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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
How a Book Gets Published
UPDATED: April 13, 2017
So here goes: the basics of how a book gets published. Please note that this refers to mainstream publishing and not self-publishing, which is something else entirely. But most of the books you see in bookstores happened this way:
From book to agent
For a first time author, a book generally starts with a completely finished and polished manuscript for fiction and memoirs, and a proposal and sample pages for nonfiction. Yes, novelists: you have to write the whole thing. Published authors can sometimes sell novels on proposal. Lucky them!
It's then generally advisable for an unpublished author to find a literary agent, who helps shepherd an author through the publishing process in exchange for 15% of the proceeds from the book for domestic sales and 20% for foreign sales. If the book doesn't sell to a publisher, the agent doesn't receive any money from the author other than recouping incidental fees like photocopying.
Very few publishers accept submissions from un-agented authors, so this is a nearly essential step to be published by one of the major publishers. Plus, a good agent can give a project a better chance at succeeding and will usually be able to negotiate a better deal than the author would be able to achieve on their own.
(For a complete overview of what agents do, see this post).
Submission to publishers
Once an agent has taken on a project they then send it to one or more editors at different publishing houses. The agent will specifically target the submission to the editors that they feel are most appropriate for the book. The editors take a look at the project, and if it's something they are interested in they will share it with their colleagues and boss(es) to gauge the enthusiasm. Once the editor has the go-ahead to move forward with the project they will send the agent an offer.
The submission process can take anywhere from a week to a year or more depending on when/if the agent finds a match for the project.
Offer and negotiations
The terms of the offer usually include an advance, royalties, which countries the publisher can sell into, and other specific terms (please see my publishing glossary for definitions).
An advance is a payment to the author, usually divided into installments, which is theirs to keep regardless of how many copies the book sells, assuming the author fulfills all the terms of the agreement.
Royalties are a percentage of every copy sold, either on the list price of the book or on a publisher's net profits. These go first toward paying down the advance (but again, the author doesn't have to pay back the advance if they don't sell enough copies). After the advance is covered by royalties, which is called "earning out," the royalties go to the author.
For example, if an author receives a $50,000 advance with hardcover royalties of 10% of list price on a $25 book, they need to sell 20,000 copies to "earn out" ($2.50 per copy x 20,000 copies = $50,000 advance). Afterward, the author receives $2.50 per additional copy sold. The agent receives 15% of the $50,000 advance as well as 15% of the royalties if the book earns out.
Sometimes the offer will be for one book or sometimes it will be for multiple books. If more than one editor is interested in the project an agent may ask all the editors for their best offers, or the agent may hold an auction to determine which publisher will bid the highest.
When the deal points have been agreed upon and the author accepts an offer the publisher will send a contract, which the agent or the agency's contracts director will negotiate.
Editing and production
After the contract has been signed, if the project was sold on proposal it's then time for the author to write the book.
Once the manuscript is completed (nonfiction) or after the contract is signed (fiction) the editor will usually send an editorial letter suggesting content changes that the author will then make. These changes are somewhat negotiable, but for the most part authors will follow their editor's suggestions.
When the changes have been made and the manuscript is deemed editorially acceptable it moves to copyediting, where typos and other errors are corrected, and designed as it will look on the page. The author has to review the different versions of the completed manuscript to catch typos. The publisher is also working during this time on the design of the book, including the cover, trim size, paper type, and other design-y considerations.
Meanwhile, the editor is coordinating with their marketing and sales teams to write copy for the publisher's seasonal catalog, write the jacket copy, to (hopefully) generate enthusiasm among the sales team for the project, and to help shape marketing plans. Several months before the book's publication the sales team will be coordinating with bookstore buyers and other "accounts" as they place their orders, which helps determine how many copies of the book the publisher prints. The agent usually keeps tabs on this process to make sure everything is happening according to plan.
The publication process from finished manuscript to in-bookstore books usually takes a year or more. It can occasionally be compressed if it is an especially timely project, but the process usually requires quite a bit of lead time.
When publication date arrives the book goes on sale and the author is rich and famous behind their wildest dreams. Sometimes. Not usually.
The author then gets cracking on their next book (or rather, they should already have been cracking), and the process repeats.
The end!
I'm available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and consultations! And if you like this post, check out my guide to writing a novel.
Art: Caxton Showing the First Specimen of His Printing to King Edward IV at the Almonry, Westminster by Daniel Maclise
145 comments:
- lynnrush said...
Nice! This is great stuff here.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:44 PM
I really don't understand the typesetting part, since everyone writes on a computer these daysand the whole book can be put on a flashdrive and the typesetting done off of that. (And yes, I realize it will have to be manipulated some.) Is it still the case that a manuscript is stil typeset by linotypers somewhere?
- August 25, 2009 at 5:48 PM
- wickerman said...
You forgot about the movie deals, chicks and Oprah appearances. Sheesh! You're slipping Nathan!
- August 25, 2009 at 5:52 PM
- Kiersten said...
I'll just add that, since contracts can sometimes take months to arrive, a lot of authors receive editorial letters before they see their contracts. I know I will.
I think I'm going to direct everyone I've ever known to this post so I don't have to explain it. Yet again.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:53 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
It's not typset in the literal sense (it's done on computer), it's just still usually called that.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:53 PM
- Kristi said...
Great post - Oh, I can't wait to go through this process you describe so well. I sent a query for one of my books to one editor (I figure that way, the most I can get is one rejection - not sure I'm ready for a bunch in a row yet) and they requested the ms. However, they've had it for over 3 weeks and I haven't heard anything yet so I may have to suck it up and write more query letters. THEN when I'm published, I'm goin' agent hunting. In the meantime, I'll just keep writing...:)
- August 25, 2009 at 5:53 PM
What I meant was, is the entire manuscript typed again, rather than simply using the author's computer file? Seems like it would be a needless waste of time.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:55 PM
- wickerman said...
Just had a more serious thought...
Say you were may agent Nathan - no really just say it... - Ahem... Anyway..
Say I call you and say that the editor wants me to change something I absolutely feel is a bad thing to change and i really feel I can't bring myself to do it.
How much would an unknown/inexperienced author be able to haggle through his agent before he put himself/herself in a position to jeopardize the relationship with the editor and possibly the the whole deal?
- August 25, 2009 at 5:56 PM
- Alan Orloff said...
Uh, shouldn't the author get cracking on his/her next book well before the first book's publication?
- August 25, 2009 at 5:56 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
I'm pretty sure they usually work off of the electronic version of the manuscript, but I know some publishers actually have it outsourced and retyped.
But honestly the production stuff mostly happens outside of my view. If any editors out there want to weigh in on the latest in typesetting I'd be curious as well.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:58 PM
- Other Lisa said...
@Kristi - congratulations on the MS request. But I strongly advise you to look for an agent before you get published or submit to more publishers (I'm assuming this is a novel/book-length non-fiction MS and not short stories or articles).
Aside from the difficulty of finding publishers who will consider unagented MS, when you really really need an agent is when they offer you a deal. Deals are complicated and they are not something you want to negotiate on your own (unless you are a publishing contract expert, in which case, never mind).
I'm confident that the vast majority of published (or soon to be published) authors will tell you the same thing.
Word Ver: "neade." See?
- August 25, 2009 at 5:58 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
It really depends on how important the change is to the editor. Sometimes the agent can serve as a mediator in these situations. But every situation is different.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Great post Nathan. I know when I started my WIP I found agent blogs the most informative resources. Now when I'm ready to query, I can do so with confidence.
- August 25, 2009 at 5:59 PM
- Kellie said...
Nice overview, Nathan.
Anon, the manuscript is not retyped: the text from a word processing file is poured into a (computer-based) page layout. A book designer decides how the pages will look (fonts, sizes, margins, headers, etc), and either he/she or a production artist goes through the text to fit the words into that page design. A book isn't just a Word document pasted between two covers: the text inside a book has been massaged and manipulated by production people to be as clean, attractive, and legible as possible.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:02 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
- August 25, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Just reading about this process gets my heart racing. Am I the only one who get motivated to complete my WIP so that I can experience it first hand?
- August 25, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Thanks for the post, Nathan. Could you elaborate on the "agent submits to editors" part. I've heard that it is typical (and good) for agents to submit to 10-12 editors in a round. Is this often the case? And how do you go about submitting to these editors? Do you call them and pitch? Send a pitch letter? How often do you follow up?
