How To Choose A Book Publisher?
Preparing for your expedition of publishing a book is a significant milestone, marked by an investment of time, energy, and creativity in crafting a manuscript that reflects your passion and vision.
Whether you are considering self-publishing or seeking a traditional book publisher, the decision is pivotal to the success of your literary venture. To ensure that your work not only reaches the hands of readers but also resonates with your target audience, a thorough background check on potential publishers or publishing platforms is indispensable.
In this blog, we will discuss the essential factors to consider when you choose a book publisher. Additionally, we will explore various platforms available for self-publishing, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
10 Factors To Consider When You Choose A Book Publisher
1. Make Up Your Mind
Explore your options before making a solid decision. Understand whether you want to work with a traditional publishing company, an online book publishing platform, or self-publish your book.
2. Understand How Traditional Publishing Companies Work
If you want to adopt the old-school way of publishing your book and distributing it to physical libraries, then traditional publications are for you.
Look into their royalties such as costs, advance payments, and your rights and input in the publishing process. Check how much right they own over your book and how often you have to pay royalties.
3. Plan Your Targets Carefully
Plan each and everything. Ask yourself questions like:
- What goals do I want to achieve?
- Will my book get published “as it is”?
- Will I get any other book publishing services?
- How to self-publish a book?
- What makes a good publisher?
Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of working with a publisher and what value they will bring to your book. See if they are looking to edit your book to emit any errors and if they know how to market your book.
Also discuss pricing with them, tell them your budget, and see how you can maximize your results if you work with them.
4. Be Vocal About Your Work
Be sure that you and the publisher of your choice are on the same ground. Tell them what you expect from them and how they can turn your ideas into a raving success.
Share ideas and analyze which strategy will work best, which book marketing strategy will bring you more audience, and what will skyrocket your sales.
5. Consider Using PR For Media Coverage
When choosing a book publisher, look into their PR department. The PR department is responsible for showing the writer in a good light and advertising the book.
Discuss with them their plan of action for endorsing your book and promoting you as a good writer. Ask them how they can build your credibility and gain your reader’s confidence in you.
Be clear about the type of relationship you want to build with your audience and the perception you want to form around yourself as an author.
6. Seek Professional Help
As a book publishing company, we suggest that you choose a book publisher who knows what they are doing.
Look into the books they have published in the past and how they are performing in the market. Were their book marketing efforts good enough? Did they provide any extra services to their clients? Were their clients satisfied with the outcome?
Make sure that the publisher you hire can manage the project correctly and assist you throughout the publishing process.
7. Edit Your Book
Before you get to the publishing point, we suggest that you correct any writing or grammatical errors that may ruin the reader’s experience.
You can take feedback from other writers and readers. Join a writers’ forum and seek help from authors about what measures they take when editing their books.
You can also get help by outsourcing professional book editing services where a team of editors will guide you on your writing journey and point out any errors that you have made.
8. Get To Know Your Publisher/Publishing Team
Working with the right book publisher is essential. They should be compatible with you and be understanding of your mission and vision for publishing your book.
If they are being considerate of your ideas, then know that they could be the one for you. You too should make an effort and establish regular communication with them.
Ask them questions about your ongoing project. Know who is involved and what they are doing.
Getting to know them will not only make the publishing process smoother but also open up an opportunity to hire them for future book publishing.
9. Seek Help From The Beginning
There is no shame in asking for help from someone. If you are hiring a professional publisher, they will be guiding you on every step of book publishing.
A good publisher has an appreciation for writing and takes their job very seriously. They commit to their writers and make it their aim to generate the best outcome.
They would have no problem helping you and making you understand the basic concepts of book publishing, what works in your favor, and what is involved in the publishing process. That is what makes a good publisher.
10. Analyze The Publisher’s Delivery Time
To give you a heads up, it may take from 6-12 months to get your book published successfully. That is because a good publisher takes their time in editing the writer’s manuscript and applies apt marketing efforts to create a good impression of the writer.
They also take their time in delivering the books to your audience. They plan their delivery times strategically and the duration could be longer if you require POD (print-on-demand) services from them.
Platforms To Use For Self-Publishing Your Book
1. Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle is one of the largest book publishing platforms where writers can publish e-books, newspapers, magazines, and other digital media.
Produced by Amazon, it has a large audience of different ages on its platform who constantly buy, download, or read e-books.
This is a huge advantage for publishers like you to cash on and reach out to a wider audience. But keep in mind that due to oversaturation in the market, you might have to face tough competition from other established authors.
