7 Things You Need to Become a Traditionally Published Author

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Getting your book published by a Big Five house and becoming a traditionally published author can seem like an impossible feat. But by learning how the traditional publishing process works and adopting the right attitude, you can position yourself and your book for success. Here are seven important things you'll need if you want to become a traditionally published author.
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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / amzn.to/3Z4at03
SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / amzn.to/3CjFFi5
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RELATED LINKS:
5 Traditional Publishing Myths Debunked: • PROFESSIONAL BOOK EDIT...
How to Become a Bestselling Author: • How to Become a Bestse...
How to Get a Literary Agent in 2022: • How to Get a Literary ...
7 THINGS YOU NEED TO BECOME A TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED AUTHOR:
1. An agent
2. Perseverance
3. Strong writing skills
4. Patience
5. A completed manuscript
6. A collaborative attitude
7. A compelling story
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
Feel free to get in touch!
Website: www.alyssamate...
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[@AlyssaMatesic]

Are you hoping to become a traditionally published author? Let me know where you're at in your publishing journey!

[@robertnorok]

I'm at the beginning. I've been writing for fun, but now I'm looking into putting my work out there. I'm actually just about to put a short story on Amazon :D

[@AlyssaMatesic]

@@robertnorok Congrats! That's an awesome step!

[@FasterThanYou13]

I have a book in the works. A friend who used to do acquisitions at Amazon says it's good, original, and commercial at the same time, so I'm hopeful. I've been an editor and staff writer for 13 years but this is my first novel. I keep editing it to death instead of finishing!

[@daniart3909]

I have my first draft. I’m working through editing and tuning it up. Then I hope to start on my query letter 🤩😳🥰

[@erikbuchanan4648]

I have years worth of short stories sitting around. I just started looking for an editor. Ive always enjoyed writing but no one has ever read my stuff

[@stevelazrove5012]

I don’t remember who it was, but a prominent woman author was asked what it takes to be a successful writer. “An almost supernatural ability to tolerate rejection,” was her reply.

[@rdrydnghdwolfe1396]

As author Jane Smiley put it, "A rejection letter is a business letter, not a personal letter."

[@pandoraaaraseth1040]

You made this seem less scary, as I am 40 years old with 1/4 of a finished manuscript. This is my... 7th novel. I became homeless after a tragedy and as a result lost the first 6 novels I wrote. The idea of repenning them makes me soul sick, and I finally decided I just need to move on. I am making a novel of short stories that I experienced or others close to me experienced with 20+ years of paranormal investigations under our belts. I believe grammar may be my week point, but also believe my description, metaphors and setting of the scenes propels me above many. Most likely, to keep myself motivated I will continue to view your videos as I believe your intent is commendable and worthy. Thank you. I will look to you from now on as my Literary Sensei, if that's okay. 😁

[@warrenchin3782]

Thank you Melissa! This is by far one of the best tutorials I've come across. I am a physician who is writing fiction in the vein of Michael Crichton, and I am at the stage where I have a completed manuscript and submitting it to agents. It's been a month and so far I have two rejections, but I am standing strong! Thank you for your advice!

[@IainLukeJones]

I’m loving all of these videos! ❤ I’m at the stage of the process where I’m currently searching for a literary agent & loving all the insider knowledge m. I’ve also used the free check list to help determine how ready my story is and am more confident than ever in what I’ve written 😃

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I'm so glad to hear you've found my videos and the checklist helpful! Best of luck with your search for a literary agent!

[@IainLukeJones]

@@AlyssaMatesic I’ll keep you updated on my journey 😃👍🏻 In the meantime I’m watching all of your content and learning so much!

[@danielleburnside2262]

Thank you for this video it was very helpful and relevant. I'm almost finished my first manuscript and thinking about beginning my publishing journey early this year.