Moonrat's recent post about agent communication has me wondering all these things. I am about to go on submission and I'd like to ask my agent these questions but I want to make sure not to offend. Can I ask to see a pitch letter? Ask to hear her pitch? People always say ask a bunch of questions before you sign, which I did, but really the real test cannot come until you are actually in this process.
Appreciate it!
- August 25, 2009 at 6:08 PM
- Literary Cowgirl said...
For anyone looking for an additional resource, I'd like to suggest IT'S A BUNNY EAT BUNNY WORLD, by Olga Litowinsky.
It is primarily about the children's book world, but chalked full of really useful info for anyone.
And, thanks again Nathan for helping us navigate this crazy biz.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:08 PM
- Meg Spencer said...
@Alan Orloff:
That had been my impression as well. Reading that line I was thinking, "dude (I think in CA slang), why didn't the author start writing that next book as soon as they started querying the first book?"
Otherwise awesome post, per usual. :)
- August 25, 2009 at 6:10 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
A lot of that varies from project to project. How I decide on which strategy is not something I feel totally comfortable blogging about as every situation is different. Sorry!
But if you become my client I'd be more than happy to discuss strategy with you.
Although I will say I'm very prompt with my editor follow-ups.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:12 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
alan orloff-
Good point. Updated accordingly.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:15 PM
So, Nathan, about that last line...
Once an author has gotten one book contract (for fiction), what is your advice to authors on the second book in terms of what to submit? Is fifty pages plus a synopsis acceptable? Has the economic landscape changed sufficiently that full MSs are more desirable?
- August 25, 2009 at 6:15 PM
- Kristi said...
@Other Lisa - thanks for the advice. I'm most definitely not a publishing contracts expert. This is only a picture book though and I thought it might be easier to get an agent for my MS and YA if I can say I'm published. Of course, if I'm not published by the time I finish my YA then I'll try the agent route first. Thanks again and I can't wait to read your book. :)
- August 25, 2009 at 6:16 PM
- J.J. Bennett said...
I bet as an agent, it's exciting to see the process, and progress through with a new client.
Great information as always... Thanks for all you do Nathan!
- August 25, 2009 at 6:17 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Again, depends on the particular project. But by the time a book is under contract and the current manuscript is delivered the author and I will have discussed next-book strategy.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:17 PM
- Richard Mabry said...
Nice post. As a "published novelist" (well, about-to-be-published) I get asked about the process fairly often. Don't dare take this post off your archives, because I'm going to be referring these questioners to it frequently.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:19 PM
- Stuart Neville said...
Excellent post, Nathan, and I really liked that you used the term "match" in regards to finding an editor. I've said it before, but I really feel this is something that a lot of blogging publishing folks don't emphasise enough: assuming the work is of publishable quality, an editor's (and indeed agent's) decision to take something on is more about their personal connection with it than anything else. As you say, a match.
On the typesetting questions above - I typeset (I use the term loosely) a free short story collection that I gave away on my website, with margins and fonts and all that stuff, to "Royal" size so it would look like a proper book. I tell you, I have a lot of respect for typesetters now. That stuff is hard work! The hours I spent agonising because I couldn't get a paragraph to end in the right place on the page, or there were two words left dangling, and so on. Kudos to typesetters, says I.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:21 PM
- Rebecca Knight said...
I totally agree--this is a great resource to point friends and family to! It's amazing what misconceptions folks have about a) how quickly books get published and b) what agents and editors actually do.
We appreciate it! :)
- August 25, 2009 at 6:26 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Wow, that sounds easy! What am I so worried about?
- August 25, 2009 at 6:29 PM
- Dick Margulis said...
Regarding typesetting...
Microsoft Word is a word processing program. Typesetting is done in a page layout program (typically InDesign), which has much finer controls for presenting type well on the page. In addition, the manuscript is typically (in the case of fiction) all typed in Word's "Normal" paragraph style. The compositor (typesetter, book designer, whatever you want to call him or her) assigns different style names to subheadings, chapter titles, and so forth. The Word file is then imported into the page layout program and cleaned up. For example, most authors don't know the difference between a hyphen and a dash, and they have no friggin' clue what an en dash is. So there is some work to do in typesetting a book, but most of the keystrokes are captured from the author's original Word file. Little rekeying is involved anymore.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:36 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Of course, I was kidding. I am well aware that getting published is not an easy process.
It's helpful to understand what happens, step by step. So, thanks as always, Nathan, for taking the time to share. (Though, wow, I AM a little surprised that this is the first time you've posted this...)
- August 25, 2009 at 6:41 PM
- familysaga said...
Never seen such a description as this all layed out so well. But most importantly I would like to say that I have never seen such wonderful encouragement to the aspiring writers anywhere on the webb. Not one of your blogs display any hint of discouragement and you seem to work so hard while at the same time loving every minute of it. If I wore a hat I'd take it off right now. If I were in your presence I'd dive for a hand shake, and timidly ask for your autograph. (not blushing)
God bless you in all that you do.
- August 25, 2009 at 6:47 PM
A riveting read
- August 25, 2009 at 6:53 PM
- DebraLSchubert said...
OMG. I need a nap.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:00 PM
- Clarity said...
Good. Thanks for the nuts and bolts review. Now I can finish my three masterpieces.
One thing I would ask is, what if the writer wishes to produce work in 2 or 3 genres? Can that make no difference at all, be a positive or prove to be challenging?
This question may need repetition if there is some query form I've missed on here.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Thank you, Nathan. I've just run a mental time line on the process as it applies to an unpublished author under the best of conditions:
Year One: write the damned thing. Stop talking about it and just do it.
Year Two: Do diligent agent shopping
Year Three: Agent does diligent editor shopping
Wild bidding ensues.
Oh, wait, sorry, I had a momentary reality lapse there.
Year Four: The eventual acquisition editor mocks up production budget and "sells" the book internally. Any subsequent contract terms and offers that follow, are based on the projected profit margin.
Year Five: The editing and design process commences.
Year Six: Production and distribution
Year Seven: revenues, maybe.
Many people think that a first book can be written and sold overnight. And almost as many as folks think that publishing a book is synonymous with earning an significant income from it.
Every time I hear some one say "I'm writing a book," I want to say, do you really know what you are letting yourself in for? The only thing that holds me back is that no one likes a buzzkiller.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Thank you, Nathan. I've just run a mental time line on the process as it applies to an unpublished author under the best of conditions:
Year One: write the damned thing. Stop talking about it and just do it.
Year Two: Do diligent agent shopping
Year Three: Agent does diligent editor shopping
Wild bidding ensues.
Oh, wait, sorry, I had a momentary reality lapse there.
Year Four: The eventual acquisition editor mocks up production budget and "sells" the book internally. Any subsequent contract terms and offers that follow, are based on the projected profit margin.
Year Five: The editing and design process commences.
Year Six: Production and distribution
Year Seven: revenues, maybe.
Many people think that a first book can be written and sold overnight. And almost as many as folks think that publishing a book is synonymous with earning an significant income from it.
Every time I hear some one say "I'm writing a book," I want to say, do you really know what you are letting yourself in for? The only thing that holds me back is that no one likes a buzzkiller.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:09 PM
- Clarity said...
Rose, I am sure you don't mean to be a buzzkiller, but perhaps you forget, some of us LOVE to write, simply write.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Regarding the "next book" part of the process--when is it appropriate to bring it up with the publisher that you have another book ready for their consideration? Is it best to wait until the first book is publisshed to mention that you have another one already drafted? Or as soon as the edited first, second, or third draft is done should the writer let them know it is available whenever they'd like to see it?
- August 25, 2009 at 7:16 PM
- Pamala Knight said...
According to THE INTERN, the final steps are earning out your advance and getting a hand-written fan letter from a little old lady in Florida. THEN, you're all set. Welcome to author world.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:19 PM
- Literary Cowgirl said...
Congrats! Don't expect to hear anything too quickly, though. I had a children's publisher ask me to write a PB for them, and I had to wait at least six weeks before hearing back. A year later, and it was going nowhere, fast.
I can't count how many queries I sent out to agents, but none were interested, even though it is a story covering a sadly obscured topic of great social and historical importance (and hopefull, wlll be gobbled right up by North American librarians). I was assigned to an editor, and the publisher is highly award winning, but the truth is that agents don't make enough from PBs. However, that doesn't mean that an agent isn't sometimes necessary, so keep hunting or ask for a rec.
