You wrote that book!!! And I am beyond proud of you. BUT! Do you have a manuscript that a well-known publisher believes is worth publishing? Don’t look at me in that tone of voice! There are a number of factors that you must take into consideration before you enter into the big bad world of publishing. Let’s discuss a few.
The amount of work that you put into writing your book can have a huge impact on your ability to get your book published. Whether you write a short children’s book or a long science fiction novel, you should put the same amount of time, thought, and energy should be put into either. While there is no harm in writing what comes into your mind, you have to make sure that it all flows together and is easy for readers to understand.
Your chances of getting your book published increase when you take the time to research publishers who are interested in what you have to offer. For example, if you are writing a children’s book that focuses on a religious theme, search for publishers who are looking specifically to publish religious children’s books. You can use the internet or printed resource guides, like The Writer’s Market, to research your options. Choose the publishers that are the perfect fit for your book.
The number of publishers you submit your manuscript to is also likely to have an impact on your success rate. As previously stated, you will want to take the time to find the publishers that are looking for books just like yours. In keeping with the example above of a religious-themed children’s book, multiple publishers specialize in religious publications. The more publishers you submit your book manuscript to, the better your chances of getting published.
The genre and the topic that you write about can also have an impact on your ability to get your book published. If your book genre is popular, your manuscript stands a better chance of being published. If you have not yet started writing, first take the time to examine what publishers want or need. The internet and printed guides should help you get ideas as to which genres and topics are in high demand today. This will increase your chances of getting your book published, as you are writing a book that is wanted.
The quality of your editing will also have a significant impact on whether or not your book is worth publishing. There is nothing worse than a publisher receiving a book that isn’t edited. A manuscript filled with errors is a major turn-off. Of course, a book’s ability to get published depends on the storyline and its success, but never submit a book manuscript to a professional publisher without first having it edited. After it’s been edited, you should proofread it multiple times. I highly suggest using the services of a professional editor; they are more likely to catch the mistakes that you may miss.
While it is virtually impossible to determine ahead of time whether or not you will get your book published, you are able to gauge the probability of your success rate. If this is the first time that you are attempting to get your book published, do not give up. Many famous and well-known authors received multiple rejection letters before they were first met with success and the same may be true for you as well.
Adrienne Michelle Horn is the owner of I A.M. Editing, Ink. Although she has a full-time professional career in healthcare, she is also a South Florida-based editor, poet, author, entrepreneur, and mother of her beautiful daughter, Paris.
For more information about Adrienne and her company, follow I A.M. Editing, Ink on social media or visit: https://linktr.ee/iamediting.