Publishing

So, you want to be a published New Zealand writer? Of those who feel the pull of words and writing, many dream of becoming published writers. Assuming that you've undertaken the process of writing a work and now have a complete or partially complete book-length manuscript, you're ready to enter the process of publication. There is no magic rule for successfully getting published, but for a shot at the literary big-time, follow our guide to New Zealand publishers and publishing a book in New Zealand.

Before making contact with a publisher
Before approaching an NZ publishing firm, you will need to have written at least part of the book that you're seeking to publish; a fantastic idea is not usually enough to convince someone to commit to publishing your work. Most publishing houses have their own specifications for manuscript submissions: some request a sample chapter and synopsis of the plot; others ask that you submit the full manuscript.

A track record is worth a thousand words
Many publishers of fiction and poetry require that a writer has been previously published elsewhere. In this respect, it can seem like a daunting prospect to break into the publishing world, but you can easily create a track record by entering writing competitions and submitting your work to journals, magazines and literary publications.

Preparing and sending your manuscript
Before submitting your manuscript, ensure the document is professionally presented and thoroughly proofread. Usually, manuscripts are typed with double spacing and generous margins. Only one side of the paper should be printed and all pages should be numbered. Along with the manuscript, enclose a covering letter providing the publisher with your contact details and, if you choose, some background information about yourself, a short description of the manuscript and a mention of any relevant published works or awards. Also enclose a self-addressed envelope for the return of your work. NZ publishers receive a large number of unsolicited manuscripts, so it will often take a month or longer to have your manuscript assessed.

Who can publish your work?
Once you have decided to approach publishers with a manuscript, it's wise to consider all available publishers. The title New Zealand Books in Print is held at most public libraries and lists all local and international publishers, along with their areas of specialisation. Alternatively, consult the directory of publishers, produced by the Book Publishers Association of NZ. It is also useful to browse the websites of publishers to gain an understanding of what kind of books they publish and their manuscript assessment process. In New Zealand, the principal publishers are:

• HarperCollins: an international publishing company with a broad base of publications covering literary and popular fiction, business writing, children's books, cookbooks and spiritual publications.

• Penguin Books: established as a distributor of books from around the world, Penguin Books now operates as a local publisher and book distributor. Publications include work from iconic New Zealand writers such as Maurice Gee, Patricia Grace, Joy Cowley and Vincent O'Sullivan. As well as fiction and verse, Penguin now publishes non-fiction titles covering natural history, gardening, cookery, kiwiana, travel and leisure books. Notably, they released the late Michael King's Penguin History of New Zealand, a best selling and accessible non-fiction work. Penguin also publishes children's books under the Puffin imprint.

• Macmillan: publish and distribute a range of general, school and academic books, including fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages. Macmillan Publishers New Zealand are part of an international publishing firm, with offices in Australia and the United Kingdom.

• Random House: a subsidiary of the largest English language publisher in the world. Random House publish works of fiction written by local and international writers, as well as non-fiction, gardening, cooking, art, natural history and children's books.

• Canterbury University Press: publishes an average of eight new books each year, including titles both for the academic and general market. Their focus lies in the areas of natural history, marine biology, and New Zealand and Pacific history.

• Reed Books: publishes over 100 titles each year, specialising in works of natural history; pictorial publications aimed at tourists; works on Maori culture, language and history; humour; the outdoors; biography; and cuisine. They also publish books for children up to the age of 13, with a focus on distinctly New Zealand content.

• Otago University Press: publishing a wide range of books on New Zealand, the Pacific and Asia, Otago University Press specialises in works of history, literature, the arts, and natural and social sciences.

• Victoria University Press: founded in the 1970's, producing about twenty new books each year. VUP publish new fiction and poetry, as well as academic publications in the genres of history, biography and essays.

• Oxford University Press: an international publisher, one of the oldest in the world, committed to publishing works that further scholarship and education.

Looking for more information? Find a New Zealand publisher in the NZS.com directory.

Do you want to write for NZS.com, New Zealand's top Web directory? We are looking for New Zealand writers for our unique new article writing program - whereby you can write and submit articles for our website, and you will earn 50% of the revenue from the advertising on your article's page. Check out the Article Authors homepage to apply now!

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