I finally found one in a writer's group. He has been very helpful not only in helping me understand the contract proposal, but in getting my project a few rungs higher on the publisher's priority list. The fact of the matter is, even with PBs, the people who work at publishing companies are very busy people with a million projects to handle. Even if you know what you're talking about in the contract department, the movers and shakers are the ones that get their emails and phone calls returned first.
Best of luck. Please, keep us let us know how your journey goes and when your ms is published!
- August 25, 2009 at 7:23 PM
- T. Anne said...
Thanx. It appears you are the new Noah Lukeman, using your agent superpowers to assist the weary budding authors of the world. The fact your advice is free doesn't hurt either. =) Continue in your awesomeness.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:47 PM
- C.D. Reimer said...
The movies theaters had this commercial (Sprint?) where a screenwriter gets his script accepted, putting up a new flat screen TV, and then picking out a red convertible at the dealership with a new, doe-eyed girlfriend in hand. I hated that commercial.
I'm still waiting for the red convertible and girlfriend stage to happen.
- August 25, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I was just wondering, I'm a first time writer, I say writer because I'm unpublished in any work, and I have ZERO experience in writing. I've completed a fiction novel, and have started on my second, but I'm unsure of what to put on my query letter, when I have no experience. I'm not a college graduate, an English major, nor have I ever won any awards for my work. I am a simple stay at home mom, who had a story to tell and that's what I've done. However, what should I put to get an agents or publishers attention to who I am?
- August 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
You forgot to include the "Author Needs an Advil/Drink/Scream" step while waiting and waiting to progress on to each of the next stages.
Who knew trying to feign feeling calm could be so difficult?
- August 25, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Anon at 4:52 - do not describe your book as a "fiction novel" or else you will likely "queryfail". All novels are "fiction" by definition. Not all books are fiction. :D
- August 25, 2009 at 8:17 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
That's something best discussed with your agent.
That's in the FAQs.
And yeah, like anon@5:17 said, it's just "a novel." I wouldn't reject you solely because you said "fiction novel" but the query wouldn't be getting off to a strong start.
- August 25, 2009 at 8:21 PM
- TC Laverdure said...
What a great post. Got my chi flowing to make my novel a reality. I would like to know more about the editing process.
A few questions I have now are 1) How much control does the author have with the editors? 2) Do editors write books? As an additional question.
Does Nathan Bransford write fiction?
Nice post, muchas gracias.
- August 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM
- Andrew Ross said...
Well put together, Nathan. Unfortunately I feel this model will be obsolete in 3-5 years. Authors will soon write and distribute their novels online. They will be their own agents, pr, marketing, their own brand, if you will. They will use video blogs and social networks to promote their personal brands and art. If they are providing top notch content (fiction/non) they will monetize. Change is coming fast. Be ready.
- August 25, 2009 at 9:05 PM
- Kristi said...
@Literary Cowgirl - thanks and best of luck to you too! I still don't grasp having to write a query for a PB - it took almost as long to write the letter as it did to write the book. Oh well, back to my YA ms....
- August 25, 2009 at 9:07 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Mike Shatzkin actually just posted on this. In the near future the advantage is still going to lie with the mainstream publishers because right now they still offer an unmatched range of services. That may change if there's ever a tipping point to mostly e-books and they become more important than print.
I'll negotiate on behalf of my clients with whomever is delivering the content, whether that's a publisher or an e-distributor. What is keeping me up at night right now isn't that content delivery will change. Piracy is what has me really nervous.
- August 25, 2009 at 9:09 PM
- Strange Fiction said...
Okay. Desperately seeking agent. What would the odds be of one showing up at the ranch one day-- desperately seeking an author? Crud. That's exactly what I thought.
- August 25, 2009 at 9:25 PM
That's something best discussed with your agent."
Alas, I don't have an agent. Just a publisher. I guess I'll just shoot them a note when I have rewritten the thing into the best I can possibly make .
- August 25, 2009 at 9:32 PM
- nkrell said...
Write, publish, repeat. Sounds good to me.
- August 25, 2009 at 9:39 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
If you haven't already, you could also first try and find an agent with your current manuscript. If agents aren't biting, yeah, when it's ready.
- August 25, 2009 at 10:00 PM
- Literary Cowgirl said...
Nathan has some great posts on writing a query. He even has a formula post which I love. And, if your PB took you less time to write than a query would, brace yourself. You'd be surprised how much editors can push you with 1000 words. Revision should be a four letter word. I hope your luck is better than mine. Just like with my Flash Fiction, I find it takes far more editing than my longer work. But then again, my ms deals with a very sensitive topic.
Sorry, but I completely disagree. I don't think that offereing work for free is going to be likely, unless you want to read books by retirees, the unemployed and stay at home moms. Therefore, money will still be involved. I believe that the model will change somewhat, but I think that, especially with internet content and e-readers, advertising may come more into play. Lots of bloggers are making a living this way. Perhaps publishing houses will be linked with advertising firms- firms that want a good strong product to carry their brand. And oh boy, is that ever going to pump up te need for agents. The need for agents actually seems to be growing. I know a verteran, very well known Canadian writer who is shopping for an agent right now. She never had need of one before.
Just my opinion. And then again, maybe I've been whiffing too much horse crap today.
- August 25, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Excellent post, Nathan. I knew it wasn't the stork, all along!
My forthcoming book (a First Page Contest finalist on a certain agent's blog) just passed my editor's muster, and I'm awaiting the proofreading phase.
- August 25, 2009 at 10:28 PM
- Laura Martone said...
C.D. - I LOVE that commercial... because, sadly, it's so true. I've seen many a friend with "principles" sacrifice his/her story and integrity for the accoutrements of wealth and fame. I hope that never happens to me - luckily, I've never been terribly materialistic - but I'm sure it's a great temptation for many people.
My favorite part of that commercial is when the studio exec says the script (which has already been bought by the studio) is too violent... and the screenwriter says "Yeah, it's about Jack the Ripper." Later, all it takes is one look at his hot girlfriend - and he's cool with changing the main character to "Jack the Rapper".
Incidentally, what bothers you about the commercial? The apparent lack of integrity? Or the fact that you don't have a hot car and/or girl of your own yet? Just curious. :-)
- August 25, 2009 at 10:34 PM
- iamfrightenedtoo said...
i would honestly almost rather self publish. even though possibly having to self publish makes me want to be dead. or even become an inde publisher, but that is expensive. who has this money?
not to mention apparently there is more respect from being published through a house than a self pub.
even though when i walk through borders and find hundreds of books that would never ever make it to my shelf. even books in my preferred genre.
agents talk about the slush pile and the no pile, how do half of these books ever make it to the publisher? someone is lying to us somewhere. (kidding) but kind of frustrated. (mostly because my work sucks, but still.)
great blog
- August 25, 2009 at 10:57 PM
- Clarity said...
Hi Nathan,
Variation on a former query: With regards to the second work, if the writer wishes to offer a book of a completely different genre, can that make no difference at all, be a positive or prove to be challenging for the agent?
- August 25, 2009 at 11:27 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
These days: it can definitely be challenging. But it depends on the author and the project.
- August 26, 2009 at 12:14 AM
- Jack Roberts, Annabelle's scribe said...
Well laid out. Thanks!
- August 26, 2009 at 12:31 AM
- coffeelvnmom said...
Excellent post Nathan. The perfect reference for us, and also for writers to send to our family and friends who don't know the specifics of this time-consuming process!
- August 26, 2009 at 1:01 AM
- Kristi said...
@Literary Cowgirl - thanks again. At least now the query is written so I just need to "personalize" it to send other places. I'm the revision Queen left to my own devices - it's probably a means of procrastinating my submissions but we all have our issues.
OK, 3000 words later on my ms and I'm going night night.
- August 26, 2009 at 1:05 AM
- Rissa Watkins said...
Getting a book published is easy peasy then, huh?
My question is when does the writer get paid for the advance in that process? I know you mentioned in previous posts that some publishers are changing when they pay out.
Thanks for another informative post. So glad you are one of the agents I stalk, I mean follow.
- August 26, 2009 at 1:11 AM
- Clarity said...
Thank you Nathan.
- August 26, 2009 at 1:13 AM
- Marilyn Peake said...
Thank you, Nathan, for spelling out the steps involved in the mainstream publication of a book. I'm delighted to discover that these steps are exactly the process I thought existed after reading blogs of agents, editors and mainstream authors and corresponding with authors in writing groups.
