Getting Your Book Published: Part 3 Selecting a Book Publishing Model

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SCRIPT
Hi there. I am John Bond from Riverwinds Consulting, and this is Publishing Defined.
This is the third in a five-part video series on Getting Your Book Published. This part is called, Selecting a Book Publishing Model.
You’ve climbed the mountain and done some of the hardest work. You have written and edited your manuscript. Now before you proceed, let’s understand more about the business of book publishing.
Lots of transitions have been going on in book publishing these past years. Self-publishing has brought major changes to some aspects of publishing, mostly in the fiction market. Book publishing is still dominated by a few large billion dollar companies with many imprints (or smaller companies), but there still are alternatives. There are mid-size and smaller publishers, regional publishers, academic or textbook publishers, and of course startups or small publishers. I suggest you do some online research to better understand what is going on in publishing.
Self-publishing is an option to understand. In non-fiction, I suggest authors be cautious with this route. If you go this way, make sure you have free time to deal with the nitty-gritty details of it all, as well as an appetite for doing your own marketing and promotion. Consider self-publishing if you have an existing entrée to your market such as a significant social media presence, readymade speaking engagements, or perhaps a successful podcast or blog. If you are determined to go this route, do a lot of research first.
Let’s assume you are going the traditional publishing route; how do you find a list of publishers to consider? Start by doing a deep dive into the books currently in your area. Look for who the major (and minor) publishers are. I suggest doing this at an online retailer. Only look at books released in the last 24 or so months, not out of print books. Note who the publishers are, then go to their websites. Many times, publishers own multiple imprints so be aware your results might be for the same company. Keep a list while you are writing and researching your book to know who you will want to consider. Many publishers take submissions from authors directly, particularly in more specialized and academic works.
Alternatively, you may wish to use an agent. Many people quote the old adage, how do I get an agent if I have never been published? It is not impossible, but it does take a fair amount of work. The ingredients are a great idea, a great manuscript, and an author that will participate in the promotion and marketing of the book. Oh, and persistence. Agents need new authors. But be wary of “agents” that are just looking to charge you fees. There are some good websites that offer lists of agents, but they usually charge a small subscription fee to access the site and their list.
Whether going to an agent or a publisher, you will need a world class book proposal and query letter. A book proposal is an industry-standard document that gives all the necessary information about your book. The typical parts include: a Title Page, an Overview, About the Author, About the Schedule, the Competition, the Market, the Author Promotional Platform (or how you will promote the book), the Table of Contents, Chapter Outline and Sample Chapter(s).
All of these should be in a specific length and format. Do your research before creating a book proposal so you match what your publisher or agent want. The query letter is nothing more than a very engaging five paragraph summary of the book proposal. Have friends and colleagues review your proposal and query for flaws very closely.
Now it is time. You will send your great query and book proposal to the agents or publishers (one at a time) to see their reaction. Patience and perseverance are the order of the day. Nothing happens on the first try or the first week!
But I predict and hope you will get an offer of publication. If you do, review the contract carefully and sign it. Time to move onto the next exciting steps.
Well, that’s it. You can watch the next video in the series called Getting Published.