The biggest challenge in getting your book published is in the task of whittling down the list of numerous publishers for books to the ones best suited for your subject matter. Remain diligent and committed enough to follow through on what you learn, and use any and all Web tools and networking opportunities you can to find the most suitable home for your book.

Once your manuscript is written, edited and polished to the best of your ability, you're ready for the next steps. There are many book publishing companies to consider, and you should examine all avenues in order to find the one that works best for you, starting with whether you want to seek out book publishing agents to do the work for you or if you'll pursue publication on your own.

1. Traditional publishers welcome solicited agent material; unsolicited material may go directly to the slush pile. Research using industry books such as the "Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents."

2. Online book publishers, also called e-book publishers, welcome new and already published authors, without requiring agent representation.

3. Vanity presses and self-publishing give an author the most freedom in the book publishing process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for book publishing houses using publisher databases

Having a specific genre for your manuscript will drastically reduce the plethora of book publishers you will come across. It's important to know the niche for your book so you spend your time in the most productive manner. You may start your search looking at well-known presses which publish books similar to your own, but keep an open mind to smaller presses and e-book publishers.

I recommend: Duotrope's Digest is an excellent place to start a search for novel publishers. SearchForPublishers.com provides free publisher searches by manuscript genre. The aptly named Publisher Database is a community-maintained searchable listing of open book markets which requires registration before allowing full access. Remember to review each publisher's home page for details and to see what they've published to date, before submitting.

Research alternative book publishing services

Self-publishing is a great alternative for some writers, so do some investigating to see if it will work for you. If you want your book published quickly, if it's for family and friends, if you are great at marketing and know you can meet your financial book selling goal on your own, hiring a book publishing service may be a good fit. Many online book publishing companies are also paperback book publishers.

I recommend: Lulu offers complete book publishing services with no set-up fees for self-publishing ranging from pre-publishing tasks to marketing and distribution of any quantity for any type of book. You can name your own retail prices with CafePress; their book publishing services include a choice of five book sizes and print runs of any quantity. Wheatmark offers book publishing service packages that include major book distribution outlets.

Draft a list of book publishing agents to work with

Choosing the traditional route to book publishing includes agent representation. Having an agent represent you and who works diligently to see your book in print is the desire of most writers. Finding an agent who is as passionate about your manuscript as you are and who has a style that compliments your own will take diligence and research. The financial payoff of having agent representation can be significant, especially since large publishing houses seldom accept unagented material.

I recommend: Your first stop in the search for an agent should be AgentQuery. Browse through the directory at WritersNet by location or topic for agent representation. A must for any search includes reading through Warnings and Cautions for Writers to educate yourself on agent representation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The book publishing market is vast, so don't get frustrated with negative responses when you know you have a strong manuscript. Use the Web's many resources to prepare your manuscript and query: genre-based author sites, general and specialized e-mail loops, and blogs and peer editing boards.
• •  Examine any fees associated with self-publishing so you know you are paying for the exact services you want.