Many hopeful authors start their search for a publisher after they have finished writing their novel, nonfiction book or children\u2019s book. What\u2019s wrong with this approach? A couple of things:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tToo many authors lack knowledge about how to locate publishers and appropriately approach them. So they are rejected by a series of publishers who are wrong for their projects and get quickly discouraged. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tUnaware authors tend to put all of their hopes and dreams into one of the major publishers even though their book isn\u2019t exactly bestseller material.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tToo many authors are in such a hurry to get their book published after spending so many months\/years working on it that they may miss out on some good opportunities. When they don\u2019t land a publishing contract after the first few tries, they decide to go with a pay-to-publish company.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWhen an author does find a publisher or an agent who is interested in his or her project, they often require some major changes to the manuscript before they will represent or publish the book. <\/p>\n
I suggest that authors study the publishing industry and their options before they start writing the book or at least when they are in the beginning stages of planning or writing it. Truly recognize what each publisher produces and develop a realistic understanding of how your particular book will fit into the scheme of things. A publisher of several blockbuster mysteries by name authors is probably not going to be interested in your first children\u2019s counting book. Your recovery memoir will probably not spark the interest of a major publisher if you are virtually unknown. And this is a difficult concept for most authors to grasp.<\/p>\n
There are hundreds of small and medium-size traditional royalty publishers hungry for a good book. And I think it is important for new authors to seriously consider some of them for their projects. <\/p>\n
Sure, if you really believe that your book could make the big time, go ahead and send your crisp, clean, highly professional query letter to appropriate literary agents in hopes of landing your choice of major publishers. If your manuscript is not accepted, do not give up. It may take months or years to work your way through the process with your agent. And this is often where the author makes his biggest mistake\u2014he gets impatient and signs up with the first company who promises to publish the book.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I recommend. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tStudy the publishing industry even before writing the book\u2014or at least early in the writing process. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tChoose a couple of publishers that seem exactly right for your project. This might be a university publisher, a regional publisher, a specialty publisher or simply a new publisher seeking good works. Be realistic! Don\u2019t make the leap to the major publishers if your book is not actually bestseller material. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tWrite with this publisher in mind. This could be very important. If the publisher produces books suitable to elementary school curriculum, make sure that your book follows suit. If they publish recovery books with a how-to element, write yours in that vein. If the publisher\u2019s catalog focuses mostly on mystery novels, you\u2019d better have a strong mystery focus in your novel.<\/p>\n
Authorship is more than just writing the book that you want and carrying high hopes of getting an agent who will get you a contract with a major. Authorship means being well-educated and well-informed as to the workings of the publishing industry, truly understanding your options and realistically making your choices. And the earlier you start this process, the better.<\/p>\n
If it turns out that you get that lusted after contract, SUPER! But I want you to have a backup plan and, along with it, a huge helping of patience. This can\u2019t come about if you refuse to educate yourself about the publishing industry, your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author.<\/p>\n
For those of you new to the world of publishing, here\u2019s something you should know. Writing a book is a huge undertaking, but it is nothing compared to the task of finding and working with an appropriate publisher. If you make it far enough to get published, you\u2019ll soon discover that your work is just beginning. What comes next is hugely time-consuming, energy-draining and on-going for as long as you want your book to sell. What comes next? Book promotion and this is up to you\u2014the author\u2014whether you self-publish, go with a pay-to-publish company or sign with a traditional publisher. <\/p>\n
You will be doing yourself a favor by purchasing my latest book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author<\/em>. (Allworth Press). Order your copy at Amazon. Read all of the five-star reviews posted already at the book page. http:\/\/amzn.to\/oe56Ia<\/a> <\/p>\n If you are completely new to the world of writing to be published, the book for you is, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. It\u2019s discounted at my website now. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n This book provides the education you need in order to successfully navigate the hugely competitive publishing industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Many hopeful authors start their search for a publisher after they have finished writing their novel, nonfiction book or children\u2019s book. What\u2019s wrong with this approach? A couple of things: \u2022 Too many authors lack knowledge about how to locate publishers and appropriately approach them. So they are rejected by a series of publishers who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16,3],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t