Getting a book published is no small feat. If you’re dreaming of being picked up by a traditional publisher, understanding the process from start to finish is important. This journey requires commitment, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. But with the right approach, you can see your manuscript transform into a published book. Let's break down the key steps that will guide you along the way.
Step 1: Finish Your Manuscript
Before anything else, focus on completing your manuscript. Publishers are looking for finished work, not ideas or half-completed drafts. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, make sure your manuscript is polished. Edit it, review it, and refine it.
Many fledgling authors believe the editing should be done through the publication process. While this is partially true—certainly, your publisher will edit your work—you MUST edit your work prior to submission.
If you submit an unedited, incomplete manuscript, it sends the message that you lack commitment. If an author doesn't care enough to polish their own work, why should a publisher invest in it? Taking the time to fully edit and refine your manuscript demonstrates your professionalism and respect for both your craft and potential publishers.
Step 2: Decide on Traditional or Self-Publishing
You have two primary options for publishing: traditional publishing and self-publishing. Traditional publishing involves working with an established publishing house. It can be more competitive and often requires you to secure an agent, but it gives you access to a larger team, marketing, and distribution channels. Self-publishing allows you complete control but requires more effort in terms of marketing and logistics.
Traditional publishing is for you if...
You want the support of a large team, including editors, designers, and marketers.
You prefer to focus solely on writing while someone else handles the logistics and distribution.
You’re ready to navigate the competitive submission process and willing to secure a literary agent.
You want the credibility that comes with being published by an established house.
You’re prepared to accept editorial feedback and understand that you will have less control over the final product.
Self-publishing is for you if...
You want complete creative and financial control over your book.
You’re comfortable managing the logistics, including editing, cover design, and marketing.
You’re prepared to put in the work for self-promotion, such as building an author platform.
You value a faster route to publication without waiting for agent or publisher approval.
You’re willing to take on all aspects of the process, including making tough decisions about your book’s direction.
For the rest of this article, we will be focusing on traditional publishing steps. Self-publishers, stay tuned for more articles that go over the skills you will need during your process!
Step 3: Get the Right Literary Agent
If you're pursuing traditional publishing, your next step is securing a literary agent. Agents are your gateway to publishers, but it’s important to choose the right one. Make sure the agent aligns with your vision and is actively seeking the type of work you’re offering. Research their preferences carefully, as a query to an agent not interested in your genre is a wasted effort.
Personalizing your query letter is a necessity as well. Tailor it to each agent and follow their submission guidelines precisely. It might seem tedious, but not doing so can mean your time is spent on a submission that won’t even be considered.
Step 4: Submit to Publishers
Once you have an agent or if you’re going direct, it’s time to submit your manuscript. Research the publishers that fit your genre and style, and always follow their submission guidelines. At The Stygian Society, for example, we ask that you submit a complete manuscript, along with a synopsis and details like word count and genre. But submission guidelines can vary, so always read and follow them carefully.
When it comes to submitting, sending only one manuscript to a single publisher and waiting for a response is no longer realistic. Publishers, including us, often have long response times, and you’ll likely be submitting to multiple publishers at once. Don’t be discouraged if you receive rejections—it’s part of the process. In fact, at some point, you’ll probably find yourself looking forward to receiving a real rejection letter over total silence.
It’s also important to understand that it’s hard for publishers to respond to every submission, especially given the sheer volume of manuscripts they receive. There are plenty of writers, but fewer publishers, and unfortunately, most of the time, a ‘no’ is simply a matter of the publisher not being the right fit. If you’ve received multiple rejections, take it in stride and keep submitting.
If you’re working with an agent, they will handle the submission process for you, often submitting to multiple publishers at once. Just like querying agents, remember to follow submission instructions carefully, as not doing so can risk wasting time and opportunities.
Rejection is a natural part of the journey. With persistence, you’ll find the right publisher who sees the value in your work.
Step 5: Negotiate Your Contract
When a publisher expresses interest, you’ll enter contract negotiations. This process is where having an agent can be incredibly helpful, but if you're navigating it on your own, it’s important to pay close attention to terms such as royalty percentages, rights, and your responsibilities. Take your time to review the offer carefully! Rushing could mean missing important details.
If you're unsure about anything, consider hiring a lawyer to go over the contract. Many authors also consult peers or organizations like the Authors Guild for advice. You can ask for revisions, such as more copies or changes to royalty rates, but keep in mind this may slow things down.
*We’re not legal professionals, so always seek expert advice before signing anything.
Step 6: Work With an Editor
Once your manuscript is accepted, the editing process begins, and this is where you’ll need to adapt to working within the structure of traditional publishing. In most cases, you won't have the luxury of choosing your editor. Instead, you'll be paired with an editor from the publishing house who will guide you through revisions. While it can be a challenge to work with someone who may not have the same vision for your book, the editor’s job is to help make your work more marketable and polished.
It's important to be open to their suggestions, even if it feels like a step away from your original draft. Editors bring fresh eyes to the project and can spot areas that may need clarity, tightening, or expansion. Communication is key—while they will have the final say on many aspects of the editing process, make sure you express your concerns and vision for the book clearly. At this stage, the goal is to work together to refine the manuscript and make it as strong as possible for the target audience.
Step 7: Design and Production
After the editing process, your book moves into production, which includes the design of the cover and interior layout. In traditional publishing, this is largely out of your hands. Publishers have teams of designers who handle these decisions. While this might feel like a loss of creative control, remember that these designers are experienced professionals who know what works in the market.
The production stage is where your manuscript begins to take its final form. Whether it's a hardcover, paperback, or e-book, every detail, from the cover art to the typesetting, matters. The right design will help your book stand out on the shelf and attract readers.
That said, there are indie presses that give authors more leeway in these decisions. At Stygian, for example, while we handle the overall direction, authors are invited to have a say in key aspects, like design notes—if you feel strongly about a specific detail (e.g., "no white doves on the cover of my bird book!"), we listen. Ultimately, we want authors to feel a part of the process, not like their vision is getting lost along the way.
Step 8: Marketing and Promotion
Getting your book published is just one part of the journey. Once it's out, the real work begins: marketing. While traditional publishers will handle a lot of the heavy lifting in this area, including distribution and some marketing efforts, don’t expect to sit back and relax. These publishers often look for authors who already have a strong marketing presence, particularly on social media. Having a solid online platform can increase your chances of getting accepted by a major publisher.
While they’ll manage much of the distribution, you’ll still be expected to contribute. Think about engaging with your readers on social media, attending book fairs, and leveraging your personal network. Hosting book launches, asking for reviews, and promoting your work through various channels will help keep momentum going. The reality is that even with traditional publishing, authors need to pull their weight when it comes to visibility and marketing.
Step 9: Keep Writing
After your book is published, don’t stop. Keep writing. As a new author, one book is just the beginning. Continue to hone your craft, write more stories, and engage with your readers. Consistency is key to building a lasting writing career.
Final Thoughts
Getting published is not a one-size-fits-all journey. There are challenges, but with the right approach, you can achieve success. At The Stygian Society, we focus on supporting the writer’s journey from start to finish. From thoughtful editing to professional design, we’re here to help authors achieve their publishing goals.
Comments