I'm also delighted that, within the past few years, I've discovered more and more books written by authors I've met online in bookstores! It's been very exciting. Last night, before going to the movie theater to see PONYO, I wandered into a local Borders bookstore and discovered copies of TWO novels by an author in one of my writing groups on a prominent display table. The book covers also announced that she's now a New York Times Best-selling author. Awesome! I cross my fingers that I'll one day see my own books in bookstores.
- August 26, 2009 at 2:02 AM
- Kia said...
But...I can't face starting another novel. I know it's what authors must do if they want to make a living from their books, but it's almost like giving birth and then immediately trying to get pregnant again... ok, bad analogy but the sentiment is there.
> iamfrightenedtoo
"I would honestly almost rather self publish. even though possibly having to self publish makes me want to be dead."
Don't give up! Keep polishing your work until you ARE proud of it and then start querying. If you find that you can't get an agent, maybe you can try some small presses (NOT 'independent' ones that you pay). If you still don't get anywhere, start another novel. There are so many published authors who only managed to publish with their fifth/tenth/twentieth novel so don't give up!
(Ok, I'm done with the Coach Carter routine.)
- August 26, 2009 at 4:58 AM
- Gina said...
´I don't think that offereing work for free is going to be likely, unless you want to read books by retirees, the unemployed and stay at home moms.´
@LiteraryCowgirl: I do want to read books by these people! I like Frank McCourt and JK Rowling!
- August 26, 2009 at 6:16 AM
Hi Nathan,
I've been wanting to ask: let's imagine a writer is from one of those bizarre countries where the fine occupation of literary agent does basically not exist (yes, France, I mean you). Let's imagine our writer's chosen genre is not quite as popular locally as in English-speaking territories. If our foreign writer bravely decided to attempt writing in English instead of her native language, would an American (or British) agent even consider representing her? Has it ever been done before?
- August 26, 2009 at 6:16 AM
- Gina said...
@B. - my tuppence worth:
If you check out agents in Britain and their client lists you´ll find that it´s done all the time (start here: http://www.writersservices.com/agent/uk09/index.htm )
However, it´s generally agreed that since the demise of the Net Book Agreement (start here, it´s an ok explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_Book_Agreement ) in Britain (and lately also due to the global recession) the publishing industry there is having an even worse time than elsewhere, with the obvious result that even less risks are taken, in particular with debut authors. So you might consider it a better idea to try the US.
- August 26, 2009 at 7:13 AM
- Hat Man said...
This is one way a book gets published. Some of our best books were self published. Thoreau's Cape Cod for example.
The other way is to publish it yourself. This is not anymore necessarily a road to oblivion.
If you want to learn more about the future of publishing, email me at firstname.lastname@example.com
- August 26, 2009 at 8:06 AM
- T.Wolfe said...
I guess I have a question ...
Is it a good idea to have all the books in a series done before you look for an agent or is it okay to start the process with just one of the books finished?
Each book has closure it is just that the last book finishes the main overlying theme.
- August 26, 2009 at 8:51 AM
- Lydia Sharp said...
So that's what you were doing over the weekend, instead of responding to your avalanche of e-mails? Tsk tsk.
But seriously, this is an excellent post.
You say the submission process can take anywhere from a week to a year or more. Just out of curiosity, what's the average wait time you've experienced with the authors you currently represent?
Also, can you clarify this (or perhaps give an example): "Sometimes the offer will be for one book or sometimes the offer will be for multiple books." In the case of multiple books, does that mean multiple book proposals were submitted (I'm assuming, in any case, that only one MS goes out), or does this mean that the publisher wants to see a series, or the like?
- August 26, 2009 at 9:06 AM
- Sarah Erber said...
Great post Nathan!
I always love reading solid information that's put simply. *Smiles*
- August 26, 2009 at 10:33 AM
- Beth said...
Great info. I'm printing this out. THANKS.
Just finished my debut women's fiction novel, am in the editing phase and hired a professional editor. Was that a good move?
- August 26, 2009 at 11:02 AM
- Mira said...
Marilyn, I hope so too! How bizzare that award winnning works aren't in bookstores. Although, so many people buy from Amazon now, that at least your books are still accessible.
Nathan, thanks for this. I learned alot. Sometimes you don't even know what you don't know.
- August 26, 2009 at 11:15 AM
- SZ said...
Thank you for another great and imformative post !
Do you need an agent to submit short stories ? Any thoughts from you or your readers on the idea of writing a short story then maybe the novel at a later date if well recieved ?
- August 26, 2009 at 11:59 AM
- wranglerdani said...
Wow! Great post. This is super helpful.
So, forgive if this has been covered, but about how many pages should one send for a nonfiction proposal? How much of a nonfiction MS should be completed before you query? Sorry if these seem obvious... I'm new to this whole gig. :)
- August 26, 2009 at 12:51 PM
- Literary Cowgirl said...
to use your analogy, I'm not sure anyone is ready to commit to the time and effort of having another baby right away, but the fun is in the "trying", even if that's all it is.
Great stuff! Keep going! Can't wait to see you in print.
- August 26, 2009 at 12:51 PM
- crow productions said...
I enjoy your blog. I have a math question. If there are more writers than readers how many agents are there?
- August 26, 2009 at 12:59 PM
- Literary Cowgirl said...
Gina, ok, great point. But how many more works would they have been able to produce? And, I poke fun because I am a stay at home mom who is finally abe to write seriously, because I'm unemployed (except by three little tyrants, their father, and our spread of critters).
- August 26, 2009 at 1:03 PM
- Reesha said...
Thanks for the link in the comments, Nathan. Great stuff.
Reading over this process never gets old. It excites me every time I imagine myself getting there and going through each delicious step, even rejection.
Can't wait 'til my book is polished enough for me to start querying.
Books, books, books! Read 'em and write 'em! yay!
Also, Literary Cowgirl, your name is awesome and it sounds like your life is great. Can I live vicariously through you?
- August 26, 2009 at 1:53 PM
- Agent Smith Smith said...
haha this is great :D thx
- August 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
- Literary Cowgirl said...
Reesha, thanks. You are definitely free to, but it isn't all as glamorous as it sounds. I mostly scrub chicken crap off of eggs, run lunch to the tractor, and try to put three little ones under 6 to sleep in the truck, because I'm hauling hay out of the field late into the night (last night). But, the in betweens are amazing, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
- August 26, 2009 at 5:44 PM
- Andrew Ross said...
look at what the ipod did to cds. soon an e-reader (tablet? who knows) is going to do the same to the publishing industry, let alone tv. and as soon as a device comes along like this for tv, a massive cultural (and advertising $$) shift is going to be devestating for those not already in position with online (video) content. go e-books!
- August 26, 2009 at 6:35 PM
- Ian said...
Fantabulous! You're providing a valuable resource, Nathan. Many thanks.
- August 27, 2009 at 3:03 AM
Good bits of information both, thank you! I am somewhat reassured. By which I mean, I know my endeavor is this side of crazy, but at least I'm not alone in this.
- August 27, 2009 at 6:05 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
I'm sorry, those last two comments are fishy. If the authors want to e-mail me to convince me otherwise please feel free.
- August 28, 2009 at 1:45 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Whoops - for those viewing comments I meant two deleted comments, not Ian's and B's.
- August 28, 2009 at 1:46 PM
KNCA - Question here for Nathan or anyone who knows... What are the differences in duties between content editing and "book doctoring?" Thanks in advance!
- August 31, 2009 at 4:24 AM
Content editing is for books that need restructuring, redevelopment, content added or deleted. The editor with suggest reorganizing of information, add new material, change where artwork is placed and improve the clarity of writing. It is close to book coaching but is targeted at the words. Book coaching is higher level.
- September 1, 2009 at 1:34 PM
- Cat_d_Fifth said...
Hi Nathan, First of all, thankg for all these tips and info... they're really invaluable!
I've just finished my first manuscript, and am wondering whether agents only want to see a polished manuscript that has been professionally edited, or whether they're open to seeing work self-edited by authors and may not be quite as polished as it could be. After all, the work will be edited further by the publisher's editor, right?
- October 22, 2009 at 11:50 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Hi Cat, there's a post on that in the FAQs.
