Finally, you have finished writing your book. It’s full of exciting characters, a captivating setting, and an engaging storyline that’s going to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Now the next step: how to publish your book.
You probably have a lot of questions about how to get published as a writer: Do I need a literary agent? Should I self-publish or take the traditional route? What’s this going to cost me?
This post will help you learn how to publish your book. It will cover:
- The difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing and
- How to choose between the two
Plus valuable resources to help you in your publishing journey!
*As an Amazon affiliate I earn a teeny tiny commission if you make a purchase. (And I mean tiny!)
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing is a process where a publishing house takes the lead in editing, producing, distributing, and marketing your book. The publisher buys the right to publish your book and in turn, pays you royalties from the sales.
The Team Behind the Book
A team of professionals works together to get your book from a manuscript to a shelf in a bookstore. Depending on the size of the publishing house and the type of book, there may be a lot more roles. Here is a list of some of the key players who work together in traditional publishing to bring your book to life:
Acquisition Team
- Literary Agents: Most publishers prefer proposals through a literary agent. They:
- Work on your behalf to help you sell your book to a publishing house
- Represent you to publishers, handling submissions and negotiating publishing contracts that secure the best possible terms for your work (advance, royalties, etc.)
- May provide feedback on your manuscript and recommend revisions
- Use their knowledge and connections within the publishing industry to connect you with the right editor or publisher for your work
- Acquisition Editor: Works for the publishing house and is responsible for scouting new talent, evaluating manuscripts, and deciding which ones to offer a publishing contract.
Production Team
- Developmental Editor: Works on your story’s big picture: story structure, character development, and overall direction.
- Copyeditor: Focuses on grammar, punctuation, and making sure your writing is clear and consistent.
- Proofreader: Reviews the final page proofs to catch any typos or formatting mistakes before printing.
- Book Designer: Creates the visual identity of your book, including the cover design, layout, and typography.
Marketing and Sales Team
- Publicist: Works to generate media attention for your book, securing reviews, interviews, and other promotional opportunities.
- Marketing Manager: Develops the overall marketing strategy for your book, such as online advertising, social media campaigns, and book tours.
- Sales Team: Works with bookstores, libraries, and online retailers to ensure your book is widely available for purchase.
The Path to Publication
In traditional publishing, it’s important to have a literary agent to get noticed by publishing houses. To secure an agent, you’ll have to go through the query process, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The query process involves finding an agent, writing a query letter, and preparing a synopsis and sample chapters. Here’s a summary:
How to Find the Agent That is Right for You
- Research: Start by researching literary agents who represent your genre. Two resources to use are Query Tracker and Writers Market. There you can find agents who deal with your type of work.
- Read agent biographies. Pay close attention to the kinds of books agents represent and their recent successes. This will help you find agents who seem like a good fit for your own manuscript.
- Check agency guidelines. Most agencies have submission guidelines on their websites that state how they prefer to receive queries and what materials to include.
How to Write a Compelling Query Letter
- Start with a hook. The first sentence or two is your chance to grab the agent’s attention. Briefly introduce your book’s genre, title, and a captivating hook that gets the heart of your story across.
- Highlight your strengths. Briefly write about your writing credentials and any relevant experience.
- Focus on the story. Briefly summarize your story’s plot, highlighting the central conflict and character arcs. Don’t give away the whole ending, but create intrigue that makes the agent want to read more.
- End with a strong closing. Thank the agent for their time and consideration, and provide clear instructions on how they can read your full manuscript (usually through a submission portal).
How to Prepare a Synopsis and Sample Chapters
- Choose the right excerpts. Select chapters that determine your writing style, introduce key characters, and show the tone and voice of your novel.
- Follow submission guidelines. Ensure your manuscript is formatted according to the agent’s specifications (font size, spacing, etc.).
- Proofread meticulously. Typos and formatting errors create a bad impression. Proofread your sample chapters meticulously before submitting them.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is the process of publishing your book without going through a traditional publishing house. You are in full control of the publishing process, from editing and formatting to marketing and distribution. It offers exciting creative freedom and a faster course to getting your work out there.
However, self-publishing requires careful planning and a good understanding of the responsibilities that come with being your own publisher, which include:
Editing and Formatting
- Unlike traditional publishing where editors are part of the process, the responsibility for making sure your manuscript is polished and error-free falls on you. Investing in professional editing services is highly recommended.
- You’ll need to format your book for various platforms, including ebooks (Kindle, Apple Books, etc.) and print-on-demand services (like KDP or IngramSpark).
Cover Design
- A high-quality, eye-catching cover design is essential for grabbing readers’ attention in a crowded marketplace. Consider hiring a professional cover designer or investing in design software to create a cover that reflects your book’s genre and tone.
Setting Your Price and Royalties
- Research books in your genre similar to yours. This will help you decide on a competitive price point. You need to find a balance between cost-effectiveness and attracting readers.
- Self-publishing platforms typically offer different royalty options depending on the sales channel (ebook vs. print) and pricing model.
