For most of us, getting a book published is the ultimate dream. However, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering how to get your novel published, you’re not alone. From literary agents and publishing houses to self-publishing platforms and marketing strategies, there are so many routes open to you as an author than ever before.
The good news is that publishing a novel no longer has to feel confusing once you’ve got a grasp on the fundamentals involved. Whether you’re looking to bag a traditional publishing deal, submit your manuscript directly to publishers, or control your own destiny via self-publishing, the journey begins with making smart choices about your work and aims.
Today at What We Writing, we’re breaking down exactly how to publish a novel, from polishing your manuscript and finding the right publishing path to getting your book into the hands of your audience. No matter which step in the process you’re at, this roadmap will give you all the info and confidence you need!
How Do You Get Your Novel Published?
To get your novel published, start off by completing and revising your manuscript until it’s the strongest version possible. Look for feedback from beta readers, make any important changes, and consider hiring a professional editor from a site like Reedsy.
Next, choose whether traditional publishing or self-publishing is the best avenue for you. If you choose traditional publishing, research literary agents and begin submitting some query letters. If you prefer self-publishing, prepare your book for release with professional formatting and cover design.
Once your novel is published, focus on marketing and building a following to help your title reach new readers.
Finish Your Novel Before Thinking About Publishing
Before you jump the gun and start researching literary agents or comparing publishing paths, ensure that your novel is completely ready to go. A lot of aspiring authors rush into the publishing process too fast, learning very quickly how much work their book needs.
Taking the time to strengthen your book now can dramatically improve your odds of success later on.
Complete the First Draft
The first step in the process is oftentimes the trickiest: finish your novel. It can be tempting to begin querying agents or exploring self-publishing options before you’ve come to the end, but publishers and agents really do expect a completed manuscript from most fiction authors.
As a debut writer, focus on getting the story onto the page, rather than making every sentence perfect. First drafts are hardly ever polished, and that’s totally normal. The aim here is to create a complete novel manuscript that you can improve through revision.
Revise and Self-Edit
Once you’ve finished your draft, first off: congratulations, that is no small feat! Set it aside for some time (a few weeks is a good amount of time to make sure you’re coming back to it with a fresh set of eyes).
During your revision stage, look past the grammar and spelling errors. Consider whether your plot flows logically, your characters feel authentic, and your pacing keeps the audience hooked.
A lot of writers go through several rounds of self-editing before they feel like a complete manuscript ready to be sent out into the world. This stage is your chance to identify weak scenes, tighten dialogue, and hone your story’s overall structure.
Get Feedback From Beta Readers
Even the most careful writer in the world has blind spots. This is why beta readers can be a godsend. These early readers provide honest feedback about what works and what doesn’t from a reader’s perspective.
Ask your beta readers specific questions about the story, characters, pacing, and ending. Look for any recurring comments rather than focusing on every individual suggestion. If multiple readers spot the same issue, it’s normally a good place to address.
By the time you start researching agents or publishing platforms, your manuscript should be about as polished as you feel you can make it. A solid manuscript isn’t a guarantee of publication, but it’ll widen your odds of standing out in a crowded marketplace.
Decide How You Want To Publish Your Novel
One of the biggest choices you’ll ever make as an author is choosing how to publish your book. For the majority of writers, the decision boils down to traditional publishing or self-publishing. Neither route is inherently better than the other. The right choice for you depends on your goals, budget, timeline, and how much control you want to have over the publishing process.
If you’re researching self-publishing vs traditional publishing, it’s worth getting familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of both before moving forward.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing involves securing a literary agent, who then submits your manuscript to publishing houses. If a publisher acquires your book, they’ll handle the bulk of the publishing process, including editing, cover design, printing, and distribution.
Pros of Traditional Publishing
Potential advances
A lot of traditional publishers pay authors an advance against future royalties. While advances vary wildly, receiving payment before your book even hits the shelves can be a big appeal, especially for new-time authors.
Professional industry support
Traditional publishers come with access to experienced editors, designers, marketers, and publicists. Having a professional team behind your novel can help improve the final product and increase its visibility.
