Top to bottom
Get an agent first, then everything else follows on. However, agents are probably only interested in full novels, scripts, non-fiction books and people who are young enough to develop a career. They are useful: they will negotiate a better contract for you and can get to some publishers who are only accepting via agents. However, for poetry, short stories and flash fiction you will probably have more luck going bottom to top.
Bottom to top
Start with small press and work your way up.
Keep good records
A spread sheet can be useful. Who did you send to whom and when might you get an answer by?
Be like the fishermen at the end of the pier
Have lots of lines dangling.
What to do when you’re rejected
Grumble to yourself a bit. Take another look at what has been rejected. If they gave you any feedback try to respond to it. Can you take another look at your work? Tweak it then look for where else you might send it.
How to find a publisher
1. Try Fair Submissions https://www.fairsubmissions.co.uk/ . This site is searchable and browsable. Submissions are fair because they lead to payment or publication, good exposure or are great fun. Some you have to pay to submit but only enough to cover what we used to have to pay for paper, print and postage. Watch my video of how I use this site.
2. Indie Press Guide: https://mslexia.co.uk/shop/indie-press-guide/
3. Writers and Artists Year Book: https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/ You can buy the books or look at it online. I prefer the online version as it will always be more up to date.
Two special tips:
Write for CaféLit https://cafelit.co.uk.
Join the LAA to be eligible for their competitions: www.lancashireauthorsassociation.co.uk
Some fun stuff
If you like responding to prompts: https://www.fairsubmissions.co.uk/2021/02/reedsy-prompts.html
Anything: https://www.fairsubmissions.co.uk/2022/09/medium.html
