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Getting Published
The process of getting your first book published can often seem daunting. Even if you've completed the huge challenge of finishing your manuscript, it may feel difficult to know where to go next, or how to understand all the different components of the publishing process.
Here, we've created a hub of information on everything around the subject of getting published for both writers and illustrators. Take a look through the sub-menus to find answers to your questions.
The publishing process
The publishing process is complex, with many moving parts involved. Below are some pieces giving some insight into what our role is as a publisher – from how much input we have on your manuscript, to how we identify audiences and promote your work to them.
If you're finding some of the publishing language confusing, we've written a piece on understanding jargon, so you can navigate any future conversations and reading with ease.
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How to get an agent
Getting an agent may seem like an intimidating process, so we've broken down exactly what a literary agent is, and what they're looking for. You'll get a look into how a literary agent is part of the publishing process, and some top tips for how to find the right one for you, as well as how to pitch your book to them. If you're looking for an illustration agent, take a look at our section below for illustrators.
Life as a writer
Being an author is a dream job for many. You may be wondering where to start, how to get your writing noticed, or if it can a viable full-time career route for you. Below are some articles detailing life as a writer, and some resources and organisations which can help you on your writing journey.
How do writers earn a living?
Writing and illustrating books is a dream career for many, but making money from it can take time, and many people will not be able to work full-time on their creative work from the very beginning of their career. The news of some writers being offered six-figure advances can create an inflated or unrealistic perception […]
Writing and your mental health
Writing and illustrating can be very solitary occupations, often involving hours spent alone working intensely on a project. While you often hear authors talk about the joy of being able to spend all day writing and the satisfaction that comes when completing a project, something that is spoken about less is the myriad of everyday […]
How to get your writing noticed
The journey to becoming a published author can be a long one. It can also be frustrating – understandably you want your writing to be read and enjoyed by people, and if you’re struggling to get to the next stage in finding an agent, or waiting for editors to get back to you, it’s tough. […]
Writing prizes and opportunities
There are many awards and development schemes available for authors at all stages of their careers. Below is a list of monetary awards, sponsored retreats, mentorships and training opportunities. If you’re looking for help both in development or funding from organisations near you, find information about local support here. Take a look through the opportunities […]
Local support for writers
There are a number of organisations, both nationwide and local, which can help with advice, information or funding for writers and illustrators. Read the whole list or jump to your local area here: London and South East South West Midlands Wales North East North West Scotland Northern Ireland National organisations Arts Council England Arts Council England […]
Resources for writers
Need inspiration, reassurance or more perspectives? Below is a list of books, podcasts, articles and videos that will help you in your journey of writing a book, plus give some more insight into how the publishing industry works. BooksLiterary journals and creative writing magazinesPodcastsBlogs and videos Books On Writing by AL Kennedy The author’s collection of blog […]
How do writers earn a living?
Writing and illustrating books is a dream career for many, but making money from it can take time, and many people will not be able to work full-time on their creative work from the very beginning of their career. The news of some writers being offered six-figure advances can create an inflated or unrealistic perception […]
Writing and your mental health
Writing and illustrating can be very solitary occupations, often involving hours spent alone working intensely on a project. While you often hear authors talk about the joy of being able to spend all day writing and the satisfaction that comes when completing a project, something that is spoken about less is the myriad of everyday […]
How to get your writing noticed
The journey to becoming a published author can be a long one. It can also be frustrating – understandably you want your writing to be read and enjoyed by people, and if you’re struggling to get to the next stage in finding an agent, or waiting for editors to get back to you, it’s tough. […]
Writing prizes and opportunities
There are many awards and development schemes available for authors at all stages of their careers. Below is a list of monetary awards, sponsored retreats, mentorships and training opportunities. If you’re looking for help both in development or funding from organisations near you, find information about local support here. Take a look through the opportunities […]
Local support for writers
There are a number of organisations, both nationwide and local, which can help with advice, information or funding for writers and illustrators. Read the whole list or jump to your local area here: London and South East South West Midlands Wales North East North West Scotland Northern Ireland National organisations Arts Council England Arts Council England […]
Resources for writers
Need inspiration, reassurance or more perspectives? Below is a list of books, podcasts, articles and videos that will help you in your journey of writing a book, plus give some more insight into how the publishing industry works. BooksLiterary journals and creative writing magazinesPodcastsBlogs and videos Books On Writing by AL Kennedy The author’s collection of blog […]
How do writers earn a living?
Writing and illustrating books is a dream career for many, but making money from it can take time, and many people will not be able to work full-time on their creative work from the very beginning of their career. The news of some writers being offered six-figure advances can create an inflated or unrealistic perception […]
Writing and your mental health
Writing and illustrating can be very solitary occupations, often involving hours spent alone working intensely on a project. While you often hear authors talk about the joy of being able to spend all day writing and the satisfaction that comes when completing a project, something that is spoken about less is the myriad of everyday […]
How to get your writing noticed
The journey to becoming a published author can be a long one. It can also be frustrating – understandably you want your writing to be read and enjoyed by people, and if you’re struggling to get to the next stage in finding an agent, or waiting for editors to get back to you, it’s tough. […]
Writing prizes and opportunities
There are many awards and development schemes available for authors at all stages of their careers. Below is a list of monetary awards, sponsored retreats, mentorships and training opportunities. If you’re looking for help both in development or funding from organisations near you, find information about local support here. Take a look through the opportunities […]
Local support for writers
There are a number of organisations, both nationwide and local, which can help with advice, information or funding for writers and illustrators. Read the whole list or jump to your local area here: London and South East South West Midlands Wales North East North West Scotland Northern Ireland National organisations Arts Council England Arts Council England […]
Resources for writers
Need inspiration, reassurance or more perspectives? Below is a list of books, podcasts, articles and videos that will help you in your journey of writing a book, plus give some more insight into how the publishing industry works. BooksLiterary journals and creative writing magazinesPodcastsBlogs and videos Books On Writing by AL Kennedy The author’s collection of blog […]
For illustrators & designers
Becoming a book illustrator or designer is a dream job for many, but you may be wondering what they actually involve. Below are some articles detailing the role of an illustration agent in the publishing process, some top tips on how to prepare your portfolio and cover letter, and the relationship between a book illustrator and the author.
Job roles in book cover design and production
Dreaming of a role in book creation, but unsure where your skills fit in? What’s the difference between a junior designer and designer, and what is a picture editor? Here, our design and production teams answer all your questions, with insights on their day to day work, responsibilities, and what skills they think are most […]
How to find an illustration agent
Like authors, many illustrators will have agents who represent them when it comes to their publishing careers. Some of these agents will represent both authors and illustrators (and, for the latter, will only represent them in all book-related work), while other agents will be illustration-only agents and may represent clients across all their illustration projects, […]
How to become a book illustrator
Asked to think about some of the most famous children’s books in the world – from Allan and Janet Ahlberg’s Funnybones to Nadia Shireen’s Billy and the Beast – many people will immediately picture the books’ distinctive illustrations first. Children’s picture books can be key to the work of illustrators, but there are many different […]
Illustrating a children’s book
Illustrators can work in many different ways: some have partnerships with authors, others create their own stories and concepts, and still others are brought in by publishers to work on a specific book or series. Reaching out to illustrators When Ben Hughes, deputy art director at Puffin, is looking to appoint an illustrator, he’ll always […]
