Gone are the days where New York based publishing was the only option available to get a book into readers’ hands. Today there are a number of paths that an aspiring novelist can follow toward getting her book published. These include traditional print publishers, ebook publishers, and vanity presses. Today’s column will focus on traditional print publishers.
Traditional print publishing is the best known method of getting a novel on the shelves of a bookstore. Most traditional print publishers prefer to receive submissions in the form of an initial query and a partial of a novel, usually the first three chapters and a synopsis of the entire story. Of course, an aspiring author should research the publishing houses in which she’s interested, and then contact them directly for their specific requirements.
If an acquiring editor is interested in the partial submission, she will request a full version of the manuscript. This process of query, partial and full submission, and editor review could take as long as a year, as most submissions are via paper and snail mail—although some do allow electronic submissions— and because editors are inundated with submissions.
However, if the work is good—and marketable—and the book is accepted, a publishing contract will be offered. These usually provide for an advance and royalty payments, among many other specifications. Once the contract is finalized, an editor will be assigned to work with the author to make the book the very best it can be. This, too, can take several months. Then the book will be copy edited for spelling and grammar errors. An art department will design a cover for the book and a marketing department will work on programs to promote the work. Finally, the book will be sent to a printer and copies will be created and sent to bookstores around the country. Most of the big New York publishing houses have arrangements with booksellers that allow them to place most of their books in stores. This isn’t always true, however, and it may be up to the author to work with booksellers to get her book stocked. After all, there is only so much space available in brick-and-mortar buildings.
Although it sounds like a simple, if lengthy, process, the traditional print publishing path can be one of the most difficult paths to follow. Many traditional print publishers do not accept work directly from authors, but require them to work through a literary agent. And a literary agent can be as difficult to acquire as a publisher can. And as for royalties, unless the book is a blockbuster, it can take years to earn out the advance. Many publishers pay their authors only twice a year and they hold back royalties against possible returns from bookstores.
But most print publishers do assist with promotional activities, and the book has a greater chance of being shipped to bookstores than with some other methods which we will explore in the coming weeks. The bottom line is that an author should choose the path that is right for her and her book, considering what resources might be provided by the publisher and what she will have to handle on her own.
Next week, we’ll focus on digital (ebook) publishing.
Comments