[@paulrobinson9087]

Enjoyed the video, some harsh truths told in an honest manner. Keep growing your subscribers. I found you on a redit post btw.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your support! Those "harsh truths" about publishing are super important to be aware of so that authors know exactly what to expect going into the process. But I hope they don't discourage any from going down the traditional path if that is their dream!

[@waynegathers587]

All I want to say to you Alyssa, is thank you for the education because we need it especially as first-time authors who aspires to get published.

[@sicilyny5375]

I'm not worried about my writing ..but my proper formatting, line spaces..when to end the chapter..where to put certain elements in the backstory..but overall..I write well but boy, I am still comma crazy..as my prof told me on most term papers..lol

[@YouTubeHowToGuideAndreaJean]

Love love love your emphasis on not giving up!!! ❤️

[@natureschild53]

This is the third video of yours that I have watched and I am wholeheartedly impressed. I am a first-time author and the book that I have written turned out absolutely fantastic with a mixture of comedy, love and pain. I feel like the book is destined to end up as a classic I know I'm biased, but everybody that I have allowed to read the rough draft have said, that it was probably the best book they have ever read. One thing that I questioned or had concerns about was your comment about how long it could take the book to actually get to market. Unfortunately I am almost 65 years old and my health is going downhill. Also I had the intentions of writing a second book upon and only upon successfully publishing the first book. I didn't quite understand that it could be years before it actually hit the market for sale. I know you don't necessarily enjoy people boasting about how great their book is but without a doubt my book is one of the best books ever written. So if you have any suggestions or comments for me I can provide my personal email to you somehow.

[@FasterThanYou13]

Wow. Thank you for putting this url in the Creative Writing group on Facebook. You really know your stuff and how to communicate. Will be back to check out the other videos. Thanks again!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it and am glad you enjoyed!

[@KammiLutz]

Great content. Thanks for posting a link in the Facebook group.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you so much! So glad you visited my channel!

[@KammiLutz]

@@AlyssaMatesic Of course. I love connecting with other AuthorTubers and it's fun to see other women doing educational content.

[@TheAIcademic]

Just subscribed, very good information. Been going with publishers. Working on my 2nd book now

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Congrats! Thanks so much for subscribing. Hope these videos can help you on your publishing journey!

[@DustyErin3]

Just discovered your channel and it's been so helpful as a newbie to the world of possibly publishing children's literature. When referencing a literary agent, would I pay the literary agent out of pocket before having a publishing offer or do they get paid by the publishing house? Just trying to figure out the out of pocket expenses initially.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

The literary agent takes no fee upfront - they work on 15% commission of the book's advance and royalties. Best of luck!

[@kitwayne4891]

The only thing I don't have is an agent. It seems impossible.

[@YouTubeHowToGuideAndreaJean]

Thank you again!!! ✨🌈🔥

[@davidfarr3591]

Because of the time it typically takes to get a book deal, would you recommend that a first-time author put aside a book written as parody or social commentary if the story centers around real-world circumstances that can change quickly? Would it be better to focus on another project even if it means likely missing the window of opportunity with the book anchored to current events?

[@scottmari]

Just discovered your channel - I gave up trying to get my science fiction books published traditionally. I put the first two in a series on Amazon and have two more on preorder. I have a new series coming out, is it better to query now that I have independently published novels, or is that frowned upon?

[@totadol]

It's amazing how you've developed as a KZbinr the past 2 years .. you still looked cute, innocent though professional here (: .. thank you for all your valuable content

[@RandomSubjects]

Is you channel/your advice applicable to British authors querying UK-based agencies or only Americans?

[@melodykata5613]

i wonder if you know a thing or two about christian writing and publishing. If you do please share. Thank you.

[@danohanlon8316]

Bg question no one is asking. (I’ve looked.): When is a debut (nonfiction) author “too told?”

[@anthonysmith5992]

Hi, this is great info can you recommend any Beta Readers. I have a finished book but I am concerned that it needs a good reread with fresh eyes, Help Please??