2. Barnes And Noble
Starting as a regular bookstore back in 1917, it quickly became home to millions of books and excellent work by authors as of today.
Now, Barnes and Noble owns over 600 stores in the United States and is also operating as one of the largest online book retailers.
Due to their exceptional customer base and years of experience, you can expect it to be on the pricey side as compared to Amazon Kindle.
That being said, it is well worth spending your money on this platform to earn a name for yourself and get your book distributed nationwide.
3. Wattpad
Wattpad quickly gained popularity by targeting teens and young adults on the platform. The books they display are mostly catered to the younger audience.
This is a good platform for publishers whose work can be best described as youthful and fun. You can publish a book of any genre ranging from romance, thriller, horror, adventure, and the most popular on the platform, Teen Fiction.
One of the biggest advantages of publishing on Wattpad is that the process is free and the writers can also choose to go for a premium plan to get more high-quality services.
4. Smashwords
Smashwords came into being in 2008 to provide a space for writers to self-publish their books. The writers could be from anywhere around the world, furthering its diversity of authors and readers.
There are many books available on the platform in different languages and that is how Smashwords gradually gained international recognition.
Today, this book publishing platform is home to over 150,000 authors and also works with many independent writers.
Smashwords does not charge for their publishing services but only imposes a small sales commission for every book sale you make.
5. Google Play Books
This mobile application and book publishing platform works on every Android and iOS device, making it a user’s favorite.
It also supports offline downloads and reading which makes it a good choice for writers like you who want to make their books easily accessible to their target audience.
Google Play Books use a pay-per-book pricing model which in turn is a profitable feature for writers who want to drive more sales.
This platform also increases your chance of having a wider audience read your book on their phones in the palm of their hands.
6. Apple Books
Previously known as iBooks, it is an e-book reading app created by Apple. It allows iOS users to download millions of books for free.
Apart from eBooks, you can also find audiobooks and podcasts which adds a new variety of publishing methods to the writers.
When you use Apple Books for publishing your book, you not only make great profits there but also add built-in features to your e-book such as Zoom, Translation, and a Voiceover.
Why Choose Hancock Ghostwriters?
Hancock Ghostwriters is your one-stop destination for comprehensive book publishing services tailored to meet all your literary needs. As a premier platform for authors and aspiring writers, we specialize in providing top-notch book publishing services, including ghostwriting, book illustration, book cover design, marketing, and editing services, all crafted to bring your literary vision to life.
With a dedicated team of professionals and a commitment to excellence, we are here to guide you through every step of the publishing journey, ensuring that your story receives the recognition it deserves.
Conclusion
Choosing a book publisher is a critical step in the journey of bringing your literary work to the world. It requires careful consideration of various factors, including understanding your goals, assessing the publisher’s track record, fostering open communication, and ensuring alignment with their editing and marketing strategies.
Whether opting for traditional publishing or self-publishing through renowned platforms like Amazon Kindle, Barnes, and Noble, Wattpad, Smashwords, Google Play Books, or Apple Books, each avenue presents unique opportunities for authors to reach a diverse audience and establish a strong foothold in the competitive world of publishing.
By leveraging the insights shared in this guide, authors can streamline their decision-making process and select a publisher that aligns with their vision and objectives. They can set themselves on a path towards not only publishing success but also establishing a lasting legacy in the world of literature.
Take the first step toward becoming a published author. Begin your publishing journey with Hancock Ghostwriters.
FAQs
How do I find a good book publisher for my book?
To find a good book publisher for your manuscript, consider exploring reputable publishing platforms such as Hancock Ghostwriters, where experienced professionals provide comprehensive publishing services. Look for publishers that offer a diverse range of services to cater to your specific literary needs.
What are the factors to consider when you choose a book publisher?
When choosing a book publisher, it is crucial to consider factors such as the publisher’s track record, their approach to editing and marketing, their understanding of your vision, and their ability to foster effective communication. Evaluate their experience in the industry, their previous clients’ satisfaction, and their commitment to delivering high-quality results.
What should I look for in a book publisher?
While searching for a book publisher, give preference to those who provide all-inclusive services, boast a solid history of successful publications, prioritize efficient communication, and show dedication to comprehending and bringing your literary vision to life. Consider publishers such as Hancock Ghostwriters, renowned for their diverse service offerings customized to fulfill your distinct publishing needs.
What makes a good publisher?
A good publisher exhibits a deep understanding of the publishing process, demonstrates a commitment to excellence, builds an understanding with authors, and offers in-depth services that prioritize author satisfaction and the successful realization of their literary goals.
