How to Get a Publisher

Every week I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. This week I am taking a look at How to Get a Publisher.

Below is an excerpt from my book TR
Independent Books Guide to Writing:

Principle

How does one seek a publisher? First, you must decide what kind of
publisher you need. See the chapters on Self-Publisher, Traditional Publishing,
and You, the Publisher.

This is actually a critical decision. Unfortunately there is a lot of
mudslinging going on. Not to mention confusion. In my chapters on the different
types of publishing I strive to clear it up a little.

But before you make that decision you will want to search the internet
and discover who and what these publishers are. Even more important, is to
decide the overall direction you want to go.

In future chapters I examine each type of publisher closer, but here
it is important that you know what you
need.

Here are just a few things to examine:

How long are you
willing to wait for your book to be published?Can you afford $400
or more upfront?Are you a new
author?

There are other considerations as well. But these three will give you immediate indications as to what you need. For example, traditional publishers often have time lines that result in books being printed as much as two years down the road after signing the contract. On the other hand, self-publishers want you to pay for the privilege which often involves $400 or more.

And if you are a new author there are some publishers who will not
consider you simply because you’re new. These are generally found in your
larger traditional printing houses.

Then there are the publishers who are like self-publishers but have a
minimum order requirement. For instance, I knew of one author who had to buy
$5000 worth of copies at a time, which required that he maintain a storage area.
Here you have the cost of the books plus storage costs. In his case he stored
them at work, but not everyone has that opportunity.

Tip #1: Examine what your needs, perceived and known, are before searching
for a publisher.

Example

When I wrote my first novel, I didn’t know about costs, time, or
submission requirements. So I began looking for a publisher while in the dark.

Fortunately, I had access to the internet and began learning fast. It
didn’t take me long to figure out that traditional publishing was not for me.
While they are free and pay royalties, they were too restrictive.

For example, the traditional publishers often required an
agent (I didn’t have one) plus prospects for publishing soon were
unreasonable (up to two years after signing).

I eventually signed with a self-publishing firm. It cost me about $400
upfront plus the cost of marketing tools which they sold.

Application

It is your responsibility to find the right publisher for you.
Everybody has an opinion, but you are the one who has to live with your
decision.

Read my chapters on the different types. Weigh the facts and decide
which one best works for you.

HANDLING REJECTION

Principle

This is primarily addressed to those who plan to use a traditional
publisher. Self-publishing companies rarely reject a manuscript.

As a disclaimer I have never received a rejection slip because I have
never used traditional publishers.

That said, I can say this with authority: Never let rejection slips stop
you!

Use them as you would any tool. Learn from them. Why was the
manuscript rejected? Did it come with any suggestions as to how you can
improve? If so, you should consider them (but don’t violate your own
standards).

Another thing to remember is that editors have their own ideas as to
what makes successful writing. They are not THE authority.

Tip#2: Use rejection slips as learning tools to help you become a better
writer. Don’t take it personally.

Example

Since I have never had a book rejected I have no practical example to
share with you. But the more meaningful example is one’s reaction to any
roadblock, which is all that a rejection slip amounts to in one’s career.

That said check out your response to other roadblocks. If your
response works in those cases, maybe it will with rejection.

But better is this: As I said in
the Tips: Use rejection slips as learning tools to help you become a better
writer and don’t take it personally.

Application

My suggestion is to stay away from the Traditional Publishers and the
preceding is only one reason. But if you must use Traditional Publishers, then
please pay close attention when listening to them. They each have their own
preferences and not following them will bring on a rejection quickly.

You have a responsibility to yourself. That is why I emphasize
treating rejection as a tool. Instead of being discouraged, see it as something
that will only make you a better writer!

To learn more about getting a publisher and/or agent TR Writing Services is currently giving away – that’s right, it’s FREE! – our TR Guide to Writing. Simply contact us and request a copy (PDF) and we’ll send it to you. While at it why not request the TR Writing Service booklet? This booklet will tell you about our different plans and prices. (The current plan discounts expire June 30th.)

For more on TR Writing Services contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com.

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am
always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was
(Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem
(Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), Task
Force Hunter (Book Three), Black Death (Book Four), or Rise of
I.C.E.S. (Book Five), I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an
appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email
make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy
(PDF or ePub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick
Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing
Services providing help to struggling and/or new
authors to write and publish their books. In addition he is the author of
several books and is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative
Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also
co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the
option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.