Question:
Okay so I’m 13 and I’m writing a book. Yeah, I know. A lot of 13 year olds say they are writing books but never finish. Well mine is almost done, and I think I want to make it a series. I’ve got time, determination, and imagination. Now here’s a few questions I have for anyone who is experienced or knowledgeable about literature.
First, I assume you will need to know what the book is about to determine the answers to my questions. It is a romance novel for young adults. Well, it’s about a vampire romance that absolutely has no resemblance to Twilight. The inspiration for the vampires came from Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, as they are the two authors who pretty much gave birth to vampire novels. As for the romance, I get a few ideas from novels like Evernight and Vampire Academy.
First question.
Would a 13 year old girl be able to get a book published in the young adults section? If so, would anyone want to read it? It’s well written and as unique as possible for a vampire book, since they tend to be overdone. And I would like an honest answer on that.
Second Question.
Would it be better to self publish? I’m afraid that publishers will not take me seriously if I try to present my book to them.
Third Question.
If my book was published, would I have to go to book signings or is it an optional promotion? With school I probably wouldn’t have time to travel and do things like that.
I know the question was long, sorry.
Thanks for help. Any advice is much appreciated. 
Tags: about, book, publishing, question, Such
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Be Quiet
said
I don’t see any issues with a person your age having something published. Age is not a factor in the creative arts. The main issue you will face is the cost of publishing. New authors usually have to pay themselves for their first publishing. Publishing houses won’t risk their own money on an unknown author because they have no idea if a book will sell or become popular. Established authors like Stephen King, for example, won’t have to pay any outlay for the costs of publishing for the simple fact that their books are guaranteed to sell more than enough to cover the cost. In these cases, publishing houses will agree a contract for a percentage rather than a fixed price as they stand to make more money this way. Ebook publishing is something you can try for yourself but this increases copyright theft. As far as book signings are concerned, if you sign a contract with a publishing house it will be stipulated that you would have to appear for signings if you agree to it first but once signed then you would be obligated. The promotional side is optional but this is to increase sales. Without such promotions it will be harder for your work to be recognised but it is optional. You will have to submit your work typed or printed for the publishers to view before they will be able to tell you whether they are willing to publish or the costs.
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Evie Elena
said
First of all, well done. A lot of 13 year olds say they want to write a book, then go and ask someone else to think of a plot and characters for them. If you’ve already nearly written a book, and thought of it all yourself, you’re more the real deal.
But, I think you need to be realistic. Regardless of what age you are or what kind of book you are writing, getting published is hard. You have to face the prospect that this book you have written may not get published, and that you might not be able to call yourself a published writer for many years. I know how much that sucks, I came up with my first idea for a novel when I was 13, and I’m still a nobody. lol
To answer your questions, it is unusual for a 13 year old to get published, but not impossible. Australian author Alexandra Adornetto’s first novel was written when she was 14, so there you go. But, it is unlikely. You might want to not mention your age when you are sending letters to agents and publishers. You may also have to face the fact that you are still learning a lot about writing and that the book you have written now is possibly not of a standard ready to be published. This is nothing personal, after all I have not read your book, but I know from reading over the stuff I wrote when I was 13 that there were some choices I would not make now.
Second question: self-publishing is an expensive and difficult approach, and, especially when you are still in school, you probably don’t have the time and resources to do that (unless you have REALLY nice parents). I would advise going the normal route first- approach literary agents to sell your book to established publishers. They are in the business, so they know way more about publishing and marketing books than you do.
Third question: I think most authors don’t really do massive book signings. We’ve grown accustomed to that idea from really famous authors like JK Rowling, but most writers don’t get that kind of attention. If your book is published, you probably wouldn’t be called on to do book tours, you can stay home and work on the next one.
If you have more questions, I would recommend fantasy author Holly Lisle’s website. She has HEAPS of info on writing and publishing.
Good luck with everything, but try not to get your hopes up too much. I know how that goes.
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Paul L
said
First answer:
A 13 year old can certainly get a book published in the young adults section. But, it could take a couple of years for your book to be accepted by an agent, bought by a publisher and actually come into existence in book form. Every author, veteran or newcomer, wonders if anyone will read their novel; it’s normal.
Second answer:
Self publishing will cost you anywhere up to you several thousand dollars (depending on which publisher you choose). “Regular” publishing is free. Also, the marketing of a self-published book is totally up to you. Publishers will take you seriously, regardless of age, if your book is interesting and well-written.
Third answer:
Worry about getting published, first. The marketing schedule is something to be discussed with the publisher after they buy your book.