Did you know that over 800 million books are produced each year by the publishing industry? You may be thinking that you have a manuscript that’s fit for publishing. But knowing how to get noticed by the right editor or publisher can be tricky.
If you’re an aspiring author, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn how to get a book publisher!
Revise Your Manuscript
Especially if you’re hoping to get noticed by big five publishers, you’ll need a polished manuscript. That means you should commit enough time to revisions before you seek out an agent or publishing house.
Plan on workshopping your draft with peers in the industry or trusted individuals with a good eye for edits. Family members or friends can serve as readers. Or consider hiring an editor for the most expert-level feedback.
Explore Publishing Options
Be aware that the book publishing process has changed significantly in the past few decades. In other words, your options have expanded beyond traditional publishing houses. While aiming for a big-time publisher can give your writing an instant audience, don’t foreclose other options.
If you have the marketing savvy, you can take on the publishing process yourself. You can publish an ebook online or pursue self-publishing. Get expert knowledge about online publishing so you can make an informed decision!
If you want to go the self-publishing mode then you must search for the best self-publishing companies to get the best results.
Determine Which Agents to Target
If you do go the traditional route, you’ll want to have an agent to advocate for your work. One of the key benefits of working with an agent is that they will do the legwork for you. In other words, they can use their contacts and networking skills to submit your manuscript to editors.
Look for agents who have a track record of working with a major publisher. They should specify the kinds of writing they work with, too. Some may specialize in young adult books, for instance, while others might work with picture book authors.
Send Query Letters
To get your foot in the door of the book publishing industry, your next step is to craft a query letter. You’ll send these along with a sample of your manuscript to agents.
Create a letter template that you can tailor to different agents. Highlight any writing credentials or publications you already have. This can help show an agent that you are serious and have some marketability.
Be sure to follow the exact instructions when sending query letters, too. And then sit back and wait!
If an agent finds your work intriguing, they may reach out for the full manuscript or want to have a conversation. If you make it to the point of a conversation, you’ll need to communicate well. Know how to pitch your book so you can score a deal.
Learn How to Get a Book Publisher
Knowing how to get a book publisher means refining your manuscript first. Then determine what type of publishing process you want to pursue. You may need to involve agents, but you also can publish online. When you need more tips to get your writing career going, check back for more articles!