DO I SEND BOOK MANUSCRIPT TO ONE PUBLISHER...or THREE???

Question

I have sent samples of my book chapters and other required info to ONE publisher. I talked to the marketing guy on the phone and once I told him what the book was about, he seemed quite interested. It fits the genre of books that they publish.

But, do I go ahead and send the same info to two more publishers??

Do different publishers offer different royalties?? Is it wise to hear what three have to say rather than one??

Answer 1

First of all, congratulations on completing your manuscript!

It's not a bad idea to send your work to a few different publishers, it's actually quite smart. This way you'll get a sense of the overall marketing idea of your book.

It it sure that different publishers offer different royalites but it depends on your book as well. Royalties (North American standard wise) are generally 6 to 8 percent of the retail price on trade paperbacks, 6 to 10 percent of the retail price on mass market paperbacks, and 10 to 15 percent of the retail price on hardcovers. But there is plenty of variation. Sometimes certain publishers will invest more editorial and artistic effort, and therefore offer lower royalties.

Now most times, an agent is required for the publishing process because a lot of the acclaimed publishing companies won't accept unsolicited material. However, you're marketing your manuscript on your own so you might want to put together a proposal if you're going to be sending it to one or more companies. If you do write out a proposal, you'll want to be articulate and very much to the point. How your proposal will look and how professionally it is presented, is crucial to shaping the attitude for which your proposal and manuscript will be viewed.

A proposal includes:
- one page cover letter which should include an introduction which should be at least two pages or less and focus on what your book is about, what makes it different, the target market. You've got to be convinicing.
- some sample material, but just enough to intrigue them
-information about you - what would make you an asset to their publishing company

I too am a writer and know how frustrating the process must be. I'm almost finished my first manuscript but researching on publishing is vital. You should look into this sort of info. Your local library is one spot that can help you. Some have publishing directories for aspiring authors.

There's even self-publishing that some writers do and make deals with the marketing of their book. I can only think of Lulu.com and iUniverse.com. With iUniverse, you publish your book with them , they way you want and and they sell it in either Chapters, Indigo, Coles, etc, etc (I'm from Canada) but I'm sure there are US type self-publishing companies that will help out.

I hope that helped and I wish you the very best! Good luck!

Answer 2

I would send it to ten to twenty at a time, because if by chance more than one liked your book, then you can choose the publisher with the best offer. They always take 4-12 weeks to respond, and make sure you include a self addressed letter to mail back or they may not even answer.

Answer 3

once your manuscript is printed or perhaps produced in any form, that counts as a copyright. previously you deliver it everywhere, be particular you've thoroughly edited your manuscript to the finest of your potential and performance written adequate drafts that you truly believe that it really is in a position to deliver out. Then at the same time as picking an editor, confirm you've a authentic one and under no circumstances basically someone who will can charge you a cost and then disappear.

Answer 4

If you have positive interest from a publisher, I would not recommend sending it to others. Among other things, if you start getting duplicate offers and try to hold one to see if the other is better (without having a strong reputation) you will find you have poisoned your relationship with one or more of the publishers.

Answer 5

One is good but three is better ,,,, Once you've desided to have something published then this gives you a broader range of deals and choices to choose from ,,,, Heck send the material to half a dozen and see who bites and will pay you the most for your work ,,,, Good luck ,,,,

Answer 6

Send it to as many people as you can. If you only send it one place, it will more than likely be rejected (unless you are really lucky.) Most cases would show though that the more places it's sent, the less room for rejection. Good luck!

Answer 7

one, at a time. If rejected then send to others, but one at a time