Tips on Book Publishing Companies to Promote Your Story
Ask any established author, and they’ll attest that a challenge in the writing process, (especially for new authors), is getting their book published. Today we’ll talk about how new authors can search for book publishing companies to get their books out there and reach their audiences!
Decades ago, the transition from final draft to a finished published book took years, and was never a guarantee. Before the era of the internet, the publishing business was comprised of traditional big publishing and media companies. There were also a few smaller and independent publishers, specializing in niche books, such as scientific or nonfiction texts.
Because of this environment, it was often difficult for even the best authors in the world to break through and grab attention from the handful of publishing giants, such as Penguin or Random House. J.K. Rowling was famously turned down 12 times before she finally published her first Harry Potter book. Luckily, now she has sold more than 450 million copies in the beloved series.
But the internet has certainly changed everything!
Today, new authors can share their voice with relative ease through:
It’s easier than ever now for a creative individual with a story to tell to be able to transition into a published author. And as a result, there are countless new voices in the writing world to explore and share.
The flip side of this new surge of information and online resources is that new authors can be daunted by the sheer number of options to determine the right path.
Should your book be online only, or do you want to hold your hardcover story in your hands? Will you get more attention and income if you go it alone and self-publish? Or should you try to connect to the more traditional publishing industry?
These questions are certainly difficult, but are by no means insurmountable! So, have you finished your book and are ready to take the next steps to becoming a published author? Or maybe you just want to know your options as you navigate through the writing process?
Then read on to uncover all you need to know about finding a publisher, and sharing your story in the best method for you.
As noted, there are so many new options for authors:
And the type of publishing that is right for you is highly dependent on the content of your book, and what you want to achieve.
So before you take any further steps towards your publishing success, consider the following questions.
If you want your book published in just a couple of months or even a few weeks, then self-publishing or working with a partner publisher is likely the best way to go.
A partner publisher tackles the heavy lifting when it comes to copyediting, cover design, and even formatting. They can also help you find multiple routes to marketing and selling your book on national websites, such as Amazon or BarnesandNoble.com.
Do you want to have complete control over how your book looks – from your cover to the font you use in your interior pages? If so, a partner publisher or self-publishing platform is likely best.
Need a little extra help with design, editing, and other intricacies? Then a traditional publishing company, (providing editors, professional designers and marketing teams), can be a great asset.
Historically, the best way to garner a larger audience, and generate the most book sales, is to partner with a traditional publisher. This is because they have the promotional and marketing resources to share your story, as well as existing connections with book retailers from all over the world.
Keep in mind, though, that as self-publishing becomes more popular, and new books are easier than ever to find online. Hence, you don’t necessarily have to use a traditional publishing company to make a splash. Many self-published books have gone viral, and especially if they are unique or address a new concept or niche.
Is your book a lengthy story in novel-form or a short business card book that you’ll primarily use to grow your career? And does your target audience frequent book stores, or do they peruse articles and content online?
These types of questions will help you determine the publishing route that is best for your book.
So now you’ve decided the best type of publishing services for your book – whether it’s self-publishing, traditional publishing, or one of the many hybrid options. Next it’s time to find your specific publisher.
If you want to go the traditional publishing route, then chances are you’ll want to identify a few publishers to reach out to, in case of rejection. Remember, never feel bad if your top choice for a traditional publishing house turns you down! Many world-famous authors had to try multiple times to get published, like Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Louisa May Alcott, and even Dr. Seuss!
Opting for a self-publisher or a partner publisher, (with more options)? Then you’ll want to determine what you need in terms of the following:
Do you just need a company to print your book? Or do you also need assistance with formatting, the cover design, and marketing?
Self-publishing services vary widely, so jot down a list of the aspects of publishing you’ll need a hand with, and go from there.
Do you have a built-in abundance of fans via social media or your profession, or do you need help reaching out to a wide and new audience?
Many publishing companies have marketing services that can range from digital ads to promotional events. So, explore your options and ask your prospective publishing company how they will help spread the word about your book.
Online books are generally less expensive, simply because they avoid the printing costs associated with regular books. However, a printed book doesn’t have to be a huge expense, especially if you’re doing most of the design and formatting work.
Check out this recent blog for more on the cost of publishing a book.
Some publishers specialize in specific types of books, such as self-help books, local history books, or other specific categories of reads. These are often a great option if your book fits into a very specific category.
You can join online writing groups or forums to ask other writers for advice, especially if you are brand new to the publishing process.
Today, you can find individual freelance cover designers, editors, marketing specialists, and other professionals who can tackle pieces of the publishing process for you. This can potentially be a cost saver in the long run if you need a lot of help with the individual aspects of editing and publishing your book.
You may know what type of publisher would be best suited for your work. But how do you identify the specific companies that can help you become a published author?
Go online for verified resources! The internet is filled with lists, suggestions, and articles about specific book publishing companies, what type of books they accept, and how to contact them to make a connection.
So now you’ve determined which type of publisher is best suited for your book, and have identified a few book publishing companies you want to reach out to. But how do you ensure that your manuscript grabs an editor’s attention and doesn’t get lost in the shuffle?
The specific answer certainly depends on the type of publisher and their requirements for new author solicitations.
But generally, there are a few tips you can enlist to ensure that your book stands out in a crowd.
As noted, the best way to make a connection is to ensure that your publisher’s demographic and your book are well aligned. For example, you wouldn’t send a novel to a publisher that specializes in educational non-fiction texts. Conversely, you wouldn’t send a “How To” guide or a cookbook to a publisher that generally publishes novels.
And when it comes to finding that synchronicity between your book and a publisher, the more specific the better. For example, if you have written a book about local legends and history in your area, look for publishers who are close-to-home. They would be able to specialize in cultural and historical books.
In our modern online era, one of the best ways to grab attention is to demonstrate that you already have fans that would be interested in hearing what you have to say. You don’t have to be a celebrity, rock star, or a famous politician to have a big fan base. Plus, you can start small in the social media realm.
Create a few pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms to promote yourself, and your upcoming work. If a publisher notices that you already have a few thousand fans or followers, they’ll recognize that this likely translates into several book sales as well.
One of the best ways to stand out in a crowd is to be unique, and to show the publisher something they have never seen before. This may seem difficult on the surface, since there are literally millions of books on the market. But it doesn’t have to be!
Start by asking yourself what sets your story apart. Is it a character, a story arch, a unique set of challenges or plot points? Is it the subject of the book itself, or the style of your writing?
If need be, start writing a list of aspects of your book that are unique, and which sets it apart from other similar books on the market. When you reach out to your publisher, these are the features you will want to highlight and promote.
Nothing will divert an editor’s attention than spelling and grammar mistakes. Therefore, make sure that your book is as well-written and as free of errors as possible. Utilize a freelance editor if you need assistance, (which can be a cost-effective way to garner a professional perspective on your writing). Or ask friends and colleagues to do a final proofread of your work.
Sometimes, when you’ve been consumed with your story and your writing, you can miss those little mistakes that will hinder your book’s success. So always have an extra pair of eyes to read over your sample chapter, (or your entire book), before you send it to prospective book publishing companies.
You know you have a story that deserves to be shared to inspire, influence, and resonate with your readers.
It’s easier than ever to tackle publishing your book like a pro with the insight readily available through Book Bound Online.
Take a huge step forward in creating a book that will inspire people for years to come, and sign up for Book Bound Online today. This program will give you the essential information to transform your ability to write and publish your book. Find out how Book Bound Online is your best right-at-home resource for sharing your story with the world.