h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Probably your best best for finding a publisher is to find an agent, who can present the book to a publisher, pre-screened. Don't scream in rage, because I have some suggestions about finding an agent, too.

The best way to find an agent may be to go to a writers' conference with agents at it. That way you get your face in front of them, as well as your book (if you can arrange a one to one meeting with them).

I've talked to many agents (in the US) who say they are much more likely to read a chapter or two if they've met the author at a conference, heard a pitch about the work, and requested the pages, than if it just sails across their desk.

It IS hard work, and there's a certain amount of luck involved in finding a publisher. I'd recommend reading some books on how to writer the perfect book proposal ('How To Write A Book Proposal' by Michael Larsen is mainly US in focus; Carol Blake's "From Pitch To Publication" is from a British agent). You probably want to show how marketable both you and your book are.

I know it sounds like more work and a long route to take, but pitching the book the right way can make all the difference. I just got rejected because my book's focus was 'too narrow', they said. You can bet the next proposal is going to make the book sound a whole lot broader!

Also, if you can subscribe to a publishing industry magazine and watch the 'hot deals' column, you'll see what kinds of agents are snapping up which kinds of books. Then you can approach the ones taking books like yours.

Good luck!!!

jwordsmith