Going Pro: One Author’s Advice on Getting Published with Small and Electronic Presses

by J.M. Snyder

Going Pro: One Author’s Advice on Getting Published with Small and Electronic Presses is a concise guide that offers advice on all aspects of writing for publication. From finding the time to write to finding beta readers, from navigating all the elements of a successful submissions packet to understanding a publishing contract to marketing your newly published book -- here I offer the best advice I can on getting your first story from a file on your computer to an e-book released by a small or electronic press.

Topics covered include: polishing your manuscript, finding the right publisher, working with an editor, writing blurbs, and promoting your book. I give detailed explanations of submission guidelines, contracts, rights and copyrights, cover art, and marketing plans. I also offer advice on what to do when things don’t go quite as you plan, whether it’s a bad review or a pirate site, or your publisher folds.

It can be intimidating when you’re just starting out and trying to get published. I know, I’ve been there, too. So if you’re interested in getting your stories published with a small press or e-book publisher, let me help you through the process!

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

178 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2014

About the author

An author of gay erotic/romantic fiction, J.M. Snyder began in self-publishing and worked with Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, eXcessica, and Torquere Presses.

Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.

In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.

Reviews

[Cheyenne Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started writing professional erotica back in 1999 and I wish this book had been around then to guide me and provide information. Back then, it was trial and error, and I made more than a few mistakes in my naivety.

Now though, newbie authors can have the information for navigating the small press maze at their fingertips.
This is a quick read, packed with information to help the newbie writer enter the world of small press publishing. Written in a chatty, informal style, there are chapters on rights, contracts, copyright, how to choose a publisher, promotion, websites, pseudonyms, and much more.

There are a couple of brief chapters on the writing process – these seem a little out of place as this subject can fill many volumes alone. While they are interesting, they detract from the major focus of the book.
Highly recommended for newbie writers, and an interesting refresher and reference for those of us who’ve been around the block a few times.

[Becky Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful guide to publishing with the small presses, bringing together a lot of info that's otherwise scattered all over the place. It matches my experience with the publishers I've worked with so far. There's plenty of info on what happens after you get accepted, which there isn't as much information around about as there is for what you do beforehand.

Recommended for anyone looking to break into the business. It will help you avoid the many traps for the unwary.

[Alisha Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was ecstatic to win an ARC of this book! Since childhood I always toyed with the idea of writing a book one day, but never did due to fear. The author presents the process from beginning to end so simply and effortlessly. Thirty years after having "toyed" with the concept of book writing, this book made me realize it's time to make my dream manifest.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOING PRO by J.M. Snyder tells you EVERYTHING--and I mean everything--you need to know about submitting your work to small or electronic presses. The steps from ms prep to submission to publishing to publicizing your book couldn't be more concise and thorough. If you must have one book on this topic, this is the one.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is helpful, especially for those just starting out in publishing, but also for folks like myself who have been around for a while. I had no idea recipes can be copyrighted. You learn something every day!