[@TheSteamponkwordsmith]

I am currently wrapping up the Beta Reading process and having a lot of great feedback. The Alternative History Steampubk Fantasy cross over gave me the opportunity to explore and create some great characters unfortunately I must now kill my darlings. Is there any advice you can offer for a writer at this difficult stage? I am finding it especially difficult as I will be culling characters who will have a more detailed arc later in the series. TIA.

[@rowan7929]

I have tried with my second fantasy book to get an agent but everyone rejected it. Only one explained why she rejected my book but offered that I can query her again with my next work (which is now being prove-read). In the end, after every other agent rejected, I self-published it and even won awards. Now my question is, how do I know what is wrong if practically no agent explains why the book wasn't getting their interest?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Your best bet is to work with beta readers and/or a professional editor who can critique your work and provide constructive feedback. Working with someone who has a background in the traditional publishing industry would be particularly helpful as they can pinpoint what might be turning off agents. Another issue could be the query letter itself, so working with someone on that to ensure you're pitching your book well would also be valuable.

[@teddyrondinelli7047]

Thank you so much for your advice. I recently finished a very lengthy mob mystery novel. I feel that it has a uniqueness to it. The premise is most important. Several different plots that coalesce. I am knew to the process of getting it out there and more than open, for it being reviewed and critiqued. I'm currently working on a query letter.I have just printed my novel. Would there be a way to send you a copy? Thank you again, as I will be looking forward to hearing more of your videos.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Congrats on the finished manuscript! If you want me to look over your query letter or book for editing purposes, you can check out my website (alyssamatesic.com/) for a quote for my services.

[@teddyrondinelli7047]

@@AlyssaMatesic Thank you Alyassa I will check it out. Listening to your videos have given me a clearer insight to this journey. I will be in touch. My best, Teddy

[@marlyce]

How do I find a good literary agent? Thanks for your info!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Hi there! I have another video talking about some places to find reputable literary agents: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYGQq4qwqsyji6c I hope that helps!

[@kata.klettke6164]

Hearing this, I'm worried if the ideas an editor might have for a book are more concerned about it being sellable and not about what fits the story. Do you think that's absolutely unfounded, or have you seen that happen? Also, maybe not your field of expertise since I think you were an editor, but have you seen authors "drop out" of the process when they feel their story was being mangled? Is that even an option? I've seen editors talk about how people have refused to change their manuscripts and them in turn refusing to work with them. I get that some stories really are not as good as their author thinks, especially when for example minority perspective are being written by people not if that minority. But the question how much rewriting demands are the norm is still something that makes me worry a lot and wonder if I should ever try to pursue publishing at all.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

These are really great and important questions, so thanks for bringing this up! First: yes, the agent and editor do have to think about what will make a book sell because that is the ultimate goal, right? They don’t make money if the book doesn’t sell, and more importantly the AUTHOR doesn’t make money if the book doesn’t sell, so they are there to provide that lens. Now ideally their edits will make the book more sellable but will not sacrifice the author’s creative vision, but with so many cooks in the kitchen, sometimes the agent and editor and author don’t see eye to eye. I never saw an author drop out. You will have extensive conversations with both your agent and editor before you even begin to work together, so hopefully you’ll have a clear sense of their vision and how they intend for the revisions to go. Also, the author won’t get paid their full book advance if they drop out, so there’s a financial incentive to stay. Rewriting is definitely an expected part of the process. Now there are cases where the book gets published without any major reconstructive edits, but more likely than not you will have to do substantial editing to get the manuscript to the caliber the publisher needs. This is likely on the higher end of the spectrum, but I did see one case where the writer completed over a dozen revisions before publication.

[@jayfaisa3171]

How do you find that much needed third eye to look at and edit your book?

[@archywiseman]

I have found that being in a writing group is extremely helpful.

[@parthapratimpaul625]

About to finish manuscript. How to go for further process for publishing in India.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I am not sure how the process works in India, but the process I outlined in this video is roughly the same for US and UK based publishing houses, which often sell their book rights to India.