There comes a time in every writer’s life when he or she longs to have a book published. If you have done a little research online you may be aware of the astounding array of book publishing options out there for today’s budding authors. From ‘publish on demand’ or POD publishers to the so-called ‘vanity’ publishers and traditional publishers you may have reached a stalemate about who to offer your book, novel or anthology not least because there are so many different opinions out there on the pros and cons of each choice. Take heart all you need to do is decide on an option that is right for YOU and you only. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions and tips on how to get a book published and which publisher to choose for your bestseller!
* Is it necessary to hire an agent to get a book published?
It can help, but there are some books purchased by publishers out of old manuscript archives of ‘slush piles’. This isn’t the norm however and it can certainly help to invest in the services of an agent to market and push your book to the right publisher and markets for your type of book.
You may not like the idea of paying an agent a percentage of your book earnings but it may end up being worth it if they improve your deal merely by being there.
In fact, the majority of well-known publishing houses won’t deal with you personally but prefer to handle deals presented by agents. Some won’t work any other way so it may pay off in the long run to find a reputable agent to help you get a book published smoothly.
Popular publishing houses deal with a large number of submissions each and every day and to deal personally with every writer no matter what the quality of his or her work would be impossible. The presence of an agent gives an impression that you mean business and your manuscript or proposal may be taken more seriously.
Editors also keep in touch with agents to let them know what kind of books are popular at any given time – so this will give you the inside edge.
Agents can help you to get a proposal up to scratch and take it to the editors and publishers who would be most likely to view it favorably.
Beware of the agent, however, who is swamped with proposals as he or she may be concentrating on their own success rather than yours and in so doing neglect you.
Don’t forget that both Tom Clancy and John Grisham sold first books without the aid of an agent – so there is always hope to get a book published the old fashioned way!
If you decide to publish your book without help, consider an agent or law firm to help you out with the paperwork once a deal is in the offing.
* Which publisher do I send my proposal or manuscript to?
If you are a first time author you may want to try the smaller publishing houses first or small and large ones simultaneously. Big houses like the ones in New York for example generally favor general commercial fiction and rely on agents to bring them business may not suit the content or your goals of selling your book yourself. Smaller houses that are more specialized may be a better bet. This is especially so if you write romance novels as these are regularly recruited from submissions.
Do bear in mind if you want to get a book published, that some of the best publishers in the business today are not the biggest ones but rather independent small and medium-sized publishers located all over the U.S. Publishing houses like these are more flexible when it comes to dealing with unpublished authors.
* How do I put together a good book proposal?
Think ‘direct and articulate’. This is your chance to sell your idea and you are competing with thousands of other ideas. If you are determined to get a book published learn how to capture the attention of the publisher and keep it long enough to explain your idea. Keep it presentable and professional as you would any business document and make sure to include the following details:
1) A one-page cover letter
2) A two page (or less) introduction that sells your concept. Tell the publisher what the book is about and why it is different or unique. Include the target market for your book and how you can gain access to that market. Convince them that they should take on your book.
3) A table of contents should be included to provide a summary of the scope of the book.
4) A sample or two to give some idea of what they will get if they take on your book.
5) Your biographical information and some facts that show you are the right and / or best author to do the book.
6) Your marketing plans for the book. Tell them how you can help sell the book, where in particular it can be sold and how as well as promotions information.
* How is a typical book publishing deal structured?
Book deals do vary between publishers but there are some general aspects that are similar if you want to get a book published. Any publisher is going to offer you a form of non-refundable advance applied against royalties accrued on all sales.
Advances can range from $100 to $1 million or more. All an ‘advance’ means is that the publisher is giving you part of the money they think you are likely to earn during the first year or two of book publication.
The royalties you can expect to receive when you get a book published are roughly six to eight percent of the retail price on paperbacks for mass market consumers and ten to fifteen percent on the retail price on hardcover books but these rates can vary depending on the book and the publisher.
* How do I find the right agent, publisher or editor?
Do your research! Try ‘Literary Marketplace’ for the best in detailed lists of publishers complete with addresses and names of editors. The section on agents lists their special interests too as well as their manuscript submission requirements.
Try comparing your book to other similar published works. If you find one that publishes books on antiques and your book is on the same subject they may consider your book too. Of course it also goes without saying that the more unique your book is the better are your chances. Scan copyright pages for editor credits and look at the acknowledgments page, for the names of editors and agents that did a good job.
Failing all these, call the publishing house and ask the editorial department for the names of the appropriate editors and the sub-rights or publicity department to find out who acted as the agent for a particular book. This is an easier way to get a book published as you can go to an editor that frequently uses similar subject matter. The crux of the matter is that if you want to get a book published there is no easy way out. Learn the industry, make contacts and network and always believe in your own ability!