How long does it take to get a book published?

The timeline for publishing a book can vary widely. After completing your manuscript, the process of finding an agent, securing a publisher, and going through editing, design, and marketing stages can take several months to a few years.

Do I need to copyright my writing before submitting it to publishers?

In many countries, including the UK, your work is automatically protected by copyright law as soon as it's created and fixed in a tangible form. While it's not mandatory to register your copyright to submit to publishers, doing so can provide additional legal protection.

How strict are word counts for contests and book submissions?

Word count guidelines are typically set for a reason, reflecting genre expectations and marketability. While slight deviations might be acceptable, it's advisable to adhere closely to the specified word count to increase your chances of acceptance.