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Last Published: 7/19/2008 8:50:41 PM

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Anyone published a book before?

Asked by: Andi Lynne on June 24, 2007 at 10:10PM EST

My best homie and I have recently finished writing a book and are looking into publishing. However, we've never done this before and don't know how to do a lot of things. I've looked all over the internet, but can't get any answers! And then, I was like, "Duh! Myccm Ask Out Loud Forum!"

So....

1: My book is about 71 pages on Microsoft. How long should the synopsis be, and what should I include in it?

2: Do I need to include a table of contents when I send it in to the publisher?

3: Is there a certain font size or font that I should use?

If anyone could answer these questions for me, God bless you! I'm feeling so confuzzled.......

(3) Answers

Answered by: Kalyn The air guitar Queen on June 25, 2007 6:45PM EST

Hahahahaha i bet your homie is pretty sweet! No but seriously If you want me to i can try to find some publishers!:)
~your homie
Kalyn

Answered by: SeLahGirl on June 25, 2007 11:02PM EST

this is most excellent. I am currently attempting to learn about publishing as well. i've written several manuscripts for children's books, some poetry and have several projects in the works. But I know little about publishing.

I am currently reading a book that has proven very helpful WRITER'S MARKET FAQs by Peter Rubie. I am only several chapters into it, but it is answering a number of questions for me and pointing me to specific material to read for the how-to's.

I first came across the book at the public library where I was researching the publishing process. Then I bought my own used copy on the internet pretty cheap. Not sure about the first two questions, but here is some info that may help with your last...

(page 19) concerning general guidelines for a manuscript (though it says it will get into specifics about proposal formats in chapter five, which I haven't reached yet).

"It should be n a 12-point pica, elite, or Times Roman typeface, double spaced with inch margins all th eway around. Better to have more pages and fewer words on the page which is easier on the eyes, than to cram many small-sized words on one page in an effort to make th eproposal look shorter than it is.

There should be a header on every page, with a catchword and your name in the top left-hand corner and consecutive and continuous page numbering in the top right hand corner.

Don't bind or staple your proposal. If you want to keep it together, use a clip and/or slip it into a folder, or take a piece of cardboard as a backing and slip a large rubber band around everything...."

I am considering creating some kind of writer's group or forum online. Send me a friend request if you're interested. Or we could just start a thread on myCCM and title it Writer's Roundtable or something like that ^_^

Answered by: Pat Kirk on June 28, 2007 5:49PM EST

I believe Dan Poynter and Marilyn Ross are still the reigning experts on self-publishing. Their books are worth the money.

If you mean finding a publisher, you are on your own. That seems like winning the lottery to me.