How does book publishing work?
After you have a completed manuscript you query agents by submitting a query letter. If the agent decides that they like your query letter they will request a partial. A partial is usually the first three chapters of the manuscript. If they like the partial they will request a full. If they like the full they will represent you. Except for some administrative costs such as postage, copies and phone calls reputable agents don’t charge you any fees. Agents and publishers get paid from the profits from the book’s sales. Typically writers get 10% of the book’s sales and agents get 15% of that. So if you make $1 per book the agent will make 15 cents. The publisher and the printer get the rest. The contract will include a clause that states that the publishing company will obtain a copyright in your name. I’m not sure whether or not they take the cost from your royalties or if they just pay for it themselves. In the US the copyright registration is a one time fee of $45. The publisher will c