- October 23, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Ok so let's say that I have finished and polished my international best seller (and I assure you it will be), it's on the shelves and I am being dubbed the next Stephenie Meyer x Stephen King x Dean Koonz x Dan Brown (LOL). I as the author can't wait to see the movie. How would the author/agent/editor/publisher go about pitching movie directors (or whoever it is that turns a book into a movie)?
Sorry about the absense of monkies but my MC kept eating them.
- October 26, 2009 at 5:27 AM
So what's the best age to look for a literary agent? When where's a good place to look?
I'm 12yrs old I'm in the middle of writing 2 books and I've got 15 other book idea's. Would some people take pity on me just because I'm 12?
- November 1, 2009 at 12:58 AM
- Linda Randall said...
I love your blog, I was doing research on Wall Street Journal Best Sellers, trying to figure out who Stephen King's Literary Agent is, and there's no INFO anywhere.
I blog about writing novels, fashion news, movie and book reviews and I have an Entertainment site as well.
I've written several manuscripts (unpublished) and I'm working on building a platform as a writer, studying the marketing and promotional side of writing, authors and publishing, before I send out queries. :)
- December 7, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Hello Nathan,
Your blog and information is very helpful and greatly appreciated. My question is: should I get a lawyer or anything copyrighted before I start sending agents query letters/partial/entire manuscripts? In other words....how can it be guaranteed that no one will steal my ideas or book?
Thank you so much for all of your help.
- December 14, 2009 at 4:44 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Please consult the blog FAQs.
- December 14, 2009 at 4:45 PM
I am just beginning to learn how to have a manuscript published. Could you please answer - sure to be a stupid question - if it should be copyrighted before it goes to the agent.
Your sight has been truly helpful.
- January 20, 2010 at 6:08 PM
- william ball said...
Hey Nathan,
I have a publisher who is willing to work with me but they say I need to have my manuscript formatted correctly as far as dialogue goes. Who do I get to do this? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
- January 20, 2010 at 6:15 PM
- Dan said...
Thank you so much for all this information. It's so helpful for writers who are trying to make sense of the industry. The layout of your website is great too. It's extremely user-friendly.
Looking forward to your next blog!
- January 20, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Do you personally require a manuscript to be completed before sending a query to you?
- April 10, 2010 at 10:11 PM
- Deepa said...
Hey Nathan,
Thanks for the really simple explanation on the process, helped an awful lot!
I have a question regardint location... barriers. Do I have to be us resident to get a book published here? or get an agent here?
- April 21, 2010 at 10:09 AM
- thewritestuff said...
Great read, Nathan. I have a question about how editors and agents look at a manuscript(s). I have a 100,000 word fantasy story for middle grade readers. Yes, I know that's way too long. If I break it up into three books, do I pitch only the first book, or all three books as a series? Thanks for your input.
- April 21, 2010 at 10:03 PM
- 2 Ply Parachutes said...
Damn...glad i stumbled across this blog. Just surfed on in.
You have an almost eery ability to clarify questions and cover topics that have been treading water in my melon for some time.
I know this is an older post, can't wait to browse everything else you have up. Its like discovering your first Dylan album and realizing you're just getting started.
OK...maybe its not quite THAT cool, but you get my point.
Anyway, great blog.
Its almost feels wrong that this information is so easily accessible.
Or maybe it feels right.
I'm gunna double down on "right".
God I love the internet.
I'm going to stop typing now.
- May 5, 2010 at 12:56 PM
How do you get an agent any way I understand the rest of it but, how you get an agent and how do you write a query letter any way? Sorry these are probably really stupid questions but i'm a 15 year old with a book that has 70,422 words on her hands and wants to get it taken care of.
- June 22, 2010 at 1:47 AM
- Nithin R S said...
Is there any scope for poetry?
- June 27, 2010 at 6:51 AM
Typesetting has now been folded into the design part of the process. The look of the page vis a vie the font, spacing, and margins is part of the design.
- July 23, 2010 at 7:48 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Thanks, anon.
- July 23, 2010 at 7:52 PM
- Jeff Shear said...
What happens within the publishing house after an agent has submitted a manuscript to an editor who wants his or her company to take the project on? What is the process that leads up to a contract offer. How are pages and payments worked out; is this SOP?
- July 30, 2010 at 10:00 AM
- jessi said...
I am curious what the ratio of query letters to request for partials is. If an agent responds to a query and asks for a partial, is the author more likely to get published than all the other people submitting queries? Or do agents ask for partials and decide against going any further all the time?
I have recently had an agent request a partial, and while my friends and family are ecstatic and can't wait to hear more, I feel very cautious about getting my hopes up.
- August 31, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Nathan, what if I sign with an agent and they don't sell the book? At what point am I allowed to find another agent and let them try?
- September 5, 2010 at 11:31 AM
I've finished my book, I think it is polished. I'm so afraid at this point. Afraid that it stinks. Because how do you be objective about your own work? I mean, I think it's good, but will anyone else?
I can't seem to get up the nerve to send that first query.
- September 5, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Very useful post Nathan
I Have two questions
a) How serious are literary agencies when they reject your submissions with sugar coated words- interesting ideas, great plot, good writing etc
b) To what extent the writing is done by the editors in terms of removing the typos, improving the language grammar etc
- September 9, 2010 at 4:18 AM
Very useful post Nathan
I Have two questions
a) How serious are literary agencies when they reject your submissions with sugar coated words- interesting ideas, great plot, good writing etc
b) To what extent the writing is done by the editors in terms of removing the typos, improving the language grammar etc
- September 9, 2010 at 4:18 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
- September 9, 2010 at 9:35 AM
- Jennifer Shepherd said...
For novelists and children's book authors, publishing the traditional way may make sense. If you want to make money immediately after launching, however, and you write non-fiction, Ebook publishing and self-publishing print books through a program like Amazon's Createspace can work well. Also, if you publish technical manuals, creating your Ebook as a simple PDF file and selling it can be a great way to retain ALL your profits.
These days publishing houses have very little time/money/personnel available to promote a non-celebrity's book, so the promotional efforts all fall on the shoulder of the author. If you're going to be doing all the promotion yourself, and, presumably, a lot of this would be happening through stuff you do online with your own website, then marketing your own work can be a much more profitable, quick, and fun way to reach your audience - ASAP! :)
- December 9, 2010 at 12:03 PM
- Kaete Mariaca said...
To add to Jennifer's comment - yes, self-publishing eBooks can be highly profitable and lots of fun (though please hire an editor ;). CreateSpace is not the only place to self-publish. Google Books, which opened on December 17, is a great platform for self-published eBook authors, as is Amazon, though you have to convert your book to DTP, which is now very easy to do on their website.
One recommendation I didn't see here in the whole "how to get published" process, though Jennifer alluded to it, is the importance of writers, whether going the traditional or the eBook route, to build a platform.
Building a platform of eager-to-get-their-hands-on-your-book readers is essential, and fairly easy to accomplish. Besides, when you write your query letters, it is always nice to be able to include something along the lines of, "And I have 1,000 daily visitors to my author blog."
- January 13, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Nathan, I have a vague recollection of looking into publishing a novel when I was much younger and thinking that process seemed quite intimidating. However, as of late it doesn't seem to be all that frightening and to be sure I think that your post has helped alleviate some of that fear.
Also, I'm nearer the end than the beginning with the first draft of my first novel so I'm keenly aware of how much further I really have to go. So in spite of my lack of experience with the process from beginning to end I do realize it's a long road ahead but I have to emphasize what some others have written here, it makes me exited.
Finally, I have no allusions that getting one novel published will bring me great riches but it's one of things I can say that I did. I figure even if I only ever complete a second draft and try to get it published then I can say I tried.
I kind of feel that way about the novel I recently adapted into a screenplay. I keep it in view at all times to remind of how much I can actually accomplish when I actually try. Sometime soon I hope to add my novel to that pile.
- March 3, 2011 at 4:13 PM
Hello Natha.
Thank you for writing sich a useful blog.
I published a lot of VERY popular stories on Fanfiction.net.
I was wondering if it was worth mentioning it in my query letter?
- May 6, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Hi Nathan,
Thanks for all the great information. Once a contract is signed, is the author free to speak openly about the contents of the book before publication? Also, for marketing purposes, how much can the publishers reveal before publication?
Thanks a lot,
- January 9, 2012 at 9:22 PM
- BKent said...
Calling ALL Writers! Write for the "Book Times" and get published online! Read more: http://bkwritersblock.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-times.html
- February 1, 2012 at 4:02 PM
- Michelle Worthington - Author said...
