IF YOU HAVE DESIGNS
on a book deal then read on...
For many authors the more traditional route to publishing will still be their chosen method to the book shelf, as such they’ll work hard at contacting as many publishers as possible to get that elusive book deal, but what things should you be focusing on if going down this well-trodden path?
Here we have some great tips on how to make your mark with the publishers you contact.
How original is the work you’ve just sent them? Publishers do see a great deal of manuscripts which are clearly written in the hopes of jumping upon the ‘bandwagon’ of current trends, get rich/happy quick schemes or the memoir based novel which is bleak in its outlook. That’s not to say that if you have followed one of these styles it’s not a good book, it’s just that you will be up against even more competition and this makes it far harder to catch the eye of the publisher.
Here we have some great tips on how to make your mark with the publishers you contact.
How original is the work you’ve just sent them? Publishers do see a great deal of manuscripts which are clearly written in the hopes of jumping upon the ‘bandwagon’ of current trends, get rich/happy quick schemes or the memoir based novel which is bleak in its outlook. That’s not to say that if you have followed one of these styles it’s not a good book, it’s just that you will be up against even more competition and this makes it far harder to catch the eye of the publisher.
A publisher will want to find a book which is intense with its clear message and focus, the manuscript should grab the reader’s attention and do so in a way which is fresh and new, they’ll look for writers who can be passionate and write from a place which is deep within them, they will tend to look at those who write from a point of almost compulsion (and not just to make a fast buck).
You’ll need to design a proposal to submit along with your manuscript, this should contain a couple of sentences about the main theme or hook of your work, why you’ve written it and why you’re the best writer to have done so. It should also include a two to three page synopsis of the book. You should include details about your own author’s ‘platform’, this is your history as a writer, current career, education, any current marketing, details of your author’s blog, social media footprint and own website. There are some publishers who can even ask to see a quick video presentation or interview to see how well you’re able to talk about your book.
You should also give an honest appraisal of what is your competition is and of course cover the genre and specific area you book falls within, they’ll also want to know how your book and you as a writer are different.
The use of an agent can be preferred by most publishers and even if that’s not the case with all, it will certainly make things a lot easier for you to have your manuscript put in front of the right people (if you send it in unsolicited it may well end up unopened in the publishers ‘Slush’ pile – never to be read), we have an article which looks at literary agents and how to find one within the ‘Writers Room’.
Your manuscript needs to shine, so ensure that you have taken your time with the polishing of your book, it will need to be proof read and getting it professionally edited will make a massive difference too. Don’t be scared to compare your work against writers with proven track records, does your work stand up to it or fall short? The proof reading and editing process can help in fine tuning your work but don’t be put off if it comes back with large re-writes (it could save you a great deal of time in the future).
Taking your time and getting it right will ensure that you are taken seriously as a writer.
Be prepared to self-promote and participate in the marketing of your book, as stated a little earlier, if you can go to a publisher or agent with your own platform and willingness to push it even further then you’ll show just how dedicated and professional you are.
And finally, don’t be put off, publishers are actually looking for great talent all of the time, writers still get book deals and we still have a best seller list. So stay passionate about your craft, with dedication you could well be the next JK Rowling!
You’ll need to design a proposal to submit along with your manuscript, this should contain a couple of sentences about the main theme or hook of your work, why you’ve written it and why you’re the best writer to have done so. It should also include a two to three page synopsis of the book. You should include details about your own author’s ‘platform’, this is your history as a writer, current career, education, any current marketing, details of your author’s blog, social media footprint and own website. There are some publishers who can even ask to see a quick video presentation or interview to see how well you’re able to talk about your book.
You should also give an honest appraisal of what is your competition is and of course cover the genre and specific area you book falls within, they’ll also want to know how your book and you as a writer are different.
The use of an agent can be preferred by most publishers and even if that’s not the case with all, it will certainly make things a lot easier for you to have your manuscript put in front of the right people (if you send it in unsolicited it may well end up unopened in the publishers ‘Slush’ pile – never to be read), we have an article which looks at literary agents and how to find one within the ‘Writers Room’.
Your manuscript needs to shine, so ensure that you have taken your time with the polishing of your book, it will need to be proof read and getting it professionally edited will make a massive difference too. Don’t be scared to compare your work against writers with proven track records, does your work stand up to it or fall short? The proof reading and editing process can help in fine tuning your work but don’t be put off if it comes back with large re-writes (it could save you a great deal of time in the future).
Taking your time and getting it right will ensure that you are taken seriously as a writer.
Be prepared to self-promote and participate in the marketing of your book, as stated a little earlier, if you can go to a publisher or agent with your own platform and willingness to push it even further then you’ll show just how dedicated and professional you are.
And finally, don’t be put off, publishers are actually looking for great talent all of the time, writers still get book deals and we still have a best seller list. So stay passionate about your craft, with dedication you could well be the next JK Rowling!
