you need it!
Jess
I just finished checking out that site…. I’m not sure it is worth it for me - mostly because I have ~issues~ around actually FINISHING anything… but it might be the perfect way to go for my friend Stephanie, who actually finishes her novels
I hear ya! Well, it’s always there if you DO finish.
Jess
Greetings from Tennessee, Jess. Your blog is a diamond in the rough! I’m a freelance writer (without kids…lol) in the process of pitching a coffee table book about beetle species that inhabit the Midwest. No distractions for me. It’s all beetles all the time! Your insight inspires me.
Keep the great commentary coming.
Thanks.
Felix
Hi Felix,
Thanks for your comment. Good luck on those beetles! I’m not sure I’d want bugs on my coffee table, but it’ll be interesting for bug-lovers.
Jess
Hi Peter,
Thanks for dropping by! I’m happy to heap praise on Creative Byline… I think the industry has had a great need for a site like yours.
I’d love to see what people say in your Testimonials section. I’ve only heard good things from the editors at my company. I’ll definitely check out Creative Byline on Facebook as well.
Keep up the great work!
Best,
Jess