Getting a book published by a well-known author and publisher is the most challenging task but not impossible in America. Today, the most feasible solution is how to get a book published is submitting the book to a traditional publisher through a literary agent(middleman).
Many authors predict that a large rise of self-publishing books rapidly increasing in the USA may lead to a great change in the upcoming time interval. Also, there are various self-publishing platforms like Blurb, Apple Books, Lulu, BookBaby, Draft2Digital, Barnes and Noble Press Smashwords, and Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), which allow writers to get their books published easily by publishers.
There are many writers in the USA who wrote their first book with no experience. However, to get a book published, they need to follow some steps. So, this blog will provide a quick guide with step-by-step to be followed for getting a book published.
How Writers Can Approach a Publisher (3 Ways)?
In this digital world, the best and cheapest way to publish a book written by a writer is via an e-book (electronic book). Now, e-books and the above-mentioned self-publishing platforms are the most convenient modes, which do not charge any additional fee for getting a writer’s book published.
In order to distribute a writer’s book at several bookstores and publish it worldwide, first of all, they need to follow three common methods or ways to reach publishers to get their books published easily.
A writer can approach a publisher via a middle man, no middle man, and by mutual agreement or signing a contract.
1- With Middle Man
This is the first and most viable way that a writer can approach a traditional publisher with the help of a middleman. Almost all first writers without any experience, simply follow a strategic approach to reach a modern publisher via a literary agent. The middle man plays a vital role in submitting a writer’s book either to its own publisher or publishing house.
In addition, most writers in the US today are dependent on the agents. The normal writer must recognize the exact type of category for his or her writing. However, for the non-fiction writer to submit his or her book to a traditional publisher then he or she will need to submit a book proposal, which includes any three sample chapters of a submitted book and also a synopsis report for each chapter of the book.
2- Without Middle Man
The next way that a writer can approach a traditional publisher is without interacting with a literary agent or middleman. The writer can directly reach a publisher for uploading and publishing his or her book via e-book or self-publishing platforms.
First of all, the writers can discuss the affordable fees and charges with publishers. After that, they can directly interact or communicate with a publishing house to offer the best price for books in the market.
Alternatively, for new authors or publishers sometimes this method can be proved as intimidating between writers and publishing houses.
3- Through Contract with the Publisher
Another way that a professional writer can go through a mutual consent, agreement, or contract with the publisher is to get his or her book published.
There is a book publishing agreement document, which indicates the complete details of the publishing process. The document includes information related to both delivery and acceptance of book matter to be published, amount of advance payment and royalties, rights transfer and so on.
So, this document serves as a legal way from the government side that a traditional writer can directly sign a contract with a publisher to get the books published on the internet and read by readers who love to read books.
This is considered the most trusted and reliable method between a writer and a publisher by mutually following the legal agreement or contract.
Steps to Follow For How to Get a Book Published
Here’s a quick guide with five easy steps to know, understand, and help writers get their books published either by self-publishers using independent publishing methods or distributing them at bookstores.
1-Write a Book Manuscript (Draft)
In order to get a book published, the first step is to write a book in draft form. The writers have to prepare a manuscript before submitting it to the publishers for making modifications and finalizing it. The two most important steps in the process of publishing a writer’s book are acquisition and editing.
The acquisition process can be performed by publishers in several ways. However, the publishers can either send a draft copy of the writer’s manuscript or a book proposal prepared to many publishers.
Both processes are important aspects for the material(s) that need to be published without the actual book in the market.
2- Find a Publisher
The next step for getting a book published is to find a publisher, who has a traditional and strong history of publishing books related to the writer’s genre.
First of all is important to identify the right publisher, which is an essential step in a writer’s book’s publishing journey. Then next is to start by researching a well-known modern publisher. This complete arrangement makes sure that the traditional publishers have great expertise and a good audience base that matches the writer’s book’s content.
The right publisher involves understanding the genre, researching publishing histories, checking submission guidelines, attending literary events, seeking recommendations, evaluating distribution channels, considering the size of the publisher, and analyzing marketing support.
3- Know about the terms and conditions of the publisher
After finding the right publisher, the next step is to clearly know about the terms and conditions of the publisher mentioned in a mutual agreement or contract. The writer must carefully read all the terms and conditions before agreeing to any strong decision or signing a contract that is based on mutual consent among traditional publishers.
In addition, the writers make strong commitments to publishers by properly understanding all the rights, royalties, and obligations. Also, the writer cannot deny mutual agreement after signing a contract with the publisher.
This mutual consent builds a strong and trusted connection between a writer and a publisher.
4- Check the price or fees involved in publishing a book
The next step after signing a mutual agreement is to check the publisher’s fees or how much price will be charged by them in publishing a book.
This is the most essential step in getting a book published as it deals with the nominal price range charged by a publisher. The standard cost is approximately $2,000–$4,000 for publishing a book in the market by a traditional publisher. However, legitimate publishers do not charge any fee or require payment from writers to publish their books.
Self-published authors by selling a single book at the retail price can make 60% of royalties. On the other hand, traditional-published authors can make up to 12% royalty.
As compared to self-published authors, traditional authors are less expensive and require a publisher’s cut. Both of these publishing authors require separate costs incurred on publishing a book.
5- Publishing of the Book
This is the final step of getting a book published via sales, marketing, and publicity.
In traditional book publishing, when a publisher provides the author a mutual agreement, which in turn printed, published, and traded the writer’s book either by booksellers or retailers in the market. The publisher significantly purchases the right to publish writers’ books and pays royalties according to the sales.
The writer’s book may be marketed through submitting ads in the newspapers or journals. However, some writers may ask to market it on podcasts, interviews, and among well-recognized authors to get their name and book published.
As we know, this step includes sales, marketing, and publicity of the book, which are very crucial aspects in selling a published book. So this will help in generating a good source of income and contributing to the development and growth of the nation.
Conclusion
In order to get a book published successfully, potential authors should focus on all the above-mentioned steps. These steps will not only help the publishing industry for their better improvement in the future. But also offers a great source of platform for traditional as well as self-published authors.
Hence, publishing books provides a sense of closure to both readers and writers to explore better career opportunities.