The journey doesnt end with your book getting published, the work is just beginning. Keep motivated and focused on sharing your passion with the world.
- February 4, 2012 at 8:05 AM
THat was cool
- February 13, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Uhmmm... Lets say I'm a really young author. Just imagine if I were like 10? So can I still get a book published?
- February 26, 2012 at 9:00 AM
How does one become an editor?
- May 10, 2012 at 9:32 PM
- Katie Aiken Ritter said...
Nathan, thank you so much for this post!
I've revised my novel at my agent's request before she pitches it to publishers--and I've been frustrated wondering what the process is and how long it should take.
What can I do to NOT drive her crazy in the meantime? It feels as if everything takes so long--for my revisions to be read, for the agency to be satisfied...for the pitch to even start. Is it helpful to nudge every now and then, or just plain annoying?
I'm learning be patient, be patient, be patient...that the summer bestseller I envisioned last autumn ain't happenin' that fast!...but I sometimes worry that I'm so far down on her priority list that I'm miniscule.
Which is probably nuts. But thanks for any advice or encouragement on the timeline question above.
- May 17, 2012 at 11:27 AM
I started writing my own books when I was about 8 or 9. I got a lot of insparation to start writing books from my best friend.
- July 10, 2012 at 6:08 PM
- David Yearwood said...
This is powerful I can now write the book I am saying no to for a long time.
- August 31, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Hi I am not a writer but am looking for the proper channels to take to get my story out to the public. This happened to me and each time I tell it to people the typical reaction is that could be a movie. It involves an IVF (in Vitro Fertilization) treatment and my x-wife. I have the best intentions for geting this story out but need help.
Could some one point me in the right direction Please.
God bless
- November 30, 2012 at 3:44 AM
Thanks Nathan for a great set of posts. Few questions for you and other visitors.
1. How much of content suggestions come - something like, its better to have another view point here or quote your source et al. and at what phase/stage?
2. I see lot of books which have extremely high level of citations. Is it usually authors who go through all of them painstakingly? or is there someone who carries out research based on the objective stated by the author?
3. Is it common for say jr. editors (or someone else maybe) to suggest alternative words. I mean you could have a writer with solid content but is weak in vocab, which means lot of such suggestions.
- February 13, 2013 at 3:42 PM
How is it that some authors are able to bang out 3 books in one year (trilogy)? I noticed you posted from final manuscript to release of the book can take at least a year or more.
- September 5, 2014 at 6:40 PM
It is obvious in our day that anyone with any kind of audience (radio/tv/music) gets an automatic book deal.
This should suggest to most "writers" who want to be published, to have a subject that crosses easily over into mass media. John Grisham does this unashamedly and very well while Steven King does not. This shift in taste also means that writers will cater to internet audiences like in the massively popular (frontpage news now) spookypasta. Millenials do not care about your outline to success when everything and anything is instantly published online, read, critiqued and re-printed ad nauseum. Payment comes in many forms depending on what "writers" are looking for: fame, infamey, ad clicks, hard book deals, movie deals, recognition by anyone they care about.
- September 8, 2014 at 2:09 AM
- Deborah S. Nelson said...
About that typesetting comment...Many processes today in digital publishing still use that older terminology including typesetting, the book layout, galleys, plates, press check. With digital printing, we use the keyboard for typsetting, what was once the book layout is now the digital file, the plates equal the master file set up if the book is print on demand, the press check is an interior digital review. Since I now work in self-publishing, instead of a contract we use an Intent to Publish Agreement (with ourselves and/or publishing coach.) Great article, very thorough and interesting!
- October 8, 2014 at 6:58 PM
This is sort of like a primer on how a book gets published in an ideal world that no longer exists. For beginning writers, it can be almost impossible to get an agent and the agent you are likely to get will be some faker who is more of an obstacle than a help. Then you are not only being ignored by publishers, you are being ignored by your agency even before you get to any publishers. I am an editor and even though we say we want agented mss just to cut down the traffic, the fact is I accept lots of mss direct from authors. The 2 main things an agent does is tell you if your ms is any good then if it is pester editors to read it. Some agents will also help you spruce up a flawed ms. to make it more appealing to publishers. But if you can also make all this happen yourself. You can polish your ms by workshopping it in a writers' group or working on it with an editor you contact yourself (there are reputable editing associations). Then you can start submitting it to independent presses that accept direct manuscripts and also many presses like mine that say they don't but really do if it looks good enough. Don't send out one mss and wait for six months for a response. Spend a lot of time making up a really professional, really hot really short submission package. Get blurbs from published writers if you know any. Put the best possible spin on things. Then send it out to 20 publishers at a time, re-contacting them every 3 weeks in a nice but persistent way. That's what agents do! This is hard and frustrating work but it is not easy to become a legitimately published writer these days and this is often the only way you can get your start.
- October 28, 2014 at 12:01 PM
Thanks for the info. I enjoyed reading the post and all the comments below it. this is helpful since I am just starting out. At least now I know a general starting point and can feel confident when I send out Query letters and go for an agent.
- November 14, 2014 at 2:09 PM
I'm laughing at the comments regarding, "why doesn't the writer start writing book 2 the minute book 1 is sent off to the agent/publisher" and the variant, "but some of us looo-oove to write" - well, my first novel is just at the stage of being read by publishers and I have been writing it while working full time in a very stressful job for about three years - including all the rewrites. This means writing all weekend, every weekend, plus a couple of hours each evening for as long as I can remember. I am burned out, people! No brain cells left! it's going to take me a good few months for anything even vaguely creative to start welling up again!
- January 22, 2015 at 10:15 AM
Great Website
- August 15, 2015 at 8:17 PM
Great information. I now know how a book gets published!
- August 20, 2015 at 1:52 PM
Thanks I am ten and I found this very informitive. Also I am wrighting a ficton book
- March 7, 2016 at 5:23 PM
You gave so much info
- March 7, 2016 at 5:25 PM
Thanks,now it seems even more discouraging, but I'll not think about it until I get there ( maybe ).
- June 12, 2016 at 2:30 PM
- Sheri Douglas said...
First time writer here. Should I get my book edited for errors (grammar and the such) first before looking for a literary agent? Or would an agent help me with that as well? Everyone keeps saying to have it done before looking, but how "done" should the book be first? I love my baby but I don't want to spend 5 years polishing it up if it's not worth it, wouldn't an agent be able to tell me this before I potentially waste all that time?
- June 23, 2017 at 12:19 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Hi Sheri,
Here's my post on that: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/10/should-you-pay-someone-to-edit-your.html
Also, if you decide you want to go the paid route, I'm offering edits and consultations: firstname.lastname@example.com
- June 23, 2017 at 10:35 AM


text:
File Not Found
Our Apologies
The document you requested does not exist on this server or cannot be served.
Please double check the URL or use the search function located at the top of every page to find what you are looking for.
If you know you have the correct URL but are encountering an error, please contact us. Thank you.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Truth About Obama-Era Inequality
Maybe it's the Christmas season. But when December rolls around, President Obama's thoughts seem to turn to income inequality.
On December 6, 2011, he gave what the White House billed as a "defining" speech on the subject in Osawatomie, Kansas, site of a historic address by Teddy Roosevelt on "New Nationalism."
In the 2011 speech, Obama began by painting a portrait of the 1950s and 1960s as an ideal period in American history, highlighting "values" that "gave rise to the largest middle class and the strongest economy that the world has ever known."
"Every American shared in that pride and in that success," he added.
It was a remarkable portrait of an American fantasy rooted in Ozzie and Harriet, not history. For a large swath of the country, the president was describing the Jim Crow era, when as an African-American, Obama would have likely found it difficult to vote and his economic prospects severely hindered.
When Obama hailed "the most productive workers" of that period, he was including the Hispanic migrant laborers working for far less than $1 an hour. He also was describing a time when that "glass ceiling" for women like his mother was much lower, and they made just 60 percent of what men made.
The president contrasted that era with today's "shrinking middle class." He called income inequality the "defining issue of our time."
The speech was delivered in front of a largely white, middle-class audience.
Now it's December 2013, and the president has given another speech on income inequality. This one was in Washington, in front of a liberal group, and this time his vision of history was a bit different. As if criticizing his earlier remarks in front of the Kansas audience, he said:
"Now, we can't look at the past through rose-colored glasses. The economy didn't always work for everyone. Racial discrimination locked millions out of poverty—or out of opportunity. Women were too often confined to a handful of often poorly paid professions."
