A few years ago, I read an interesting article at BooksandSuch.com titled, "Meaning of Persistence."
I've written about this topic before. The writer who perseveres is the one who becomes traditionally published.
With the ever-increasing ease of self-publishing, A LOT of authors are foregoing the traditional path for one that's easier and much quicker, albeit the more expensive path.
Another reason authors, especially new ones, take the self-publishing road is the difficulty of getting a traditional contract. This difficulty is amplified if the author is trying for the Big 5 (the five major publishers).
Okay, back to the article at Books and Such. The gist of the article is that if new authors weren't getting book deals, then why would agents still accept queries? The same goes for book publishers.
This is not to say the submissions road won't be littered with rejections, time, and effort. But a traditional book contract is still possible.
The deal is that authors need to know how the publishing game has changed. The industry has evolved, and you need to know what publishers are looking for now.
WHAT TO EXPECT AND STEPS TO TAKE
1. Publishers are More Cautious.
Post-pandemic budgets, the surge of self-publishing, and a competitive digital market mean fewer risks are being taken on unknown names. Because of this, you need to be strategic.
2. Manuscripts Must be Ready to Pitch.
Editors are flooded with submissions; they’re overworked. They’re looking for that mistake, sloppiness, anything to show you have taken the time to do it right.
To get past the gatekeeper, your manuscript needs strong concept and sense of genre. It needs ‘clean prose.’
Editors are looking for market potential. They want a polished manuscript that will be a great book.
You need to know your audience, understand comparable titles, and show how your book fits in and stands out.
3. Platforms: Yes, No, Maybe
If you write nonfiction, a platform is a must. But what about fiction?
If you write fiction, having a platform isn’t as essential, but you still need to show that you have marketing ‘reach.’ You need to be visible and help your book succeed.
Publishers look at things like an author’s engagement in a niche community, short fiction credits in reputable magazines, and a popular Substack.
It’s no longer a matter of having a lot of social media followers; it’s about putting in the work to be the type of author a publishing house will want to have on board.
4. Seek Representation with an Agent
Most big publishers still require submissions through agents. And agents are looking for the same things editors do: a marketable manuscript, a professional attitude, and a writer who understands the business.
As with publishers, querying is very competitive, but writers still sign with agents every day—research agents who represent your genre. Personalize your query. Follow guidelines. And revise, revise, revise.
5. Look Into Smaller Publishing Companies
Small presses are a great option. They’re much more willing to accept unknown authors, unagented submissions, and unique voices. My books were published through a small publisher.
Do the research and find small publishers that publish in the genre you write in, and follow all guidelines.
Summing It Up
It won’t be easy. The publishing industry has always been slow, subjective, full of rejections, and at times frustrating. But those who work within it love good stories and are always searching for the next great book.
So, while the journey may be long and difficult, getting a publishing contract is still doable.
