Getting your book published can be more daunting than actually writing and finishing a book. While in actuality, it isn’t as difficult as usually portrayed. The only point of careful consideration is the complexity of this industry, which tends to generate completely different results than your anticipation.
With the rise of digital platforms and self-publication options, the choice of the right platform makes it a tad bit more complex for first-time authors. Whether you are a first-time author or an experienced one, take into account the expected results and benefits before deciding on the publication option. Is it the fame you are after? Or do you simply want to brag about being a published author? Whatever your motivation is, the publishing landscape presents an array of options for all aspiring authors.
The two major options are traditional publishing and self-publishing. Another addition and effective possibility involve a hybrid approach of both these options. The choice of the publishing format depends on a number of factors, involving share in profits, acquired benefits, control over the entire process, and different responsibilities of making your book a published reality. The primary difference between the two is of added assistance. The traditional method provides the author with professional help throughout the book completion and publication processes. Whereas the self-publishing method is all about being your own boss and getting your book published in whichever form and format you prefer.
A breakdown of the successful book publishing process
When it comes to traditional publishing, every writer wishes to get published by one of the Big 5 publication houses. Without a doubt pursuing traditional publication does come with its own benefits and perks, but don’t expect huge amounts at the beginning of your career. It takes years to get to the point of signing a million-dollar deal. Here’s how you can start working on securing a contract with a reputable publisher:
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Study your book’s genre:
If you wish to pen down a masterpiece in the selected genre, through as many plots and novels as you can. Analyzing the plotlines and ideas allow you to know what you need to include or exclude to make your piece a bestseller. It is that one distinguished idea, plotline, or climax that can make all the difference in signing a great deal or compromising with the average contract. It might seem like a ludicrous idea to pen down a story about the latest trend in your genre, but it is quite possible that before your book makes it to the market, the trend might have faded away—an amateurish approach professional publishers and editors are acutely mindful of.
The better and more promising approach here could be writing about the genre, which never bores the readers. Instead of going for fleeting trend sin genre, experiment with storylines that always make it to the bestselling shelves.
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The dynamics of your readers:
Having a comprehensive idea of where your readers belong to can help you make the right decisions and choices about publication. Know your audience preferences and align your decisions with that to make the most of the readership. If your readers belong to the younger generation, opt for the eBook formats since it is quite famous with young readers. It not only helps you in making the right budget, but it also saves you the unnecessary hassles of the publishing process.
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Honest feedback:
It doesn’t have to be a novel with David Copperfield’s touch, but it must be something that the targeted reader-base would love to read. Ask a few people who are avid readers of your genre to provide honest feedback to meet the industry’s benchmark. Join writing groups and question the beta readers about the story flow, climax, and overall exclusivity of the idea. Get someone inherently unbiased; your friends and family are definitely not the ones to consult here.
Cater the edits and suggestions the beta readers or the reading group provide you with. In case their opinions are unsatisfactory, try hiring an experienced editor or proofreader to improve the text. A professional proofreader and editor could be of tremendous help before finalizing a contract with any publisher.
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Thorough research on publishing agent and platform:
Once your book is professionally proofread and edited, you will get a keen understanding of who your target readers are. With that in mind, it is time to browse through the list of literary agents and publication houses. In case you are going with the indie approach of un-agented publication, make sure you format your book according to the chosen publishing platform.
However, in traditional publishing, you need to prepare an effective pitch to convince the publisher of your work. Study the clientele and ask for feedback from the previous clients when it comes to hiring self-publishing companies like The Book writing Cube. In traditional publishing, the publisher handles a lot of tasks, including book formatting, cover designing, distribution, and marketing. While on the other hand, self-publishing requires the author to play the many roles of designer, marketer, and distributor or to outsource for each process.
Key reminders
An important point to bear in mind is that, like every business, the traditional publishers and publication houses are all about making revenues. The agents are more interested in the book that will generate huge amounts in sales considering their commission-based job. The traditional publishing agents look for authors with the capacity and capability to write books that guarantee bigger sales. If your book doesn’t promise the top position, the publishers will think twice about offering any deal. Even a unique book idea and a well-written manuscript goes through this scrutiny before actual publication. So make sure your book proposal and query letters present yourself and your book in the best way possible.
On the other hand, if you are more likely to self-publish, make sure to select the right keywords and categories on the publishing platform. Review the keywords of other bestselling novels in your genre before incorporating any of them.
A word of advice: if you wish to expand the reach of your published book, try creating an audiobook. With drastic changes in reading preferences and content consumption, the increase in audiobook publication and views is no surprise. Both the self-publishing companies and traditional publishers and publication houses offer audiobook publication services. However, make sure to hire the right narrator with expertise in prose narration and excellence in spoken expressiveness.
Rejection isn’t the mark of failure
The key point to realize and keep in mind is that rejection doesn’t mark the end of your passion. Every renowned author was rejected the chance of publication more than once. The title of bestselling author demands persistence and perseverance. The esteemed author of one of the most loved and read fiction novel series of Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before the name JK Rowling became legendary. One a handful of fortunate authors could make it big without facing any rejection. All it takes is a fiery passion for writing career and solid resolve to wow the world and rejection will no longer be a fear.
Rejection is part and parcel of the publishing industry. But it does weigh on you if it becomes a constant thing. Know that at times it takes years to locate that one publisher who would give you your first breakthrough.
However, if rejection and waiting wear you out, try experimenting with the self-publishing option. You can try and develop your own mail list to keep your readers updated with the latest releases and events. Leverage the power and effectiveness of social media and advertise online to make your book a success of reality. Self-publishing doesn’t have a definite equation or a determined process for success. It requires highly targeted promotion on platforms where the target readers are found the most—be it Facebook or blogging.
A deal with the Big 5 publishers isn’t an overnight’s work. All you need is a unique twist and original take on the genre to capture their attention. However, remember that these publishers are tricky to impress, considering the successes of their published novels.
A word to remember
So, that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about book publishing. All it takes is a great plotline and an ever-burning passion to become a published author. With that covered and catered, nothing is stopping you from making it to the bestselling shelf. Start working on your writing goals and objectives while keeping in mind the ins and outs of book publication. Read your genre wisely, improve the elements of your story, and own the story—the literary world awaits the next genius!
