7 Things You Need to Become a Traditionally Published Author

Are you hoping to become a traditionally published author? Let me know where you're at in your publishing journey!

I'm way late on this particular video, but I have a completed novel that I've been pitching to Literary Agents for some time. I'm still looking for one of those agents to pick me up. Waiting can be very frustrating. My editor has helped me a bit on my query letter, so... i'm hoping that my future queries that go out will look even more appealing.

Hi Alyssa, i just wanted to thank you. I watched one of your videos last night, about the Hybrid Publishers. I found it very informative and helpful. I have subscribed and liked your channel and video. I look forward to viewing more. Thank you!

I’m loving all of these videos! ❤
I’m at the stage of the process where I’m currently searching for a literary agent & loving all the insider knowledge m. I’ve also used the free check list to help determine how ready my story is and am more confident than ever in what I’ve written 😃

I was wondering if you could help. I paid for a developmental edit from Kindle and they’re doing it one chapter at a time. Of the 3 chapters they’ve done, they messed up 3 all 3. They’re constantly ruining continuity, character traits, etc. Should I just tell them to forget the DE and take the soupy edit?

Also, is it too late to send to traditional publishers?

Is you channel/your advice applicable to British authors querying UK-based agencies or only Americans?

How do I find a good literary agent? Thanks for your info!

This is the third video of yours that I have watched and I am wholeheartedly impressed. I am a first-time author and the book that I have written turned out absolutely fantastic with a mixture of comedy, love and pain. I feel like the book is destined to end up as a classic I know I'm biased, but everybody that I have allowed to read the rough draft have said, that it was probably the best book they have ever read. One thing that I questioned or had concerns about was your comment about how long it could take the book to actually get to market. Unfortunately I am almost 65 years old and my health is going downhill. Also I had the intentions of writing a second book upon and only upon successfully publishing the first book. I didn't quite understand that it could be years before it actually hit the market for sale. I know you don't necessarily enjoy people boasting about how great their book is but without a doubt my book is one of the best books ever written. So if you have any suggestions or comments for me I can provide my personal email to you somehow.

All I want to say to you Alyssa, is thank you for the education because we need it especially as first-time authors who aspires to get published.

The only thing I don't have is an agent. It seems impossible.

Hi, this is great info can you recommend any Beta Readers. I have a finished book but I am concerned that it needs a good reread with fresh eyes, Help Please??

Because of the time it typically takes to get a book deal, would you recommend that a first-time author put aside a book written as parody or social commentary if the story centers around real-world circumstances that can change quickly? Would it be better to focus on another project even if it means likely missing the window of opportunity with the book anchored to current events?

i wonder if you know a thing or two about christian writing and publishing. If you do please share. Thank you.

Bg question no one is asking. (I’ve looked.):

When is a debut (nonfiction) author “too told?”

You made this seem less scary, as I am 40 years old with 1/4 of a finished manuscript. This is my... 7th novel. I became homeless after a tragedy and as a result lost the first 6 novels I wrote. The idea of repenning them makes me soul sick, and I finally decided I just need to move on. I am making a novel of short stories that I experienced or others close to me experienced with 20+ years of paranormal investigations under our belts. I believe grammar may be my week point, but also believe my description, metaphors and setting of the scenes propels me above many. Most likely, to keep myself motivated I will continue to view your videos as I believe your intent is commendable and worthy. Thank you. I will look to you from now on as my Literary Sensei, if that's okay. 😁

Thank you for this video it was very helpful and relevant. I'm almost finished my first manuscript and thinking about beginning my publishing journey early this year.

Thank you so much for your advice. I recently finished a very lengthy mob mystery novel. I feel that it has a uniqueness to it. The premise is most important. Several different plots that coalesce. I am knew to the process of getting it out there and more than open, for it being reviewed and critiqued. I'm currently working on a query letter.I have just printed my novel. Would there be a way to send you a copy? Thank you again, as I will be looking forward to hearing more of your videos.

I don’t remember who it was, but a prominent woman author was asked what it takes to be a successful writer. “An almost supernatural ability to tolerate rejection,” was her reply.

Love love love your emphasis on not giving up!!! ❤️

Thank you again!!! ✨🌈🔥

How do you find that much needed third eye to look at and edit your book?

I am currently wrapping up the Beta Reading process and having a lot of great feedback. The Alternative History Steampubk Fantasy cross over gave me the opportunity to explore and create some great characters unfortunately I must now kill my darlings. Is there any advice you can offer for a writer at this difficult stage? I am finding it especially difficult as I will be culling characters who will have a more detailed arc later in the series. TIA.

Thank you Melissa! This is by far one of the best tutorials I've come across. I am a physician who is writing fiction in the vein of Michael Crichton, and I am at the stage where I have a completed manuscript and submitting it to agents. It's been a month and so far I have two rejections, but I am standing strong! Thank you for your advice!

Just discovered your channel - I gave up trying to get my science fiction books published traditionally. I put the first two in a series on Amazon and have two more on preorder.
I have a new series coming out, is it better to query now that I have independently published novels, or is that frowned upon?

Just discovered your channel and it's been so helpful as a newbie to the world of possibly publishing children's literature. When referencing a literary agent, would I pay the literary agent out of pocket before having a publishing offer or do they get paid by the publishing house? Just trying to figure out the out of pocket expenses initially.

I have tried with my second fantasy book to get an agent but everyone rejected it. Only one explained why she rejected my book but offered that I can query her again with my next work (which is now being prove-read). In the end, after every other agent rejected, I self-published it and even won awards.
Now my question is, how do I know what is wrong if practically no agent explains why the book wasn't getting their interest?

About to finish manuscript. How to go for further process for publishing in India.

Just subscribed, very good information. Been going with publishers. Working on my 2nd book now

Wow. Thank you for putting this url in the Creative Writing group on Facebook. You really know your stuff and how to communicate. Will be back to check out the other videos. Thanks again!

Hearing this, I'm worried if the ideas an editor might have for a book are more concerned about it being sellable and not about what fits the story. Do you think that's absolutely unfounded, or have you seen that happen?

Also, maybe not your field of expertise since I think you were an editor, but have you seen authors "drop out" of the process when they feel their story was being mangled? Is that even an option?

I've seen editors talk about how people have refused to change their manuscripts and them in turn refusing to work with them. I get that some stories really are not as good as their author thinks, especially when for example minority perspective are being written by people not if that minority. But the question how much rewriting demands are the norm is still something that makes me worry a lot and wonder if I should ever try to pursue publishing at all.

Great content. Thanks for posting a link in the Facebook group.

Enjoyed the video, some harsh truths told in an honest manner.

Keep growing your subscribers. I found you on a redit post btw.