The Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published
Chapters 1 - 4

The Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published is divided into 10 chapters covering issues of concern to new writers. These cover:

1) How Books Are Commissioned
This provides an insider's guide to the process of publishing. Stock outlines the five key steps in the publishing process, highlights the importance of the commissioning editor, and reminds us that publishing is a business. If your book won't sell, it's unlikely to be published.

2) How Publishers And Authors Make Money
The financial side of publishing is covered here, including how the publisher makes money and different ways in which the author can be paid.

3) Choosing The Right Publisher For You
Why do you want to get published? If it's for money, fame or because family members say you should, Stock advises you to think again and to avoid unrealistic expectations. If you're still interested, she advises you to familiarize yourself with the publisher's lists (the areas in which they publish) and compares the relative merits of small and large publishers.

4) Agents
Many first time authors will wonder whether they need an agent at all. Rachael Stock will assist you. She outlines seven reasons to have an agent and four reasons why having an agent might not work for you. She warns that not every agent will be an asset. However, if this is the route you want to take, Stock advises you to research the agent using industry associations and books such as the Writer's Handbook.