Today’s newsletter is for you if you want to:
A) Know more about the publishing industry
B) Increase your chances of closing a publishing deal
Most new writers dream of being published by a major publishing house. Being endorsed by a publisher is an accreditation of your work and gives you authority as an author.
For context, these are the Big Five publishing houses worldwide:
- Hachette
Additionally, depending on the publisher’s influence and footprint in the industry, it can open a global distribution network, propelling your book into the most coveted bookstores and add incremental sales.
However, an increasing number of authors, even seasoned ones, are moving away from the traditional publishing model and opting for self-publishing to gain more control over distribution, pricing, and royalties.
I self-published my first 2 books via Amazon, partnered with an indie publisher, Earnshaw Books for #3, and just closed a deal with a Big Five for book #4, although the details are still confidential 🤫
Both options have pros and cons, and authors need to know the rules of the publishing game to make informed decisions and smart moves.
Today, the focus is on how to increase your chances of closing a publishing deal.
Do’s and Don’ts
1. Do your due diligence
Find the one.
There are thousands of publishers, yet only a tiny fraction are a good fit for your book.
Do: Start your research based on your genre and ideal reader and ensure you are eligible.
Some publishers focus on fiction or history, while others only publish scientific or academic books; some only accept books through literary agents, while others focus on local talent or specific demographics, such as young writers or underprivileged groups.
My books aligned with what my publishers focus on (stories related to Asia and self-improvement), so that triggered their interest from the beginning.
Don’t randomly send manuscripts to publishers just because of their big name. It’s a waste of time and resources.
Tip: Focus on publishers of titles similar to yours.
2. Study the submission guidelines
Your manuscript is only one piece of the puzzle.
Most publishers require an author bio, a few chapters from the manuscript, a book synopsis, previous books, audience size, similar books, and more.
Do: Send a complete application matching all the required fields.
Publishers receive dozens of applications daily and won’t waste time with incomplete applications.
Don’t send application copycats.
Read the guidelines carefully and customize your submission.
Tip: Keep an Excel table to track your applications and their status.
3. Sell your book
Publishers are marketers.
They don’t view your manuscript as a book. They see it as a product and want to ensure it’s financially viable and profitable. Think of them as investors.
Many authors go with the mindset of “being discovered,” hoping the publisher will see their potential as a raw diamond.
Publishing is a business based on book sales. That means publishers need a clear value proposition and a targeted audience that is likely to purchase the book.
Your book is the offer, but that’s only 50% of the equation. You must prove there is a demand for the equation to be complete.
Do: Answer the questions, “Who will love this book?” and “Why will they buy it?”
Don’t expect the publisher to answer on your behalf and polish your raw diamond.
Tip: identify 2-3 books similar to yours so that you can narrow down your niche.
4. The book synopsis
Your book blurb can make it or break it.
Most publishers see the synopsis as your entry ticket: a generic, high-level summary will kill the deal, whereas a seducing, well-written blurb can open a new door.
It’s your elevator pitch.
Good book synopses are difficult to write because they require excellent marketing and storytelling while remaining clear and concise. Less is more.
Do: Write an intriguing blurb that highlights tactical keywords.
Treat it like a movie trailer. Give just enough to make your reader curious and have FOMO (fear of missing out).
Don’t write a vanilla summary that gives everything away. No one is excited by vanilla.
Tip: read the synopsis from bestseller books. Test your elevator pitch with a couple of friends and ask them for constructive feedback.
5. Polish your diamond
Most publishers ask for a part of the book, usually a few chapters, but not the entire manuscript. They want to get a taste of your writing first.
This is positive because it lets you focus on perfecting your sample. Typos and grammar errors are not tolerated, so investing in a professional editor is a good idea, at least for the chapters submitted.
Publishers want to get a sense of your book as a finished product, not a work-in-progress. Dress to impress.
Do: Send a shiny diamond that doesn’t need polishing. This is your opportunity to blow away your future publisher.
Don’t send a document that is 90% ready.
You are not sending a sample. This is the real deal.
Tip: Format your book professionally, adding a Table of Contents with Headers and Subheaders.
6. Sell the author
Your author bio is all about adding credibility and relevance.