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- Italian Woman Says British Doctors Forced Her to Have a C-Section, Took Her Baby
- Why Obamacare Could Help the Democrats in 2014
- America's Honor Killing Epidemic
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


text:
Obama: I Make the Drone Decisions
At a highly anticipated speech on counterterrorism this afternoon, President Obama announced reforms that would dramatically ratchet down the administration's drone program. But one thing that will not change, two highly placed administration sources tell The Daily Beast, is Obama's singular involvement in making individual kill decisions—this despite the fact that the military made an aggressive push to wrest back control over final targeting calls from the commander in chief.
In fact, it is likely that Obama's role in deciding who will die and who will be spared will actually increase over time. That is because Obama has decided to transfer the CIA's targeted-killing program to the U.S. military. Since the beginning of Obama's presidency, the government has run parallel programs, one housed at the CIA and the other run by the Pentagon. While Obama had broadly signed off on the CIA's targeted-killing program through a presidential finding for covert action, he did not authorize individual killings except in rare instances. But from the outset of his presidency, Obama personally insisted that he make the final decision on the military's kill or capture orders, so-called direct action operations. Obama wanted to assume the moral responsibility for what were in effect premeditated government executions. But sources familiar with Obama's thinking say he also wanted to personally exercise supervision over lethal strikes away from conventional battlefields to avoid getting embroiled in new wars. As responsibility for targeted strikes in places like Yemen, Somalia, and, over time, Pakistan shifts to the military's Joint Special Operations Command, Obama will be the final decider for the entire program.
Read the full story at The Daily Beast
More Headlines From The Daily Beast:
© 2013 The Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


text:
Britney Spears' 'Smurfs' single to drop on Monday
Listen to Britney Spears on iHeartRadio
Britney Spears is telling fans to tune into "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" on Monday to be the first to hear her new song. The star has recorded a track for the upcoming "Smurfs" sequel called "Ooh La La."
She tweeted the announcement on Thursday, after teasing fans with lyrics and a shot from the song's video over the weekend.
When Britney became involved with the movie earlier this year, she said she'd be dedicating the song to her two young sons, Sean and Jayden, who she called "the biggest Smurf fans ever" in a statement.
My boys' dream is about to come true! Wait until ya'll see the #OohLaLaVideo Nobody loves The Smurfs more than my boys.... :)— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) June 14, 2013
Alright people, the news is that the single is coming on Monday! Make sure to listen to @OnAirWithRyan in the AM :) #BritneyOohLaLaMonday— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) June 14, 2013
So baby come with me and be my #OohLALA :) Shout out to #MarcKlasfeld for an amazing job today pic.twitter.com/dYxrWE8dm2— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) June 8, 2013
Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Ricci, Sofia Vergara and Katy Perry are all back providing voices for "Smurfs 2," which hits theaters on July 31st.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Find great fares for travel across Emirates' worldwide network. See a selection of our latest fares on offer below – or start a search now to find the best fares for your preferred itinerary.
Simply select your location from the menu below to see what offers are available.
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Handmade in the USA, the Piston Flag Bandana features original Iron and Resin artwork from California.
- 2 sided original hand printed Iron & Resin graphic
- Signature blood red overlock edge stitch
- 60cm x 60cm
All UK PURCHASES OF A TOTAL VALUE OF £50 OR MORE CAN ENJOY FREE SHIPPING.
All UK PURCHASES OF A TOTAL VALUE OF £100 OR MORE CAN ENJOY FREE RETURNS.
All UK orders that total less than £50 will be charged £4.92. We offer discounted international delivery because we absorb some of the delivery costs to all international destinations so you get the very best value. Please note that non EU customers do not pay VAT. Examples of international delivery costs can be found on our delivery information page. Please note that internatonal customers are repsonsible for any import duties that may be payable and to ensure that the products you have ordered can be imported into your country.
All UK customers receive a 1hr delivery window by text and email (if provided) for your convenience and improved first time delivery success.
All items that are in stock will be dispatched the same day for next day delivery in the UK. International deliveries will take longer. If an item isn't in stock you will receive an email to let you know when to expect to receive it.
Our prices are the most competitive around, and we regularly check our prices to keep it that way. That's why we will promise that should you find any of our products at a lower price anywhere else, we'll match that price AND give you a free thermal neck collar worth £14.99. So rest assured you can buy from us with confidence. If you have found this product cheaper elsewhere please email us. More information can be found in our T&Cs.


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PHOTOS: Luke Bryan's wife trashes her wedding dress
Listen to Luke Bryan on iHeartRadio
Here comes the bride, all dressed in white ... and rib sauce?!
Luke Bryan's wife Caroline Bryan, and Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney's wife Tiffany Fallon took part in a "Trash the Dress" photo shoot, and the ladies are seen doing everything from fishing to drinking beer to eating ribs - all in wedding attire.
Check it out:


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WATCH: Stuart Scott, Michael Sam present inspiring speeches at 2014 ESPYs
(Yahoo!) The ESPYs are, at most times, an all-but-irrelevant exercise in self-promotion and self-congratulation. But every so often, the show rises above the cringeworthy and touches on something deeper. On Wednesday night, the St. Louis Rams' Michael Sam and ESPN Sportscenter anchor Stuart Scott provided two meaningful, inspirational moments in their speeches accepting awards.
Sam spoke of how he hopes to use the example of the late Arthur Ashe to inspire others:
Scott, who has battled cancer for several years, spoke of the challenges in fighting and the determination to beat cancer by living well:
Outstanding work on both accounts. More than makes up for Drake's hosting. Well done, gentlemen.
PHOTO: Getty Images


text: An Economy Class that is simply smarter Video has no narration, no audio description We have challenged the norms to deliver choice and comfort, and bring a sense of spontaneity, surprise and fun back to travel. Offering warm hospitality and a more personal style of service, our aim is to deliver an Economy Class experience that surpasses expectations and delights our guests. After all, we believe that in any journey, getting there should be half the fun!


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How 'Glee' will handle Cory Monteith's Death
(Yahoo!) - As the cast and crew of "Glee" still mourn Cory Monteith's untimely death, they are going back to work on the show that made him a star.
At the Television Critics Association Thursday morning, Fox Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly said that the season's third episode, slated for Oct. 10, will write out Monteith's character, Finn Hudson. And it will "deal directly with the drug abuse" that led to Monteith's passing, though Reilly would not confirm if Finn dies from drugs.
#Glee will write Finn off the show in a way that directly addresses Cory Monteith's own struggle with addiction http://t.co/CZHiWNpUNo— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) August 1, 2013
Reilly praised star Lea Michele, Monteith's girlfriend on and off camera, for being a "pillar of strength" even as she grieves. She was the first one to urge the "Glee" team to return to work.
As for Reilly's reaction to Monteith's drug addiction and death, he noted that the actor had been "very open about it in his past, but not as open about his present." And unlike other situations where a cast member struggled with addiction, Reilly said, Monteith "was not a problem. Everybody loved him."
Reilly held off on any more specific details about the episode, as the writers are still penning it. But he did reveal that it will be accompanied by special drug-related PSAs shot by creator Ryan Murphy and cast members. And all proceeds from music sales will go to a fund in Monteith's name.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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6 Biggest Election Day Races
(NEWSER) – It's Election Day, and the media appear to agree that the biggest story is the Virginia governor's race. Democrat Terry McAuliffe is up against Republican Ken Cuccinelli; McAuliffe has been leading in the polls, but it's very close—we're talking a single digit margin, for the most part. McAuliffe has painted Cuccinelli as a Tea Partier, linked him to the government shutdown, and made hay out of his support of anti-abortion "personhood" laws. In turn, Cuccinelli has linked McAuliffe to ObamaCare and highlighted the federal investigations into an electric car company he co-founded. Libertarian Robert Sarvis has seen a significant amount of support in polls, and could act as a spoiler. If McAuliffe wins, it will be notable: Since 1977, no one in the same party as the sitting president has been elected governor in Virginia. More races to watch, by way of USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, and the Wall Street Journal:
- New Jersey: The only other state to elect its governor the year after a presidential election. Chris Christie is overwhelmingly likely to win re-election, so the real story here is whether his 2016 presidential campaign will effectively be launched today. (If you absolutely need more details: Christie is running against Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono, and he's hoping to become the first Republican in the state since 1985 to get more than 50% of the vote in a statewide race.)
