Anyone got any tips on getting a book published?

[Wingingthis]

Or just know how to. I am clueless 😬 but would love to!

Specifically it would be a children’s cookbook.

Placemarking

My best mate works for the largest publishers in the UK. She says to get published you need to approach agents with your manuscript (or some sample chapters), and get them to act for you. So do your research and find any children's literary agents that would suit your book.

Manuscripts that don't come via a literary agent are treated as unsolicited and often end up in the bin. Or at the very best, mouldering in a corner until an intern has some time on their hands.

yes, you need an agent.

Hi

I'm a published children's author, although I write fiction rather than non-fiction.

Most publishers will only look at manuscripts that are sent to them via an agent, though some will accept unsolicited manuscripts. Your best bet is to get a copy of the Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook, which lists which agents and publishers take which type of books, and start submitting your MS.

Also, twitter is a good source of info. Follow some other non-fiction authors, agents and publishers. It helps you get a feel for what's happening and what is hot.

Getting published is VERY difficult and it might be even harder for non-fiction if you don't have some sort of platform or really unique selling point. Rejection is part and parcel of the business, but don't give up!

I was going to moving this to Creative Writer, as lots of published authors hang out there...but then I saw your book is non-fiction...

What makes your book special? Why would I want to buy it?

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound aggressive there ^^

I was trying to get you to pitch your book

it's a good question, Oleanna, especially as the OP will be up against established authors, those who have a TV deal for their book (some publishers won't even publish established authors cookbooks if there's no TV lined up) and, in this day and age, Instagrammers and influencers.

It's really really hard.

thanks everyone for the brilliant advice! So to get an agent - do I create a small sample of what I’d want the book to be and send this off? And if so, would I included photography etc or just text?

@olennasewimple - haha, no problem! My USP would be that it is for a specific diet which I can’t currently find any baby/toddler books on. I don’t wanna give too much away ;)

Sorry lemon - just saw your post talking about what to send agents!! I must have accidentally scrolled past before.

Is it a cookery book for children to use or a book for parents to use to cook for children with specific dietary requirements?

You'll need to do some research to find an agent. I'm a writer of fiction and don't know any agents who deal with this sort of thing, but I think perhaps you could Google the agents for other published cookbook.

The problem is, as others have said, that it's incredibly difficult to get a cookbook published unless you are a well known cook/chef. There are loads of people on YouTube and Instagram with huge followings; they are the sort of people who'd get a deal. Have you thought of starting off that way?

www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/top-tips-for-how-to-get-a-cookbook-published-a3156966.html

Might be worth a scroll through this agent's feed - she's in the US but specialises in cookbooks.

twitter.com/lisaekus

It would be for parents to use for their babies/toddlers. I have started an instagram! Got a grand total of 147 followers 😂 I’ll keep at it!
Thank you everyone for your knowledgable advice