what is the next step in getting a book published after writing it?

Finding a publlisher. There are two ways to do this - you can send a query letter (don't send a manuscript, just give a rough outline of the story, why you think it matches that particular publisher's book list, and how it could be marketed (in other words, who you think it would appeal to.)

If the publishers are interested, they'll ask for a sample chapter. If they like what they read, they'll ask for the whole script. If they like it, they'll offer you a publishing contract.

The other route is to find an agent - again, you have to contact the agent, tell them about the book and about yourself - any previous writing accomplishments - and see if they are interested in handling your material. The agent takes a cut of your profits, but while the agent is out beating around and looking for a publisher, you are free to start work on your next book.

Good luck to you

1. Edit your work. Get a beta-reader to look over it if you can. Try joining AbsoluteWrite at http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums. If you're willing to participate, you might be able to get a reader.

2. After you've edited your work, seek out agents. Start by researching what makes an agent legitimate or not (general rule: Money goes to the writer, not away) and how to write a query letter. Make a list of agents whose interests match the genre of the book you've written.

3. Submit to agents. Wait for their responses. That can take anywhere from three weeks to nine months. Be patient and, above all, be professional.

4. While you're waiting, start working on your second novel. Is it finished, editing and everything? Good, put it aside and start working on a third. An agent doesn't want to pick somebody up who isn't going to deliver at least a few books.

5. If an agent is interested, she (default gender here will be female) may contact you by phone, email, or snail mail, asking for a synopsis and sample pages. Follow her directions exactly. If she says no synopsis, she gets no synopsis. If she says she wants her sample pages in 14-font and in pink, guess how you need to send it? (By the way, no agent is going to ask for 14-font, pink sample pages.)

Submit, wait again. It can take a long time.

6. You're more likely to get a rejection. If you are lucky enough to get a full read, follow her directions. She may decide to take you on as a client and she'll take you from there.

7. The agent will do most of the work on getting the book published. She pitches the book to editors, who may or may not take it. You may not get someone to take it, in which case you move onto that second novel.

When the book is published, it would be nice if you helped with promoting the book. You don't need to pull out all the stops, but opening a professional website or an informative blog might help.

Get a copy of the book "2008 Writer's Market" by Robert Brewer.

The book gives a lot of advice on how to send a query, how to format a manuscript, which agents and publishers are looking for the kind of book you've written, etc.

It should answer all your questions and point you in the right direction for publication.

After i wrote my first novel, the first thing I did was have people look it over - first my friends, then a professional manuscript assessor. A manuscript assessor can tell you the strengths and weaknesses of your novel, and what you can do to improve it. Publishers often don't five detailed replies on why they didn't like the manuscript. It can be very helpful to join writers clubs/organisations - you then have access to more opportunities and advice. Entering competitions is also a good way to receive recognition for your book (publishers don't like taking on unpublished authors; doing well in a contest can put you in their favour).

you can check out my novel "The city of Dawn" at http://www.worthyofpublishing.com/book.asp?book_ID...

There is this website called Creative Byline that matches up writers with publishers. Has a lot of great reviews but haven't used it myself. If you go to the writers tab it tell you all about it. Good Luck

http://www.bzzagent.com//p/1594249498/daisydoll

Many thanks