Publishing Your First Novel: What You Need to Know

Award-winning novelist Nancy G. West shares the candid advice she gave a fellow writer: what really happens after you finish your first novel—and how to decide the right publishing path for you.

A writer friend emailed me that he just completed his first novel. He has written 50+ non-fiction books, which sold more than 8 million copies, and has written more than 1,500 articles and columns for newspapers and magazines.

Amazing. Quite an accomplishment.

He added this:

“I have never had an agent. Do you suggest I try to find an agent or maybe use Kindle or one of its competitors on my own?”

Below is my response—lightly formatted with subheadings added for readability. I hope it helps others who may be facing the same question.

Writing Fiction is a Different Breed of CAt

As I’m sure you’ve learned, writing fiction is a different breed of cat.

I read 30-40 books on the craft of writing fiction before, during, and after writing my first novel. (some are listed on my website). I’ve written seven novels and am still learning.

Is It Worth Querying Agents?

It’s very hard to sell a first novel to an agent, or any novel, for that matter. They are primarily interested in signing block-busters from big-name authors or salacious crime or political stories. They have to fall in love with a first novel to represent it. Fifteen percent (their commission) of nothing is nothing.

I think you should try to interest one, though. I’d go to Query Tracker. For $25, they keep you apprised of what specific agents are looking for so you can see which ones might be interested in your novel. I’m assuming (hoping) that your novel features someone not unlike yourself who can add meat to the story by virtue of having specialized knowledge. If so, be sure to emphasize that fact in your query letter. Research how to write a good query letter for fiction. I’m also assuming you’ve learned how to write a good story.

What an Agent Can (and Can’t) Do

The advantage of having a good agent is that they can negotiate your contract with the publisher. The Author’s Guild has lawyers who will review literary contracts free for their members—good for people without agents. Agents don’t do publicity for you; that will be mostly up to you, even with one of the five major publishing houses.

My Experience with Small and Mid-Size Publishers

I’ve found it harder to get an agent than a publisher, a small or mid-size publisher, that is. I’ve had three different publishers – the first, less-than-transparent about royalties, and the second more interested in sci-fi. The one I have now is interested in several genres, and the people are pleasant to work with. They have good editors and cover artists and pay decent royalties. They suggest promotional/advertising opportunities, but it’s my job to pursue them and pay for them. I pay nothing for their services. They provide all the expertise, do the work, and take the risk. They aren’t taking submissions at present. I’ve never had an agent, but I may try to get one to sell subsidiary rights (audio, book club, TV, film) if Risky Pursuit continues to receive more exposure and great reviews. It’s a long shot. Most agents won’t do only that. If I write a sequel, maybe I’ll query agents then. We’ll see.

The Importance of Professional Editing

Have you had your book professionally edited? No doubt you can write, but creating, structuring, and pacing a story is quite different. Development editors look for holes in the plot, places where the story lags, repetitive ideas, too much showing rather than telling, weak or unbelievable dialogue, and many other elements of fiction. Reedsy.com has good editors, and you can search through their database. Look for a developmental editor who has edited several books in your category. Is yours a thriller, a memoir, a coming-of-age story, an adventure story, romantic suspense . . . . ? Does the length of your novel fit its category? Learn how to write a good story and polish the manuscript so it’s the best you can make it before you seek a developmental editor; otherwise, it can cost you a fortune.

I had one of my books professionally edited by a professor with all sorts of literary credentials. He was helpful on some points but had ideas that I thought should not be incorporated, so I didn’t use them. I learned more from my first publisher’s editor because she had edited many books of the kind I wrote.

My Self-Publishing Experience

I self-published my first novel, which was actually good, but which I realized later, needed editing. I also reissued a traditionally-published series after I got the rights back.

Here are the pros and cons of self-publishing.

1. It’s free. You have total control over the interior, cover, price, release date, on-sale dates, etc.

BUT without a lot of study or getting professional feedback, you may not do the best job for your book. Chances are you will release the book, friends and colleagues will buy it, and it will slowly die on the vine.

2. There’s less stigma to self-publication now that many more people do it. Search Amazon for a book similar to yours. Note the price and the book’s ranking in its category. That gives you a very rough idea of how your book will do.

BUT bookstores will only buy a few copies on consignment. Let’s say your 5.25 x 8″ paperback is priced at $16.99 ($17) on Amazon. You can buy it from your publisher at about $5.00 or $6.00/ea including tax and shipping. The publisher will not pay you royalties on books you buy from them. You take books to bookstores, and they agree to take four books on consignment because you are a local author. If they sell one at $17, you get 60% — $10.20. Subtract your $6.00, and you’ve made $4.20. You have written, bought, and hauled the books to the store. If they don’t sell one, after a few months they’ll return them to you, only slightly used. Granted, that’s more than you’ll get per book with a publisher paying you royalties, but you’ve had the use of the publisher’s editing, cover design, interior design, and book-formatting expertise, distribution, and shipping, which usually means you’ll sell more books.

final thoughts

If you write novels because you love it and want to steadily improve, get a publisher (try an agent first).

If you want total control over the process, hire a developmental and copy editor, then publish it through Amazon or Draft2Digial (D2D).

You’ll make a little money and can be proud of your accomplishment either way.

One more thing, most book review sites or journals won’t review self-published books. A few will.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know how it goes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy G. West is the author of the award-winning Aggie Mundeen mystery series. Her work has received Lefty Award nominations and praise for its wit, intelligence, and emotional insight. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime and holds a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin & Houston, and an MA in English literature. Nancy began her career writing nonfiction before turning to fiction, where she discovered a passion for creating captivating characters in high-stakes dilemmas. She lives in Texas, where she continues to write mystery/suspense/thrillers that entertain and engage readers of all ages.

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