Navigating the Path to Publishing: How to Find and Approach Publishers for Unsolicited Manuscripts

As an aspiring author, you may at some point find yourself wondering how to submit your unsolicited manuscripts to publishers. Unfortunately, you won't find a master list, making the process require thorough research and strategic planning. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to find publishers who might be interested in your work.

Research and Market Analysis

Before submitting your manuscript, it's crucial to research and understand your market. This involves studying the books similar to the ones you want to write and examining the publishers' author guidelines. These guidelines provide a clear understanding of the types of books a particular publisher is interested in and the expectations they have for submissions.

Understanding Publisher Preferences

Most book publishers are not in the business of fulfilling authors' dreams; they aim to generate a profit by selling books. Due to the large influx of hopeful authors, publishers tend to only accept manuscripts from authors represented by literary agents. However, some smaller presses do accept direct submissions. Always be aware of the specific preferences of a publisher, as blindly emailing queries can be a waste of time and may lead you to encounter scammers.

Developing a Marketing Plan

Before you start the submission process, take the time to develop a marketing plan for your book. Think about your "why" for writing the book—what you want it to achieve. Identify your ideal readers: who they are, where they typically buy or borrow books, and how they discover new titles. Consider whether these ideal readers are also the people most likely to buy your book. If not, identify potential buyers who are more likely to purchase your book.

Thoroughly research the competition within your literary genre and understand the top-selling books and authors. Determine how your book is similar to theirs and what makes it stand out. Consider whether your author platform, such as social media channels, blogs, or public appearances, can demonstrate your existing following.

Understanding the Publishing Industry

Once you have a solid understanding of your market and competition, delve into the world of publishing. Learn about the process of getting a manuscript from the submission stage to publication and then into bookstores and libraries. This includes understanding how buyers for these venues choose which books to stock.

Gaining Industry Insight

Stay informed about the latest trends in the publishing industry by reading Publisher's Weekly or subscribing to their emails. This will help you understand the type of manuscript that would be of interest to potential publishers and how you can modify your submission to make it more appealing. Join the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) for free and attend their webinars to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges publishers face and how to address them in your query letters.

Marketing Your Book

After finally finding a suitable publisher, you will need to be prepared to market your book effectively. Public appearances at book signings or readings are important, and with the shift towards digital media, it's crucial to brush up on your speaking and interview skills. Ensure your technology is updated to handle digital interviews and consult with a stylist to refresh your appearance, making you look the part of an author within your chosen genre.

Prepare a media kit for your book that you can send to host shows or journalists who are interested in writing about it. Be prepared for the marketing challenges that lie ahead and understand the different roles you will play in promoting your book. The process is demanding and rewarding but requires a significant amount of work and possible financial investment. Embrace the journey and be diligent in your preparation.

Conclusion

The path to publication is filled with challenges but also immense rewards. By doing your research, developing a strong understanding of the publishing industry, and preparing a robust marketing strategy, you increase your chances of success. This article aims to equip you with the tools you need to navigate the submission process with confidence.