- New York City: With Michael Bloomberg leaving the mayor's office after three terms, Democrat Bill de Blasio and Republican Joe Lhota are vying to fill his shoes. De Blasio has a huge lead in the polls, and would be the first Democrat elected mayor of the city since 1989. He's promising to raise taxes on those making more than $500,000 per year in order to fund a universal pre-kindergarten program and to put an end to the city's controversial "stop and frisk" searches.


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Conservative activist James O'Keefe claims Cuomo is trying to run him out of NY
Do extreme conservatives pranksters and videographers have no place in New York State either?
Late last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ignited a firestorm of criticism in right-wing media when he told a public radio host that "extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay … have no place in the State of New York."
Cuomo was referring to the prospects of far-right political candidates in the deeply Democratic Empire State, not the prospects of his own far right constituents. Nevertheless, conservative talkers like Sean Hannity said they were moving out of state, conservative bloggers called for a boycott of state businesses and products, and New York Republicans demanded an apology.
Now James O'Keefe, the conservative activist whose deceptively edited videos helped bring down ACORN and led to the resignation of top brass at National Public Radio, says that Cuomo's administration is in fact trying to run him out of the state.
O'Keefe's organization, Project Veritas, has had its headquarters in Westchester County, just north of New York City, since 2011. And O'Keefe says that the state's Department of Labor is now demanding two and a half years worth of financial and payroll documents and threatening them with a subpoena.
"Despite the fact that Project Veritas's finances are meticulously maintained to the penny, Governor Cuomo and the New York Department of Labor is on a witch-hunt, demanding all documents and financials since our founding," reads a post on the group's website. "This is nothing more than meritless, politically-driven targeting. Governor Cuomo said it himself–we don't belong in New York."
According to O'Keefe, the group compiled the requested documents for a meeting scheduled last December. However, compliance officials from the Department of Labor failed to appear.
According to Jennifer Ridgely, a spokeswoman for Project Veritas, the inquiry has to with whether or not employees with the group are classified as full-time or contract labor.
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- Remembering Ma Laureys, the Mother of 10 Christie Slandered to Win His First Election
- It's 1,000 Days Too Early to Talk Hillary vs. Christie for President
- Can a Tweet Put You in Prison? It Certainly Will in the UK
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


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Just when I was thinking I'd like to give away some more of my handmade toys I stumble across the bloggy giveaways carnival.
Anyone can enter. Leave a comment. I'll choose the winner by random number draw when the carnival is over.
Edit: The winner will get to help me decide what to make for their prize. I make crochet toys. The second commenter asked me if I make up my own patterns. The two toys below were based on someone else's patterns (the alien from crochetme and the bunny from the Lion Brand yarn free patterns "Best Bunny") but I changed them up a bit. For example, the alien's body was a pattern, but the eyeball was all me. The bunny was based on a pattern, but the stripes were me (not changed up much in that case, I'm afraid). But I do sometimes make up my own patterns and I'd be happy to for this contest. Sign up, win, and we'll talk about what you'd like. It'll take me a week or two to make the toy(s) and I'll pay the shipping.
These are the toys I made for the winner of my last giveaway.
For more giveaways, click on the bloggy giveaways logo.
This is going to be fun!


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Time for Obama to Admit He Was Wrong and Start Fixing the Economy
One thing you can say about Barack Obama: the man can deliver a great speech.
So it's interesting, if not downright fascinating, that the White House has chosen to highlight his 2005 Commencement Speech at Knox College. This is a mediocre speech filled with clichés of the moment lifted from airport bookshelves. "As Tom Friedman points out in his new book, The World Is Flat," Senator Obama intones, "over the last decade or so, these forces—technology and globalization—have combined like never before. Now business not only has the ability to move jobs wherever there's a factory, but wherever there's an internet connection."
Tom Friedman? This theme of a changing economy is utterly standard fare for Republicans and Democrats, repeated endlessly with no particular insight. It's not terrible, just predictable and uninspiring.
But according to a breathless missive from White House flak Dan Pfeiffer, this dull speech from an obscure Senator is of historical import. "Eight years ago, not long after he was elected to the United States Senate, President Obama went to Knox College in his home state of Illinois where he laid out his economic vision for the country."
Really? This cult like elevation of the banal to the extraordinary resembles the great comic film Galaxy Quest, in which another planet has built a civilization around intercepted episodes of the Star Trek television show. The well intentioned but hapless aliens don't understand that it's just…. a show.
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- Brokest Cities in America: Los Angeles, Chicago, and more
- Decoding Anthony Weiner's Sexts: A Critical Reading
- Don't Repeal Any Laws, Repeal John Boehner
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC
Photo: Getty Images


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Homeless, mentally ill veteran 'baked to death' while neglected in jail cell
A mentally ill homeless man and Marine veteran was found dead in his Rikers Island jail cell, where he apparently succumbed to the 100 degree temperature generated by malfunctioning equipment.
The homeless man, 56-year-old Jerome Murdough, was arrested for trespassing after he spent the night sleeping inside the stairwell of a Harlem housing project. He was taking anti-psychotic medicine, which may have made him more susceptible to extreme heat, according to the Associated Press.
After an equipment malfunction, the temperature in his cell rose to 100 degrees. While the exact cause of death has not yet been released, anonymous officials said the heat was clearly to blame.
"He basically baked to death," said an anonymous jail official.


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|Synopsis Home
|Luke Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapters 19 and 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 24
The scope of Luke's gospel: the mediator, the Son of man revealing God in delivering grace
The Gospel of Luke sets the Lord before us in the character of Son of man, revealing God in delivering grace among men. Hence the present operation of grace and its effect are more referred to, and even the present time prophetically, not the substitution of other dispensations as in Matthew, but of saving heavenly grace. At first, no doubt (and just because He is to be revealed as man, and in grace to men), we find Him, in a prefatory part in which we have the most exquisite picture of the godly remnant, presented to Israel, to whom He had been promised, and in relationship with whom He came into this world; but afterwards this Gospel presents moral principles which apply to man, whosoever he may be, whilst yet manifesting Christ for the moment in the midst of that people. This power of God in grace is displayed in various ways in its application to the wants of men. After the transfiguration, which is recounted earlier in the narration by Luke* than in the other Gospels, we find the judgment of those who rejected the Lord, and the heavenly character of the grace which, because it is grace, addresses itself to the nations, to sinners, without any particular reference to the Jews, overturning the legal principles according to which the latter pretended to be, and as to their external standing were originally called at Sinai to be, in connection with God. Unconditional promises to Abraham, etc., and prophetic confirmation of them, are another thing. They will be accomplished in grace, and were to be laid hold of by faith. After this, we find that which should happen to the Jews according to the righteous government of God; and, at the end, the account of the death and resurrection of the Lord, accomplishing the work of redemption. We must observe that Luke (who morally sets aside the Jewish system, and who introduces the Son of man as the man before God, presenting Him as the One who is filled with all the fulness of God dwelling in Him bodily, as the man before God, according to His own heart, and thus as Mediator between God and man, and centre of a moral system much more vast than that of Messiah among the Jews) -- we must observe, I repeat, that Luke, who is occupied with these new relations (ancient, in fact, as to the counsels of God), gives us the facts belonging to the Lord's connection with the Jews, owned in the pious remnant of that people, with much more development than the other evangelists, as well as the proofs of His mission to that people, in coming into the world -- proofs which ought to have gained their attention, and fixed it upon the child who was born to them.
{*That is, as to the contents of the Gospel. In the Luke 9 His last journey up to Jerusalem begins; and thence on to the latter part of the eighteenth, where (v. 31) His going up to that city is noticed, the evangelist gives mainly a series of moral instructions, and the ways of God in grace now coming in. In Luke 18: 35 we have the blind man of Jericho already noticed as the commencement of His last visit to Jerusalem.}
Christ set forth as a man on earth
In Luke, I add, that which especially characterises the narrative and gives its peculiar interest to this Gospel is, that it sets before us that which Christ is Himself. It is not His official glory, a relative position that He assumed; neither is it the revelation of His divine nature, in itself; nor His mission as the great Prophet. It is Himself, as He was, a man on the earth -- the Person whom I should have met every day had I lived at that time in Judea, or in Galilee.Synopsis by John Darby