If you make a book and are working with an individual publisher, do you mail it to them or something?

[Dinosaursandanime65]

Well I actually I can imagine you’d do it in person…. How does the publishing work, with a company AND an independent variable?

[Effably]

Not certain what you mean with the independent variable here.

In short a publisher buys the right to manage the publishing part of your book. This typically contains stores, promos, telling you to not post homophobic twitters and so on. It also normally includes a good amount of proofreading, some editorial suggestions and alike. Not to say you shouldn't try to hand in a near finished product. You essentially draft the contract and at that point it is all up to them. Of course both of you probably want some failsafe in place if the other part does not perform.

The part you should do before is basically to copyright the book. Normally email isn't ideal as it makes stealing and copying it easier - despite a copyright someone can still steal your core ideas after all. But in realistic terms either hand over a copy in person or mail it.

Self-publishing is of course more accessible than ever before too.

[Dinosaursandanime65]

I would, but that kind of thing sort of isn’t in my budget, at least not now… how do you copyright something? Also, thanks, this information is helpful

[Effably]

It depends on where you live. But normally the process is googling up their copyright website.
, e. g copyright office USA or alike.

Filling out a few forms that a determined 11 year old can handle. Pay a fee of about 50 or so $ for processing if you live in the U. S. Wait for confirmation. Given your age there may be some free options. Never hesitate to call them and ask. Being and succeeding as an author involves research and honestly, most people like sharing.