I have a great idea for a book.?

Question

Where can I find a good publisher to print my book?

Web links, email, or physical addresses are appreciated, as are publisher names. I am seeking a fairly well-known publisher as I believe my book has good potential.

Thanks!

Answer 1

For specific publishers, look in Writer's Digest, The Writer, or Poets & Writers.

The rest of this is simply general information on the industry in general you need to know:

Traditional route, large publishing house: You will need an agent. An agent is someone who knows how to work with the big publishers. An agent will read your manuscript and suggest changes to increase it's chances of publication. Most large publishers will only accepted agented submissions.

An agent can even start representing you before your book is finished. A good agent can get you a deal before the book is complete. So you don't even need a final manuscript to work this way.

An agent is paid on commission, and is only paid if they place your book. Generally they will get a 10-20% cut of the royalties. An agent that asks for money up front, or tries to sell add-on services, is a scam.

And contrary to popular myth, it is NOT impossible to get an agent. Agents are always hungry for new talent. Remember the mantra "Every published writer was once an unpublished writer."

Traditional publishing, small press: Most small press publishers will review non-agented submissions. However, you must query first. If they are interested, they will ask to see the completed manuscript.

In either traditional route, it will not cost you one dime. The publisher will use it's own editors, proofreaders, book designers, and salespeople to design and market your book.

Non-traditional publishing, Subsidy: Subsidy publishing in any form is a scam. In these scenarios, the alleged publisher asks the writer to "invest" in the project. They may ask you to pay for special services. Or nickel and dime you by charging you for proofreading, editing, etc. This is not how a traditional publisher works. Subsidy publishing should be avoided.

Self-Publishing: With self-publishing, you act as your own publisher. This is a good option if:

1. You have a "niche" book that would only be of interest to a small market (i.e. A book on the history of your hometown, a book on shovel collecting, etc)
2. You have a strong understanding of how to market. You will need to write your own ad copy, press releases, etc. If you don't know how to market, you won't sell books.
3. Have a strong understanding of the process. Publishing involves more than typing up the story. There is proofreading, editing, book layout, cover art, even silly things like font choices, blurbs, etc. If you don't know how to do something, you will have to pay a professional to do it for you. Which brings me to...
4. Have a budget. Self-publishing costs money. Even if you use Lulu, which has no upfront costs, you will still have to spend money. You will have to buy copies of the book to send to reviewers. You will need to send comp copies to bookstores to encourage them to stock the book. You will have to buy advertising. If you need professionals, you will have to pay for them.

Good luck with your book!

Answer 2

Don't go for a well-known publisher if it's your first book, unless you have thousands of dollars to throw to the hands of an agent, who are as bad as car salesmen and lawyers.

Look for a medium sized company and do it yourself. And you need a lot more than "an idea," you need a book. Cover to cover, with a good story that is worth reading inside. Know your audience, who are you writing for? Do you know any people that fit that market in your life? If so, have them read it.

You are your worst critic, not because you will be too harsh but because you will be too favorable, a friend who reads the book is more likely to find error in it, and will help you to improve it. Then you can look for your own publisher.

I say find your own because you need to understand this is a serious job, and you will have to work hard for it, it's not a get-rich quick scheme. You'll be lucky to make five thousand for a first book if you aren't well-known.

Answer 3

I hate to dose you with reality, but unless your name or identity can guarantee the sale of books, a publisher probably won't talk to you when you only have "an idea." Lots of people have ideas, but you've got to have a product to sell, literally.

I will tell you, however, that typically the big publishers don't want unsolicited work. That means most work comes through literary agents. You can find addresses and agent information through the Writer's Market.

Answer 4

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