How I Got Published: Step Ten - Agents, Editors, and Publishers

By Penny Nolan

Let’s identify what each does:

Publishers are the ones who print, find an illustrator, and help to market your book. Some are open to unsolicited manuscripts, meaning you do not have an agent to submit your book. You can query them directly. But the larger, more well-known publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. For those, you need an agent. You do not pay a publisher. They pay you.

Agents submit your manuscript to publishers. They get a percentage of what you make. But they help you get the best offer and best contract. They have access to publishers that you do not. To get an agent, you must submit your work to them. They are not always open to submissions. Some agents only accept submissions if you attended one of their events. Be sure to research agents to make sure they are a good fit, for both of you! When you write them a query, make sure to specify why you are interested in them. For example, you loved their last book, or they indicated they are looking for a book like yours on Manuscript Wishlist. They want to see that you have done your homework and will be a good fit for them. It isn’t always easy to get an agent. It can take many submissions. Agents are great at fighting for your rights concerning contracts. But as a side note, Author’s Guild has attorneys for free. The catch is, you can only use their service after you pay to join, but you can’t join unless you are a published author.

Editors are the ones who fix the writing in your manuscript. A line editor goes over each line, making sure the grammar, clarity, flow, and style of writing at the sentence and paragraph level are good. A developmental editor does a comprehensive review of a manuscript focused on the big picture, addressing structural issues, character development, plot holes, and overall story coherence. The publisher will have an editor assigned to you. The manuscript will go back and forth between you and the editor until everything is finished. You do not pay for this service. If you want to hire an editor, there are plenty available. They typically charge by the word, so make sure you have done all you can with your manuscript before you hire an editor. I would run your work through critique groups and workshops first. You may not need an editor. But if you do want one, Reedsy has them. Just make sure to research them first.