Tips for Finding the Right
Publisher for Your Book
There are so many different channels for writing these days. Some people are looking at microblogging vs. blogging and others are using social media. It may be that you’ve just written something that you wish to get published. If so, you may be wondering which would be the best publishing house to use. There is no generic solution because everyones’ needs are different. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips to help you find the best publisher for your book.
Understand What Publishers Do
A publishing company is responsible for the publication of books. They work with authors to develop and edit manuscripts, design and produce covers and interior pages, market and sell books, and distribute them to bookstores.
It’s important to know which of their services are important to you and your book. For example, if you’re already an experienced writer with a well-polished manuscript, you may not need as much help with editing. However, you’ll still need someone who can market and promote your work. On the other hand, if you’re new to writing or your manuscript needs more work, finding a publisher who offers all these services would be better.
How to Find Publishers Online
There are a number of ways to find publishers who might be interested in your book:
- Check out publishing house websites
- Look for publisher listings in industry journals or directories
- Ask fellow writers or other professionals in the publishing industry for recommendations
- Use online search engines
You can find a list of publishers on the websites of industry organizations like the Association of American Publishers (AAP) or the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). If you’re looking for Australian book publishers online, there are websites that enable you to read their submission guidelines, view their bestsellers and access their web addresses. The search engines often allow you to narrow down your investigation according to things like format, size, location, and genre.
Choose The Type of Publishers
There are two types of publishers – small and large. Small presses are typically independent, meaning they are not owned by a major publishing conglomerate. They often specialize in a specific genre or type of book. Because small presses are usually run by one or two people, they may be more willing to take a chance on new authors. However, their print runs tend to be smaller, so your book may not reach as many readers.
Large publishing houses are the big guys – the ones you see on TV commercials and in magazine ads. They have the money to invest in marketing and distribution, which means your book will likely reach a wider audience. But with that comes increased competition for slots on the publisher’s list and higher submission fees.
A great example is J.D. Barker, a writer known for his work in the thriller genre. After signing with Simon & Schuster, he was able to leverage their substantial resources and global reach, significantly expanding his audience and influence. His success shows how working with a major publisher can help an author not just get published, but thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Let An Agent Help You
An agent is a person who represents an author seeking a publisher for their book. They can also help with other areas of the publishing process such as negotiating contracts, finding editors and cover designers, and helping to market your work.
It’s important to find an agent who has experience in the genre you are writing in. They should also have good relationships with publishers. You can find agents through online databases or by querying them directly.
Agents take a commission from the sale of your book, usually around 15%. This is worth it if they are able to get you a better deal with a publisher than you could on your own. Whilst you don’t need an agent to publish a book, they can be a huge help in getting your work in front of the right people.
Consider Their Distribution Channels and Reputation
It’s important to know how your book be distributed if you choose a specific publisher. Will it be available in bricks and mortar stores as well as online, or just online? If you’re looking to break into the international market, make sure the publisher has an international presence and established distribution networks.
It’s also important to find out what kind of reputation a publisher has. Are the
y known for producing quality books or are they more focused on making money? Do they have a good track record with publishing authors who go on to achieve commercial success? Are they more focused on niche markets?
Look At Their Submission Requirements and Genres
Some publishers are very specific about what they want, while others are more open to submissions. Do they want a query letter, the first three chapters, or a full manuscript? Some publishers have guidelines that outline what they are looking for in terms of genre, word count, and style. If your book doesn’t fit within their guidelines, it’s best to move on.
If you have a thriller, mystery, romance, or science fiction novel, query fiction publishers first. They will be more likely to accept your submission and give you feedback. If you’re writing a nonfiction book, make sure the publisher specializes in that genre. This way, you’ll have a better chance of getting their attention.
It Might Be You!
Self-publishing is the process of publishing a book without the help of a third party. Such books are typically published through print-on-demand services or online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IngramSpark. Self-publishing has both pros and cons which should be considered before making any decisions:
- PRO: You have more creative control over every aspect of the publication process from the cover design to content.
- CON: Because you’re responsible for all aspects of production, it can be more costly and time-consuming than working with a traditional publisher.
- PRO: self-published authors often enjoy higher royalty rates (typically 60% – 80%) than those offered by traditional publishers.
- CON: Marketing and distribution can be more challenging for self-published authors.
Hopefully, you are now clearer about the way forward for your specific book. If you don’t decide to self-publish you will hopefully get accepted by a publishing company. If your book is good and in the right hands, it could become a hit that will sell both now and for many years to come.
