The process of writer publishing comprises of the following stages:
- pitching potential publishers;
- approval by editors, signing contract with a publisher and publishing itself;
- marketing campaign (books only).
In self-publishing the pitching is excluded and these are cases where the writer either applies for publishing grants (applicable
for scientific works), looks for potential sponsors / lenders that may be interested in the work's subject or uses his own
money to publish.
A writer normally looks at self-publishing as a last resort option, with the most important (apart from marketing) part
of the writer publishing to be successful pitching with tips on which available on 'Writer's Publish', 'Yudkin' and 'Writer's
Market' and others. There is also no harm visiting writers' forums and blogs such as 'Writer's Digest' where useful information,
tips and advice can be found.
As a starting point 'Writer's Publish' recommends two main things to be done giving also some guidelines:
- finding a right approach in contacting publishers and
- hiring a literary agent.
On 'Yudkin', Marcia Yudkin, author of 11 books (including "6 steps to free publicity" and "Persuading on paper") and 1,000
magazine articles shares secrets for successful writer publishing and pitching publishers. Marcia advocates DIY approach with
energetic problem-solution attitude showing her entrepreneurial spirit in goal achievement process including successful publishing
and marketing campaigns.
Pitching to publishers
Pitching potential publishers is a competitive process. There is a guide about preparing right query letters for writer
publishing with sample letters provided - "The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters" by freelance writer and editor Wendy
Burt Thomas.
The site of Andrea Shavick (author and poet) also provides a helpful guide for pitching publishers.
First of all, make sure you are contacting a publisher who may be potentially interested in the kind of work you are promoting.
Then, in a pitch normally a work description is expected, explanation why it was written and what purposes it serves, describing
the target auditorium. For books also - competitors and marketing strategy should be outlined; it is also desirable to have
influential referees from your field who could recommend your work to the public.
Marcia Yudkin gives recommendations about how to make your work look more attractive, prove that people need this kind
of work with examples of existing demand, doing research in relevant internet-resources. She avoids obvious steps, trying
to find original solutions. Thus, for scientific articles she suggests to use the style "catching a reader's eye" and metaphors.
With magazine articles she advises to think about cover-worthy titles, which may significantly increase the chances of success,
to be original and not to try writing about something already covered.
With contacting publishers maintaining accurate record of your submissions is highly recommended. With some publishers
it is said that no submissions are accepted without literary agent, therefore finding one may happen to be necessary. Also,
agents may have much experience with presentation of work to the publishers with chances of desired outcome to be achieved
better with them (provided that you chose a right person to represent you).
Literary Agents
'Writer's Publish' suggests to search for them at the relevant literary events such as writers conferences, write them
directly or some contacts of yours may recommend you someone appropriate.
Try: Literary Agents, Book Publishing Agent, Fiction Addiction, as a starting point. The internet resource 'Guide to Literary
Agents' is also good, with lists of agents and practical advice for dealing with them.
On 'Writer Publish' it is advised to check carefully the list of works that the agent arranged to be published, not to
sign contract until checked by your solicitor and to be careful with agents charging upfront fees for reading your work. Also,
the estimate fee of literary agents is said there to be at the level of 10-15% with any expenses to be charged separately.
Ideally the agent should be a member of the Association of Authors' Representatives, but Scott Hoffmann in his article "Is
your agent legit?"on 'Writer's Digest' considers this factor as non-decisive so far as quality of services is concerned, provided
that good references are in place.
Marketing (for books)
Once the book is published the publishers normally expect that the writer participates actively in his work's marketing
strategy. Writers having their web-sites also actively advertise it together with their new books.
