Getting a book published traditionally through a major publishing house is a dream for many authors. Seeing your name printed on the spine of a book and displayed in bookstores is incredibly rewarding. However, catching the eye of a publisher is very competitive, even for seasoned writers.
On average, major publishers only accept around 2% of the manuscripts they receive each year. So how can you beat the odds and get your book into the hands of a publisher?
Follow this step-by-step guide to crafting a stand-out submission package that gives you the best shot at landing a book deal,
Know What Publishers Are Looking For
The first key is researching publishers extensively to understand what kinds of books they acquire,
Visit publisher websites and study recent titles they’ve released in your genre. Follow editors on Twitter to glean insights about their interests. Attend writing conferences where you can network with publishing professionals.
This will help you carefully target publishers most likely to be receptive to your book concept and writing style. Sending queries blindly without research wastes valuable time.
Perfect Your Initial Chapters
Many publishers require seeing just the first few chapters rather than the full manuscript when gauging initial interest.
So take the time to perfect your first three chapters before querying. They need to hook the reader, introduce the characters and plot arc, and demonstrate your writing abilities.
Refine the opening chapters through multiple rounds of edits until the pacing, dialogue, and descriptive language are razor sharp. This section is your golden ticket to getting an editor’s attention.
Craft a Strong Query Letter
Your query letter is the first impression a publisher will have of your work. Keep it succinct at around 250-300 words.
The query should include:
- A compelling overview of your book and genre
- Key details about the plot and characters
- What makes your concept unique in the market
- Your relevant writing credentials
Follow publisher guidelines closely and make sure the letter is error-free. Personalize each query by mentioning specific editors or titles that inspired you.
Provide a Polished Synopsis
Publishers typically want to see a synopsis of 1-2 pages along with your query letter and sample chapters.
This high-level summary covers your full narrative arc including key plot points, character journeys, and the ending. It proves you have an entire manuscript mapped out.
Avoid getting too detailed. Write it in the present tense and third person. The synopsis gives editors a snapshot of your story and writing abilities.
Enlist a Literary Agent
Your chances of getting a publisher’s attention are much higher if you have a literary agent. Agents have existing relationships with editors and know their preferences.
They provide insider knowledge of the acquisitions process and can advise you on the publishers best suited to your manuscript. Let them shop your book proposal around to multiple houses.
Do your research to find agents who specifically represent your particular genre. Thoroughly polish your manuscript before querying them.
Submit Directly to Publishers
A small number of publishers do accept submissions directly from authors, without requiring an agent. This route takes more legwork on your end.
Vetting publishers carefully is crucial – many imprints promising easy publication to writers are predatory “vanity presses.”
Legitimate publishers never charge fees to authors. Thoroughly research imprints and look for respected names in the industry.
Follow each publisher’s submission guidelines precisely. Address your materials to the acquisitions editor for your genre. Send follow-up emails if you don’t hear back.
Attend Writing Conferences
One of the best ways to get direct access to literary agents and publishers is by attending major writing conferences.
Do your research to find conferences in your genre where editors from major houses will be presenting and available for meetings.
These events provide valuable face time and pitching opportunities. You can get critique on your proposal and find out what publishers are looking for right now.
Come prepared with multiple copies of your strongest sample chapters and pitch. Follow up promptly afterward.
Join a Writer’s Group
Connecting with other local authors can provide support as well as publishing contacts.
Many writing groups have members who’ve been published or have insights into the process. Some even organize events where editors and agents participate.
Doing critiques of each other’s work within the group helps refine your manuscript prior to querying. Other members may share agent or publisher recommendations.
Having a community of writers in your corner makes the submission process less intimidating and isolating.
Use Feedback to Improve Your Submission
Publishing is a very subjective business. One editor may pass on your book while another loves it.
If you receive rejection letters, look for any constructive feedback you can use to strengthen your manuscript and query.
Be willing to make edits to improve pacing, characters, dialogue, and other aspects. The more polished your submission, the better the next round will fare.
View rejections as motivation to keep honing your craft and professionalizing your pitch materials. Persistence is key.
By researching publishers, crafting compelling materials, networking, and not giving up, your chances of landing a book deal will steadily improve over time. Stay positive, keep writing, and seize every opportunity to get your work in front of publishers.
Write your query letter
The query letter is your email pitch to the agent where you describe your book and include some sample pages. It’s akin to writing a cover letter for a job, but instead of asking for employment, you’re asking for them to take you on as a client for representation.
Writing a killer query letter can be a tricky task, so you can consult your beta readers or an editor again to get their eyes on it, as you want to make sure youre enticing the agent while remaining clear and concise.
Finish your book
The first thing to do–and this is a big one–is to finish your book. You want to have a workable draft that you can revise, workshop, and ultimately pitch to agents. This might be the hardest part of the whole process, so if you currently have a finished draft, I want to say congratulations! Finishing a book is honestly a huge achievement.
How to Get Published by a Big Five House | Traditional Book Publishing Process
How do I get my book published?
Getting your book traditionally published is a step-by-step process of: Determining your genre or category of work. Finding appropriate agents or publishers for your work. Preparing your submissions materials (a query letter or proposal, usually). Submitting your materials to agents or editors. Step 1. Determine your work’s genre or category.
How do I get a publishing deal from a traditional publisher?
To get a publishing deal from a traditional publisher, you must go through these steps: Find a book agent willing to represent you and your book idea to a publisher (this is very hard, most agents get thousands of inbound requests a week).
How do I start a book publishing business?
1. Finish and polish your book or proposal 2. Query literary agents 3. Your agent pitches publishers 4. Sign a book deal 5. Start editing and pre-publication business 6. Start signing your book in bookstores! Note: This is a guide to traditional publishing.
How do I choose a publisher?
Step 1. Determine your work’s genre or category. Publishers and agents often focus or specialize on certain types of work. They may publish only fiction or nonfiction; they may refuse to accept poetry or memoir; and so on.