Bookstore distribution
One of the biggest advantages of traditional publishing is having access to physical bookstores. Major publishers have solid relationships with retailers, making it far easier for books to find the shelves of libraries and stores.
Cons of Traditional Publishing
Highly competitive
Landing a traditional publishing deal can be tough. Most authors will spend months or even years querying agents before finding representation, and not every represented manuscript sells to a publisher.
A slow process
Publishing is often a lengthy procedure. Even after signing a book deal, it can take up to a year or two before your novel is ever released.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing allows authors to publish their work independently without depending on a traditional publishing company. Thanks to digital publishing platforms, it’s now easier than ever for writers to put their works directly in front of readers.
Pros of Self-Publishing
Complete creative control
Self-published authors make all the major choices regarding editing, cover design, pricing, marketing, and publication dates. If maintaining control over your work is important to you, self-publishing offers serious flexibility.
Higher royalty rates
Many self-publishing platforms offer royalty rates that are substantially higher than those offered via traditional publishing. While you’ll be responsible for more of the process, you’ll be bagging a far larger share of each sale.
Faster publication
Without the need to secure an agent or publisher, self-publishing can dramatically reduce the time between finishing your manuscript and publishing your book.
Cons of Self-Publishing
Upfront costs
Professional editing, cover design, formatting, and advertising can require a serious investment. While it’s possible to publish on a smaller budget, quality production often comes with costs.
Marketing Responsibilities
When you self-publish, the success of your book largely hinges on your ability to attract readers. You’ll need to be proactive with marketing, building an audience, and promoting your work.
Ultimately, both of these publishing paths have helped countless authors build successful writing careers. Traditional publishing offers industry support and wider distribution, while self-publishing provides greater control and flexibility. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option will help you choose the path that best suits your aims as an author.
How To Get A Literary Agent
For us writers looking to break into the wonderful world that is traditional publishing, finding a literary agent is one of the most important steps in the process. A literary agent serves as a bridge between authors and publishers, helping them to submit manuscripts, negotiate contracts, and guide a writer’s career. Whilst securing representation can be a challenge, a strategic approach will dramatically improve your odds of success.
Research Agents in Your Genre
Not all literary agents represent the same types of books. Before you begin querying agents, take the time to identify professionals who actively represent your genre. An agent who specialises in romance, for example, is probably not going to be too bothered about historical fiction or an epic space opera.
Find agents who represent similar books to yours and who have recent sales to reputable publishers. Most agencies provide submission guidelines on their websites, along with details about what types of works they’re looking for at the moment.
Creating a targeted list of suitable agents is much more effective than sending your manuscript to hundreds of people indiscriminately.
Write a Strong Query Letter
Your query letter is often the first impression an agent will have of your work. Think of it as a professional pitch designed to convince an agent they need to read your manuscript.
An effective query letter usually includes a brief introduction, a compelling summary of the novel, and relevant information about you as the author. Focus on highlighting your book’s unique premise, central conflict, and stakes without overwhelming the agent with unnecessary plot details.
Keep your letter concise and professional. Agents review hundreds of submissions every month, so a clear and engaging pitch is a non-negotiable. Even the best manuscript in the world will be passed over if the query letter doesn’t hold their attention.
Prepare a Synopsis
A lot of agents will ask for a synopsis alongside a query letter. Unlike back-cover copy, a synopsis should summarise the whole story, including major plot developments and the ending.
The aim here is to demonstrate that your novel has a coherent structure and a satisfying resolution. While condensing a whole manuscript into a few pages can feel daunting, a well-written synopsis helps agents evaluate your storytelling skills and overall narrative arc.
Before submitting, go through each agent’s guidelines carefully. Some might request a one-page synopsis, while others prefer a longer version.
Submit Queries Professionally
Most importantly, remain patient and professional. Querying agents can take months, but persistence is usually the key factor in finding the right agent for you. By researching carefully, crafting a strong query package, and approaching the submissions professionally, you’ll give your manuscript the best possible chance of attracting some serious interest.
What Happens After You Sign With An Agent?
Signing with a literary agent is a big milestone, but it’s usually not the final step before publication. In most cases, your agent will work with you to strengthen your manuscript before submitting it to publishers.
