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Your results tell us you'd be best pursuing...

Based on the information you provided, it looks like your book is best suited for traditional publishing. It may take a few years before you actually see your book in print, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing the job is well done.

To get started, you have two options.

The most common one is to find a literary agent willing to represent you. A literary agent is going to take the information you provide about your book and shop your manuscript around to the publishers most likely to be interested in it. Since most publishers don't take unsolicited manuscripts, a literary agent is going to be able to open doors for you that would otherwise be closed, and they can also guide you through the contract process to make sure you get the best possible deal.

Jane Friedman has a great article on how to find a literary agent for your book. You can read it here.

An alternative to finding a literary agent to represent you is to find a small press or indie publisher that accepts unsolicited manuscripts. There aren't a ton of them, but they do exist. We can't recommend any specific ones to you, but Google is your friend. Just be sure to do your due diligence! If you find a publisher you like, check their references, look for reviews, and speak with other authors they've already published if you can.

Whichever path you choose, make sure you understand the relationship you're about to enter into. You can find a list of questions to ask before you sign a publishing contract here.

And while you're trying to find a publisher, spend time studying up on book marketing best practices. Many authors think they don't need to worry about marketing so much if they're traditionally published. But that's simply not the case. A traditional publisher wants to know there's a market for your book and that you know how to reach that market. So, having a solid marketing plan in place will be crucial to your success.

So, take some time to get clear on who your ideal reader is, what your book has to offer them, and how you're going to connect with them so they know your book exists. Emerald Lake Books founder, Tara R. Alemany, has written a book called "Publish with Purpose" that can help you get started.

We wish you all the best as you begin this next stage of your publishing journey!

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