Please help, I am a total newbie to this world of publishing.
I wrote a short story (1356 words), aimed at children (but to be honest I think it would appeal to an older audience too), which explains domestic abuse using animal metaphor. I am also in the process of illustrating it.
I would really love to get my book out there but not sure which avenue to go down.
Last year I was receiving therapy via Women's Trust. I sent the story to my therapist who was very moved by it and thought WT may be interested in using it. She sent it off to her manager, who also liked it, and the story was sent to the CEO of WT back in November. I haven't heard back as yet...should I just wait? Would it be a good idea for me to get my work published through them?
I also tried self publishing on Kindle - I sold 8 in about a month and then I got an email from Amazon saying they "detected activity on your account attempting to manipulate Kindle services" and had terminated my account! I emailed them back as I've no idea why, but heard nothing back. What's that all about then?? Is it worth pursuing this, and self publishing on Kindle again?
I've no idea about getting an agent, or sending it into a publisher - could anyone kindly advise me? Or should I try and self publish? I've heard of a website called Kickstart, where you can raise money to self publish - again wouldn't know where to start.
Another thing - do I need to have a physical book made, with illustrations all done, to send to a publisher, or should I send the manuscript in, typed up on a PDF?
Sorry I know this is long and if you've got to the end of this, I thank you. If you help me out, I am forever grateful.
I am just so mixed up about it all!