A lot of authors go through additional rounds of manuscript revisions after securing representation. Your agent will likely find some areas that need tweaking and suggest changes to help make the book more appealing to publishers. This can be draining after spending so much time already on editing, but trust that these revisions often increase a manuscript’s odds of success.
Once your book is good to go, your agent will start submitting it to editors at publishing houses they believe will be a good fit. This process, known as being “on submission,” can take weeks or even months as publishers review the manuscript and choose whether they want to acquire it.
If a publisher makes an offer, your agent will help evaluate the terms and negotiate the best book deal possible on your behalf. This might include discussions about advances, royalty rates, rights, and publication timelines.
Having a literary agent is especially valuable during contract negotiations because they understand the industry standard and will advocate for your interests. If everything goes well, you’ll sign a publishing contract and start the next round of your journey of becoming a published author.
Can You Submit Directly To Publishers?
Whilst many traditional publishing houses only accept submissions through literary agents, there are still ample opportunities for authors to submit manuscripts directly to certain publishers.
Traditional Publishers
Most major traditional publishers require authors to have literary representation before they consider a manuscript. This helps publishers manage the large volume of submissions they’re hit by, and ensures manuscripts have already been vetted by someone in the industry.
Independent Publishers
Many small and indie presses accept unsolicited submissions from authors. These publishers often have specific genre preferences and submission guidelines, so it’s important to research each publisher carefully before sending through your work.
Open Submission Periods
Some publishers that are normally closed to unsolicited manuscripts sometimes hold open submission periods. During these windows, authors can submit their work directly without an agent. If you’re looking to submit a manuscript to publishers, keeping an eye on publishers accepting submissions can help you spot valuable opportunities and broaden your publishing options.
How To Self-Publish A Novel
Self-publishing a novel gives authors full control over their work, from editing and design to pricing and marketing. The whole process can be exceptionally rewarding, but it also demands careful planning and investment to ensure your book meets professional standards.
If you’re thinking about how to self-publish a novel, focusing on quality at each step is vital for sticking out from the competition.
Hire an Editor
One of the most crucial steps in self-publishing is professional editing. Even strong writers benefit from outside feedback, and a professional editor can help refine your manuscript for clarity, pacing, grammar, and structure.
There are different types of editing to consider, including developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Depending on your budget and needs, you may opt for one or several rounds of editing. A site like Reedsy is great for finding and comparing editors based on your requirements.
A well-edited book not only improves the reader experience but also increases your credibility as an author.
Get a Professional Cover
Your book cover is usually the first thing potential readers see, and it plays a huge role in whether they decide to click or buy. A professionally designed cover helps your novel look distinct and competitive alongside traditionally published books.
Check Out Our Guide On How To Design A Book Cover That Sells
Avoid DIY covers unless you have design experience. Instead, consider hiring a cover designer who understands your genre and can create a visually compelling design that communicates your story’s tone and themes.
Format Your Book
Once your manuscript is edited and your cover is complete, you’ll need to format your book for publication. Formatting guarantees your novel looks clean and readable across different devices and print versions.
Ebook formatting and print formatting are slightly different, so it’s important to prepare files correctly for each format. Many authors prefer using professional formatting services or tools designed specifically for publishing.
Check Out Our Guide To Book Trim Sizes
Publish Through Major Platforms
After your book is ready, you can publish it through major self-publishing platforms. One of the most popular options is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, which allows you to publish ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks.
Another widely used platform is IngramSpark, which offers broader distribution to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. Many authors use both platforms to maximise their reach, combining Amazon’s huge online presence with IngramSpark’s wider distribution network.
Once your book is published, your focus shifts to marketing and building visibility. Self-publishing gives you control, but success often depends on how effectively you promote your novel and connect with readers.
Check Out These 30+ Proven Ways To Promote Your Book
How Long Does It Take To Get A Novel Published?
The publishing process can take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on your chosen path, the strength of your manuscript, and a certain amount of timing and luck. For most novelists, especially those making their debut, the journey from finished draft to published book is rarely quick.
Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline at each stage:
| Stage | Typical Time |
| Revisions | 1-6 months |
| Querying literary agents | 3-12 months |
| Agent submissions to publishers | 3-12 months |
| Publication after book deal | 12-24 months |
As you can see, even after signing with a literary agent or securing a book deal, there is often a significant wait before your novel reaches readers. Traditional publishers in particular involve multiple rounds of editing, marketing preparation, and scheduling within a publisher’s release calendar.
Self-publishing can dramatically lower the wait times, sometimes allowing you to publish mere months after finishing your manuscript. However, faster publication often means taking on more responsibility for editing, design, and marketing.
Overall, the process of getting a novel published is best thought of as a long-term journey rather than a quick milestone. Planning ahead and setting realistic expectations helps make the whole process far less overwhelming and considerably more rewarding.
Common Reasons Novels Get Rejected
Rejection is sadly an inevitable step in the publishing process, even for the best writers in the world. Literary agents and publishers receive hundreds (if not thousands) of submissions, so manuscripts are often turned down for reasons that usually have less to do with writing ability and more to do with market fit, presentation, or clarity.
Knowing the most common rejection reasons can help you avoid them when it comes time to submit your own work.
Query Letter Problems
One of the most frequent issues is a weak or unclear query letter. If your query letter doesn’t clearly communicate your story’s premise, stakes, or genre, a literary agent might not be compelled to request the manuscript. Even a strong novel can be overlooked if the pitch fails to grab attention.
Check Out Our Guide On How To Write An Effective Query Letter
Weak Opening Chapters
Agents often choose within the first few pages whether to continue reading or not. If your opening chapters are slow, confusing, or lack a clear hook, your manuscript may be rejected before it has the chance to develop.
Genre Confusion
Publishers need to know precisely where your book fits in the market. If your novel blends genres in a way that feels unclear or difficult to categorise, it may be harder to sell.
Lack of Market Fit
Sometimes, a manuscript is well-enough written but doesn’t match current publishing trends or reader demand. Publishers consider whether they can realistically sell the book before making an offer.
Poor Pacing
Stories that drag in the middle or rush to the ending can lose reader engagement. Strong pacing is vital for keeping both agents and editors invested throughout the manuscript.
While rejection can certainly be tough to take, it’s something every writer has experienced on their way to being published. Many successful novels were rejected plenty of times before finding the right home.
How Much Does It Cost To Publish A Novel?
The cost of publishing a novel depends heavily on the path you’re going down: traditional publishing or self-publishing. While one path requires next to nothing, the other comes with a huge variety of upfront investment, depending on how professional you want it all to look.
Traditional Publishing Costs
Traditional publishing is generally free for authors up front. If you secure a literary agent and a publishing deal, the publisher covers the costs of editing, cover design, printing, and distribution. You may even receive an advance payment against future royalties.
However, it’s important to remember that while the upfront costs are minimal, competition is high, and the process of being accepted can take time and persistence.
Self-Publishing Costs
On the flip side, self-publishing requires authors to invest in producing their book to a professional standard. The main costs include:
- Editing: Developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading
- Cover design: A professional, genre-appropriate book cover
- Formatting: Ebook and print formatting for platforms
- Marketing: Advertising, promotions, and promotional materials
These costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality and services you choose. Some authors choose a minimal budget approach, whereas others invest heavily to compete with traditionally published novels.
Ultimately, traditional publishing minimises risk upfront, while self-publishing offers greater control but demands a financial commitment to hit the same professional heights.
Check Out Our Guide On How Much It Costs To Self-Publish
Wrap Up
Getting your novel published takes time, patience, and a clear understanding of your options. Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, the process starts with a strong, well-edited manuscript and a realistic plan for reaching readers.
From writing a compelling query letter and finding a literary agent to preparing your book for self-release, every step has a role to play in your publishing journey. There isn’t one clearly-marked path to success, but many routes can lead to a published book. Focus on improving your craft, understanding the industry, and staying persistent, even when the process feels slow or draining.
James has been passionate about storytelling ever since he could hold a pen. Inspired by the epic fantasy and historical dramas he devoured in his youth, his work now centers on dark, psychological tales featuring intense, introspective characters and atmospheric, gothic undertones. In 2025, he founded What We Writing to share his creative journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way with fellow writers and passionate storytellers.