Marketing and Promotion
- The responsibility of getting your book noticed falls entirely on you. It’s important to come up with a marketing plan that uses social media, online advertising, book bloggers, and reader communities to get your book out there.
- Consider creating a website or author platform to connect with readers, showcase your work, and share updates. Building your brand is an important part of marketing.
Distribution
- You’ll need to choose a self-publishing platform that offers print-on-demand services and ebook distribution to major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
Legal Considerations
- Copyright: Registering your copyright protects your work from unauthorized use.
- ISBNs: Obtaining an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) allows your book to be identified and listed by retailers and libraries.
Making the Choice: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
The main difference between traditional and self-publishing is who the rights and royalties belong to. The book is self-published if you (the author) own the rights and it’s traditionally published if a publishing house owns the rights. However, there are quite a few pros and cons for both choices.
| Pros of traditional publishing | Pros of self-publishing |
|---|---|
| – No cost – Credibility and prestige – Industry knowledge – Distribution network – Advance payments – Support and guidance | – Creative control – Fast publication time – Higher royalties – Direct relationship with readers – Flexibility – Ownership and rights – Building your brand – Longer shelf life |
| Cons of traditional publishing | Cons of self-publishing |
|---|---|
| – Competition – Rejection – Slow publication time – Limited creative control – Lower royalties – Loss of rights – Finding the right agent | – Financial investment – Marketing and promotion – Distribution – No support system – Lack of recognition – Required storage space |
| Who should choose traditional publishing? | Who should choose self-publishing? |
|---|---|
| – Writers in popular genres that have well-known markets and distribution channels – Writers who need industry expertise and support – Writers who value credibility and respect – Writers who want widespread distribution – Writers who want to get paid in advance | – Genre writers in niche markets with a small audience – Writers who want creative control – Impatient writers – Writers with strong marketing skills – Writers with a dedicated following online – Writers on a budget |
Which one should you choose?
As you can see from the chart above, both choices have their own unique pros and cons. The steps below should help you come to a conclusion by considering your goals, resources, and comfort level:
Step 1: Define your goals.
When considering your goals, answer these questions:
- Do you want to see your book in readers’ hands quickly, or are you comfortable with a potentially longer timeline?
- How important is having the final say on editing, cover design, and marketing decisions?
- Is maximizing royalties a top priority, or are you more focused on building your brand and securing an advance?
- Does achieving widespread distribution and the respect of a traditional publisher matter most?
- Are you comfortable taking the lead on marketing your book, or would you prefer the support of a publisher’s marketing team?
Step 2: Consider Your Resources
Answer these questions when thinking about the resources you have available:
- Can you afford the upfront costs of editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing if you self-publish?
- Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to self-publishing tasks like marketing and promotion?
- Are you comfortable dealing with the challenges of the publishing world, or would you benefit from a skilled traditional publisher?
- Do you have existing marketing or social media skills that you can use to promote your book?
- Is your manuscript professionally edited and refined, or will you need to invest in editing services before submitting it to publishers?
Step 3: Consider Your Comfort Level
When thinking about your level of comfort, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you comfortable taking a calculated risk with self-publishing, or do you prefer the security of a traditional publishing deal?
- Do you flourish on having complete control over your work, or are you open to collaborating with editors and marketing professionals?
- Can you handle the potentially long wait times associated with traditional publishing?
- How will you handle potential rejections from literary agents or publishers?
- Are you comfortable promoting your book and building an audience, or would you prefer the marketing support of a publisher?
Of course, the best choice is one that lines up with your goals, resources, and comfort level.
Resources to Help Learn More About How to Publish Your Book:
Writer’s Organizations
- Author’s Guild: Offers advocacy, resources, and community for professional writers.
- The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): Provides resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for writers and illustrators of children’s literature.
- Romance Writers of America (RWA): Offers education, support, and networking for romance writers.
- Mystery Writers of America (MWA): Provides resources, networking, and advocacy for mystery and crime writers.
- Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA): Offers professional development, awards, and community for science fiction and fantasy writers.
- American Christian Fiction Writers: For writers of Christian novels and stories.
- Western Writers of America: Offers resources for authors focusing on the American West.
Helpful Websites
- QueryTracker: A valuable resource for researching literary agents and understanding the query process.
- Writer’s Market: Provides information on literary agents, publishers, and writing contests.
- Reedsy: A website offering editorial services, book design, and publishing resources.
- National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): A website that motivates writers to complete a 50,000-word novel draft in November.
- Grammarly: A popular online grammar checker and writing assistant tool.
Conclusion
The publishing world can seem intimidating and challenging, but with careful consideration and the large amount of resources available, you can successfully become a published author. Regardless of whether you choose the traditional route or the self-publishing journey, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed decision and taught you how to publish a book.
So, keep writing and continue to research how to get published.
Remember: Don’t give up! Keep chasing your publishing dreams. They will come true with all of your hard work and dedication.
Find more writing tips in these posts:
- Where to Find Beta Readers for Your Fiction Novel
- How to Create a Style Sheet
- How to Write a Fiction Novel in 10 Steps
What a comprehensive, helpful post. Thanks, Michelle!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind comment.